OK...so I've heard what I'm about to say so many times now that it's almost unthinkable to imagine myself adding to the chorus. But like every other pundit writing sound bites to the amorphous public, I have my own unique perspective and I can't seem to rest until I put it out there.
Obama. This is big. Really. For the countless interactions we haphazardly define as "race relations" in this country, I have to say that this is probably as BIG as the Civil Rights Movement. Here's what I see.
I heard from someone that upon realizing that Obama won the election Whoopi Goldberg said something to the effect of, "I feel as though I can finally unpack my bags." All but a few black people know exactly what she meant. Other people of random backgrounds have no idea what she was referring to. And some people no doubt get her point exactly and feel flabergasted at yet another person of African descent proclaiming that he or she has never felt like a full citizen. Let me make it real.
I know lots of people who never got that essential unconditional love as a child. Surely you know some of them also, right? No matter what they do, regardless of the successes they accumulate along the way, they always want some kind of intangible recognition that will presumably satisfy the deep seated yearning for acceptance and inform them that they are good enough. I must confess, I have a low tolerance for these people. Maybe it's because I seemed to manage quite fine in the quest for self love without having received a tremdous amount as a child; perhaps it's simply because I have a disposition that neither craves nor benefits from the love and recognition I receive from others around me.
In any case, when I encounter people like this I am often left wondering what it could possibly take for them to finally look in a mirror and say the imortal words of Stuart Smally, the Saturday Night Live character: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me." For some people, of course, the answer is "nothing"; tt is never going to happen. For others, however, it can be one simple random achievement or a long-awaited rocognition from someone in their lives.
So let's flip the script and look at African Americans (as opposed to West Indians and more recent immigrants from Africa). Here is a population of people who were never accepted. In fact, they were called and treated as "beasts" and "sub humans" and every attempt to integrate them into the American fold and treat them as people with the inalienable rights as spelled out in the Constitution was met with violent and (usually) bloody resistance. This is true right up into the second half of the 20th century. Sure, each decade seemed to offer its own unique opening, but watching the police turn the dogs loose on peaceful demonstrators in the 1960s or the prisons fill will non-violent black men in the 1980s and 90s, leads me to conclude that those "rights" were often handed out sparingly.
So imagine the collective trauma and the stories people passed through their communities that allowed them to hold their heads up and see themselves as fully human when most everyone else did not agree. Without getting sacchrine and drawing on white guilt, I think that reading the post 1865 history of black America is the only way to fully envision how remarkable it is that this community remained both strong and proud.
Let me help make this more real. Consider the mythology that a child must create to explain how he or she is still a wonderful person in spite of the fact that that child's parents have told him or her repeatedly to look in the mirror and see worthless, good for nothing trash. Sure, they might have an endearing uncle or neighbor who warns not to listen, who tries to reassure with statements like, "Don't listen to him, honey, you're really quite beautiful. You're a little princess." Unfortunately, it is not difficult to imagine that for all but a handful of such child victims of parental brutality such words understandibly fall on deaf ears.
Back to the African American community.
Throughout slavery there was a black professional class -- doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors and teachers. It was small but it offered hope and an alternative vision for some. The end of slavery marked a relatively small uptick in possibility (since not much really changed in 1865), and some expansion of that hope in the black community. Over time this professional class grew, a black middle class emerged, a unionized and dignified working class started to take root. And then there were black mayors and CEOs and Generals and Congressional Representatives and even two Secretaries of State.
But it wasn't the mountaintop. White society never said "not only do we accept you, but actually we want to follow you...so why don't you lead us all of us." There is something about that cherished office, the highest in the land, and how giving the keys to a black American has symbolic meaning that cannot be measured. You see, like that broken person who never got that love, there have been just too many black people for whom those other achievements were not enough. Almost...but not quite.
This is the ultimate welcoming to Americans of African descent, the one that far too many have wanted but, I can safely say, never expected so suddenly. And it is why black Americans by the millions are feeling as though they can finally unpack their bags and make themselves at home.
