Social Commentary on Obama's Historic WinNov 05 '08 (Updated Nov 22 '08) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line The people have spoken, and decisively picked a new leader. With all that getting, also get this historical understanding... Background On one hand, Americans spoke decisively yesterday, and made history; on yet another, it was merely another partisan win for the "big prize." And, although it is, on its face, a shattering of a "racial" barrier, it really must be seen plainly-as it is-and in the right context. As an African-American with some formal education in Black history and politics (as well as some involved personal research and experiences of my own), I believe I can provide some insight here. And I fully understand if others feel it is a "non-issue;" this is who America voted for. Obama was Elected by the "People." I am fairly reserved, emotionally--and I was concerned that many (particularly minorities) would do a lot of gloating about Obama's win. It must be understood, however, that Blacks alone could not and did not elect Obama. Without White, Hispanic, Asian, Arab, and even Eskimo-Americans, no one could've won. Many were concerned that White Americans would profess support for Obama in polls, but act entirely differently in the voting booths--but that did not happen. That is an historic exclamation point, if ever there was one. It is not to say that problems involving racism are even close to being over, but it does signal a change in America's tone, and policy, toward Blacks. The fact of the matter is, the democratic process was carried out, remarkably peacefully, and Americans of all hues selected the candidate that they felt was better prepared to lead this country. The effect on intergroup trust (I not only hesitate, but I absolutely despise using the term "race," as such a thing didn't exist before the peculiar institution of American slavery came along, along with its theories of "inferiority," manufactured to legitimize it--then, as now, it's only ever been about one color (green)) will be profound. Even is something were to go seriously awry, the hard facts of the matter have been inscribed into the annals of history. Blacks Enjoyed Considerable Political Power in the Late 19th Century--Obama is (at least) the Sixth "Black" President I have a friend who is a 2nd-generation immigrant, and he felt that "if Obama won, then there would be no excuse for Blacks not to succeed in this country"--this person is an excellent, very passionate, yet uninformed (on this matter) teacher. My response (and personal feeling) on this matter is that the ascension of a visibly Black person to the presidency is about 100 years late. Seven other U.S. Presidents have been found to have had some Black ancestry, and according to the "one drop" rule (which has been the unwritten rule), they were and are "Black Presidents." You will have to research Dr. Van Sertima's book for the details. Other prominent politicians, such as Alexander Hamilton, were biracial--even the World Book Encyclopedia states (or implies) that his mother was from the West Indies; it also states that Abraham Lincoln had an "unclear" origin (my high school history teacher angrily replied,"If he was anything, he was Indian!)" Blacks rose to high political office during Reconstruction, after the Civil War. In 1870, Hiram Revels became the first Black U.S. senator, representing Mississippi, one of a sizeable number who were Black political pioneers. In Louisiana, there were a group of Blacks, mixed with French & Spanish, who owned their own slaves, and considered themselves to be "something else," and many of them were fabulously wealthy landowners with considerable political power. As of 2008, there had only been FIVE TOTAL Black U.S. senators--One-hundred and thirty-eight years later. So what happened? Jim Crow Laws When Abraham Lincoln released the slaves, Blacks comprised a significant amount of the nation--historically, whenever the Black-American population reached a consistent threshold, the government would ease up on immigration, and allow their numbers to be diluted. Of course, each new group instantly acquired status over Blacks, who were relegated to the bottom, and the groups were played against each other, with preferential treatment, including access to small business loans (much more recently). As Blacks acquired this considerable power, illegal and unconstitutional Jim Crow laws were passed, and Blacks were defined as Two-Thirds of a human (see Dred Scott Decision), and denied full protections under the law. Entire prosperous Black towns were burned to the ground, Blacks were strung up and lynched for extremely spurious reasons, and White Power groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan came about, to help keep Black aspirations and egos in check--few, if anyone, were held accountable for these hideous crimes. Check Yourself There are real concerns about the threat of violence--both against the President-Elect, and among groups and individuals. Some have become worried that some minorities-especially Black-Americans-may become overly-jubilant, and even "besides-themselves arrogant," and create or exacerbate tensions with other groups, even if they voted for Obama. Some people are going to act ignorant, no matter what. The only part of this election that involved "race" was that for the White House. People need to understand this. On the other hand, this is a very emotional event for older Americans--especially Blacks who actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement which, for the record, started in my hometown with the Scottsboro Boys (1930s)-not in the 60's with Rosa Parks and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-that was more of a resurgence and crescendo. I hope, with this additional information, the different generations will express the energy of their emotions in the right outlets--parties, get-togethers, increased political awareness and participation, and general inspiration, as opposed to hubris, unvetted pride, and abject stupidity. Conclusion My intention is not to persecute anyone for America's past ills, but only to make sure that this historic election is seen in the proper context, and to increase the awareness of the relevant history. And my wish is that this development will bode extremely well for the good of the nation, in every possible way, and that, in the ensuing celebrations, no violence will occur. References (EYE-Openers!) Note--I had to insert spaces into these links--you may have to remove them to get to the websites. http://www.africaresource.com /rasta/ sesostris-the-great -the-egyptian-hercules/ the-black-presidents -of-united -states-of-america/ http://www.amazon.com/ Five-Negro-Presidents-J- Rogers/dp/0960229485 http://www.amazon.com/Warren -Harding-President-Death-Blackness /dp/1564113760/ref=sid_dp_dp Black People and their Place in World History by Dr. Leroy Vaughn, M.D., 2002 Let's see Obama do THIS! You May Find These Articles and Reviews Interesting, as Well... How to Whittle Down Your Monthly Bills and BUY Yourself Some TIME! 3 Simple Self-Defense Moves EVERY Woman Should Know! Would You Be Afraid of A Bully Named "Cloverfield?" (Horror) Emile Hirsch Walks..."Into the Wild" Tom Muzila's new book-Mental Karate How to Find Computer & Electronics Deals 2002 Buick Regal LS Microsoft Vista Home Premium Ahead Nero Ultra v.6 CD/DVD-burning software Rubbermaid Soap-dispensing Dish Wand Tomtom One 3rd ed. GPS Whistler XTR-330 Radar Detector Kenwood KDC-MP435U CD/MP3 Car Stereo  |
| Read all comments (7)|Write your own comment |