As someone who has spent nearly twenty years on the front lines of race and ethnic relations in the United States, I can say with confidence that this is really big.
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The more and I read I am still realizing how much of an impact Barack Obama’s victory is having on the world politically and sociologically. This post truly opened my eyes. I never thought that some people of color have never really felt like true citizens. I always looked at being a citizen as someone who can vote and benefit from government programs. It seems that my white identity has blinded me again; why haven’t ever thought about how people of color feel that they have no voice? This realization is alarming to me. For people of color, it doesn’t matter that they are able to vote, but that it is more important that there is representation, someone who is truly looking out for minorities. This post made me wonder what it means to have rights. I guess that being a citizen doesn’t always mean that that a citizen has rights because discrimination and racism take those rights away. In all honesty, I really never imagined that people of color have never, “felt at home.” The meaning of Obama’s victory is growing every day; he is an example to people of color that there is a way to truly be considered a ‘true’ citizen. I used to the think that the theme of ‘hope’ in his campaign was hokey, but this post made me realize that hope is changing what is means to be an American citizen to many people who have waited a long time to feel that way.
I completely agree that Obama really does matter. From the beginning, I knew that Obama being elected as our President would be huge. What people fail to realize is that 100 years ago this would have never happened—we wouldn’t have ever had someone of color in the running for President. People in my discussion group were saying how they don’t really see Obama winning as progress in our society because they think Obama only won because of the minority vote. They were saying Obama’s victory only showed that he got more blacks to register to vote and that is why he won. At first when they said this I found myself wondering if this was one of the major reasons he won. Then I found myself thinking maybe this is okay because it says a lot. I agree that a President should win based on his/her political views, not based on the color of their skin. Whether or not Obama won for the right reasons, even if the black vote did significantly influence his victory, it shows a huge improvement in our society. Whoopi Goldberg’s comment, "I feel as though I can finally unpack my bags" and Sam’s explanation of it helps me understand why an increase of black voters, which some people say most likely helped Obama win, is just fine. Before reading this blog, I understood why there was such an increase of black voters. It seemed like black people (regardless of if they actually knew what they were voting for) saw it as an opportunity for their people to be heard. However, I never knew it was as deep as them not feeling like they are citizens of the U.S. It is unbelievable to think that our society has made so much progress with civil rights even before the election, that people of color today still don’t feel completely welcome. So for those of you that are angry that Obama won primarily because of his race and don’t think this is a big deal in race relations, try and think of it as something positive even if you don’t believe in his views. Put yourself in a black person’s shoes and see why they decided to participate in the election this time around. If you had the opportunity to vote for someone that represented your people, who have been never truly been accepted by everyone, you would most likely back them up one hundred percent.
I found this blog really interesting because every day I am reminded of what a big deal it is the Obama is our President Elect. Although I did not vote for Obama, I am still honored to have been a part of such a historic election and think that it is an amazing step for our country in terms of civil rights and racial equality. This post made me realize how truly 'big' this election was, especially due to Sam's story about a child being unloved. I guess that I never really thought about the lack of political voice that blacks have. It is crazy to see what a contrast, both ends of the spectrum, life blacks in this country have lived through. I loved the elderly woman who Obama mentioned in his speech who had lived through the civil rights movement, gained the right to vote, and finally voted a black President into office. Stories like that, as well as the chronology presented in the blog, make me realize how historically huge this election was. I do have one comment though. We all know Obama's life story by now and how he was raised by his grandmother and is actually half black half white. Suppose he had chosen to identify with his white side? Would the black community be identifying with him as much? Would this election have as big of an impact on our country? I think that Obama's mixed race presents an interesting topic, especially since he clearly identifies with his black side. I'm not questioning him by bringing up that point, just curious as to how this whole race thing really impacts everything. To conclude, I think that it is pretty amazing that Obama was able to accomplish such a task that, fifty years ago, no one would have believed could be done.
I didn’t realize until Sam’s class immediately following the election how significant Obama’s election truly was. My family and most of my friends are Conservatives, so all I’d heard about the election result was negative. I really don’t think most of it was racially motivated, but it didn’t seem as though anyone was truly rooting for him to succeed. I called my mom the day after and she was ranting about these black people on TV who were saying things like, “Obama’s going to take care of my car payments!” and “Obama’s going to pay off my mortgage!” I think, quite frankly, that these people are seriously ignorant, but we shouldn’t assume to see that behavior from the average black American citizen. I realized after hearing people speak in class that Obama’s election gave their families hope; not for reduced mortgages, but for their own futures and opportunities. I think that while we still have a long way to go on some fronts, the US has come a long way in accepting African Americans for what they are- Americans. To imagine a black president, or even a black candidate, just fifty years ago, would have been nearly impossible, and now it’s our reality. I didn’t vote for him, but I think he’s an energizing force that has already made some very positive impact through the enthusiasm of my generation and black Americans of all ages. I hope he impresses all those who doubted him.
From the time that Obama decided to run for president, I knew that it was big, and that a huge change in the United States was possible. As time went on, I became more engrossed in Obama and what he stood for and really believed in him. As I was watching the results come in on Election Day, I was excited. Being white, I knew how much this meant to many many Americans, and specifically African Americans. However, I did not realize how positive the impact Obama’s victory had on many people across the country until the Soc 119 class right after the election and this post opened my eyes even further. I sat in class that day with tears coming to my eyes as I heard many African American students share their feelings. I never realized until this day how many people of color feel they have no voice. However, now they feel that Obama is a true representative of the country and is looking out for minorities. It’s hard to see this prospective from a white person, however, it makes me think, once again, about my rights and privileges of being white, but also extremely proud to have Barak Obama as our president.
Obama’s victory in becoming President of the United States is huge in itself. Obama’s achievements, credibility, honorable traits, and leadership characteristics are not astonishing or “huge” in any way in relation to his race. However, the progress that our nation has made that leads us to elect a “black” president is what makes this a landmark. This post was an eye opener, because a person like me, a white person living in the majority her whole life, could never appreciate that being a US citizen goes beyond having rights, being able to vote, and benefiting from government programs. I sent Sam’s blog to a friend, thinking that they would appreciate it as I did. I was wrong. They responded in a way that I believe most white people of my generation might, by arguing that blacks of our generation cannot possibly feel as though they haven’t “unpacked their bags,” because black oppression is so far behind us in our nation’s history. This is the type of close-mindedness that angers me; The fact that they could read such a moving an intellectual passage and not catch the most significant point- they could not harmonize with the idea that Obama’s presidency is huge in itself. Race relations are a problem that faces our nation today, projecting inequality and suppressed and wrongful feelings, and creating judgments. These are social problems that are affecting and preventing our unity- one of the traits that the UNITED States claims, and Obama’s presidency is symbolic of most blacks to feel as if they can open their arms and look to the sky and say, “This is my country, and I AM this country,” as we pledge to ‘not only do we accept (him), but actually we want to follow (him)...” so that he can “lead us all of us” as Sam exclaimed.
Obama winning was something that I guess no one had expected but people wanted change. From my point of before the Election Day, I was so sure about Obama not winning that I said it again and again to everyone that I met because it was inconceivable for me to see such a big change taking place in the history of America. This is beyond anyone’s expectations. I am not from America hence I didn’t vote but I was so shocked to see Obama winning and for one thing it shows that Americans have come out of the era of racism which prevailed in America for years. People are there to talk and people who disagree with Obamas political views or skin colour or whatever will make up stories like the black vote significantly affected his win or he got the minorities support. No matter what the case is, there were a lot of families which were affected by this and I saw that in Sam’s class after Election Day where the room was filled with emotional students telling stories about how this election has changed their views on America and what a country it is. Keeping emotions and sentiments aside, Obama still has a long way to go and prove himself worthy of this position he holds, probably the strongest and most influential position in the world.
Although is has been said a lot, Obama’s victory is really big for us as a country. I was watching The View that day when Whoopie said how she feels like now she can finally put down her bags. It was a cool moment and very interesting to hear. I think a lot of people don’t really get it and actually I don’t fully understand but it helps me understand the significance this election had on the black community and the United States as a whole. It’s actually pretty cool because as the UNITED States everyone here should feel like they belong and it’s their home where they can unpack their suitcases. Since the election I also saw Will Smith talking about it on Oprah. He was so excited he barely had words for it. His whole family videotaped their entire day because he knew it would be a day that would go down in history. The significance of Obama getting elected was also seen while listening to students in Soc 119 that Thursday in class. Hearing black people tell stories about calling their parents and just breaking down and crying because of what this election means to them was great. Also hearing some white people say that they never thought their parents would vote for Obama because of past views and they did was pretty cool. I’m pretty pumped to have Barack Obama as our president elect and I’m excited for the next four years.
I completely agree with this statement. I think it is so exciting and such a big step for Americans (black and white). Obama becoming president is a huge statement that shows we are moving toward equality more than ever. When the announcement was first made that Obama was the new president I was so excited and knew that it was a big deal. I never thought I would see a black man as president of the United States, especially after learning how much inequality still exists in this country. While I had an undertsanding of how big his win was that night of the election, I did not fully realize the impact until the days that followed. After listening the news, teachers, peers, etc. my eyes were really opened to how much this election affected black Americans. To hear black people talk about how they now feel they have more opportunities than ever before is extremely moving. I guess I have not really understood the term “white privilege” fully until I heard how much having Obama as president meant. So many doors will no be opened for people of any color and this is huge for America. It is a step in the right direction and that is exciting. Having Obama as president is very exciting and having him elected truly does matter.
Obama, Obama, Obama. This last name represents so much more than a last name. Obama has become a household name the represents either change, or disappointment. Change, in numerous ways. Barack Obama has become a household name. He represents a big step for the African Community. He represents a man who may have finally broken the racial barrier. While, many African Americans believe he does represent a progressive step, and being African American myself I understand that things aren’t going to rapidly change. People who didn’t accept different races aren’t going to accept them because of what the president looks like.
I know that when I walk into a job interview nothing is going to change now because our president is ½ Black. But I do know that it represents a pivotal point in American history. When we look back in history Barack Obama would never and could never exists, he could have never been taken serious. 200 years ago, it would have never even been a possibility.
While watching election night the results came in all you could think was popular vote, electoral vote, Democrat, and Republican. Once the news stations said Barack Obama, it became is this nation ready for change and what does all of this “change” stand for or really means. I’m just ready to see what this Change is really going to mean, and is Obama going to step up to the plate and make things different within America.
I have to admit that throughout all the campaigning for the presidency, I never really took into consideration the fact that Obama was black. I honestly just saw him as a person that was running for president. It was not until that one SOC 119 class where we discussed Obama winning the election that it really hit me how much of a milestone this event really is. The perspectives of all the African Americans that were shared in class touched me like never before. It suddenly hit me how amazing it was that we now have a black president after all the history and hatred towards African Americans. I know I will never be able to understand how it feels like for an African American, I came to understand much more how it would feel. I used to think it was dumb that people who were black were just voting for Obama because he was also black, but now I can see how it is justified. Even though you should pick your president based on ability, this was the first chance that African Americans had to hold such a prestige position that I would not turn his vote down either. It is just so amazing to me to hear and see how far we have come from African Americans being slaves to now being upmost power of our country and I think it is absolutely astonishing.
This country was supposed to be the land of the free, the land of opportunity. A place where people from all over the world could pack their bags, jump on a ship or plane, and start a new, better life in the United States of America. Everyone was to be treated equal. However, over 200 years after the US proclaimed independence and million immigrated to the US, I think that everyone has not had the equal rights and opportunities. That is, until November 4, 2008 when Barack Obama was elected the next president of the United States of America.
I agree that this election was huge for the United States. After that historic election, I now think anything is possible for Americans of any background. The position of president of the United States is the most powerful position in the world. Before every president was a white male, not anymore. I now believe that I, of Asian descent could also potentially become president one day. I remember thinking as a little kid that I could never become president because of my Asian descent. But now, if and when I have kids someday, I can tell them that you can be anything is the world, even president
I have to agree to this post message about what Whoopi Goldberg said "I feel as though I can finally unpack my bags." And I feel that a lot of my older relatives would agree as well. Those relatives who lived through civil rights movement. They feel that they can truly say that they’re Americans and U.S. citizens of this country. When Obama became president, that moment in time gave hope, inspiration, and feelings of achievement to the black community and other minorities of this country. My great uncle told me that now your generation and generation before you can truly believe that they can become and do anything in this world if they put their mind to it including being the president of United States of America. But I still believe that even though this truly momentum accomplish to the civil rights group such as the N.A.A.C.P, leaders, and the rest of the black community there is still need to keep progress and to do better in this race relations. Obama really does matter because it shows that other countries that we have come so far from struggles of racism in America that finally made far greater achievement of elected the first biracial and black president in this country.
During discussion the day after Obama won, we spent most, if not all, of the time talking about how big of an event this was. I am a republican, but I don't let my political bias get in the way on what could be one of the top five important events in my lifetime. I am also white, henceforth I cannot fully take into account on how big Obama winning the election was. I do not mean to take away from African-Americans and how joyous of an occasion this must be, but just because Obama won this election, does not necessarily mean we have crossed some magic color barrier, and that it will cease to exist for all eternity. The reason I don't think this is a huge step forward is because of the timing of Obama winning. Had he run against Bush in 2000, for example, I think we would be singing a different tune. The much maligned Bush administration made things extremely difficult for any republican to run for president in 2008, almost single handedly handing this election to democrats. Obama being the democratic nominee in 2008 is just great timing, but I firmly believe that the democrats could of had the Hamburglar run for president and he still would have run away with this election, simply because of what the Bush administration has done over the past eight years, and how extremely unpopular they are. Congratulations to Obama and everything he accomplished on November 4th, but it is not necessarily a gigantic step forward in race relations.
I remember waking up Tuesday, November 4th and walking to my assigned polling place. I was excited; this was the first year I was old enough to partake in the election. I waited in line, showed my ID, and bubbled next to the candidates I wished for. I grabbed an "I voted" sticker on the way out, and felt so proud wearing it all day. However, I had no idea how much of an impact my vote, and this election would be. I watched the news that night, and was astonished when Barack Obama won the presidency. WOW. I called my family, a few friends and then went to bed.
On Thursday in lecture, is when I first began to realize how incredible this victory really was. Students spoke of talking to their grandparents and distant relatives who “finally felt anything was possible.” Courage, hope, and freedom were finally in sight for many. After class I decided to go online, and look at the previous presidents in history. All forty five of them shared two characteristics, they were all male and they were all white. Obama changed this. There is now an African American male next to George Bush’s face. I really hope this election, and Obama’s presidency changes the lives of many. I am extremely ecstatic that I can say I was a part of this election.
I think that Obama winning the presidential election is a huge step in race relations. How big of an accomplishment didn’t really hit me until Obama was announced the winner. I heard screams outside of my dorm window from people rejoicing. At first I thought it was just African Americans looking for their share in the recent college avenue rushes going on, but I soon realized that these people were genuinely happy. They were actually shedding tears. I guess being white , I didn’t quite see how big this was going to be until it happened in front of my eyes. This breaks a huge racial barrier that all people of color prior to election night thought was unbreakable. Now anything can be possible and it must be a euphoric feeling for people of color. Of course this doesn’t solve all racial problems and I still think there is much to improve on, but this is a big step in the right direction.
There is one question I ask about this issue. If Obama since he IS half white, was to have a light complexion, would African Americans still see this as an achievement? I’m not trying to take away anything that actually happened, I’m just wondering what if.
I've always felt I was educated on the issues and semantics and ideals of sociology. Well, not like a professor, but enough to know a little more than the next person, sometimes a little more then a black or brown person. Just because I'm white doesn't mean I don't believe in justice for all people of color, all races, and all ethnicities. Whether you are white black, brown, purple, blue, it doesn't matter in my eyes. It doesn't matter. I see you for you, for your actions, how you talk, walk, act, what experiences you share, how you treat me, and how you treat others.
Just because I'm white doesn't mean I don't want you to be above me in the work force. Just because I'm white doesn't mean I'm a terrible racist, and it doesn’t mean I stereo type you. I want to be your friend. I want to bridge the gaps. I want to make a difference.
So when Obama, a HALF black president is elected, I am elated and disappointed at the same time. I am elated for all the hushed and oppressed minds and hearts that are now freed, I am elated for the opportunities that are to come not only for minorities but for the middle class as well, and I am elated to say I live in a nation that has a president that represents all of America. However I am disappointed in some of the reactions of black people. Responses such as "yea this my country now" and "yea black president we run this we own this” are a bit disheartening. And these are the responses I hear from my peers. It seems as though the importance, relevance, and change that Obama has brought has been appreciated by older generations of black people. Generations that have been through slavery, that were in segregated schools, that really suffered from the inequalities of race. My peers, I feel have abused the experiences of their elders and cover up their ignorant responses such as "yea this my country now", by trying to say they have suffered. In reality they don't know what Obama is going to do.
In reality they say these things simply because they see a black (half black and equally half white) president in office. All these people see is race. This is what their defense in saying these comments should really be. They should say "yea a black president finally we own this" because they see him as black, not because of what he can do for our country and what they have suffered. Everyone has suffered. My peers have not in any way, I believe, suffered as much as their older generations have. In fact I believe many white students have suffered more than black students in many instances. Stop playing the race card. Please. It’s really getting old. I want to bridge the gaps, I want friendships in all colors. I want equality for all, I really do. But we can't continue to throw old cards on table when they really aren't valid anymore.
Obama, I believe is going to make change, make a new way for a better America when he leaves then when he came. But I have a problem when young black people profess their support for Obama simply because of the underlying causes: he's got some color in him, and because of the repetitive beliefs that have been drilled into their brain about slavery and the injustices, in which by the way they have not experienced. I cry because I don't have enough money to eat in a month. I cry because my family was torn apart by the sexual greed in my father. Black people should cry because they have experienced slavery or egregious acts. They should cry for a reason and not latch onto the broken hearts of their ancestors.
While I had thought that I understood the prejudices that minorities faced, I had never realized the full extent of it. Until this class, I was never aware of things like “White Privilege” and all of the other intangible markers that separated “us” from “them”. I had honestly felt that sometimes minorities played the “race card” in order to get ahead in life, but I had never realized all the things I had been unfairly given, just for being white. I don’t think that until Obama was elected president, I had seen how deep seeded racial inequality was woven into the fabric of our society. It was astounding to me to see so many older African Americans sobbing on national television because finally, their dreams of equality had been realized. To me, having a black president was an important mile marker, but it was no more important than having a female president or a Jewish president. It was simply a progression of our society. I saw how historical this moment was, but I did not realize how important it was in terms of validating against hundreds of years of human degradation and suffering. Although there are facets to the impact of Obama that I will never be able to personally feel, I know that I can feel his monumental impact and the change that his presidency will help bring. Even if he doesn’t accomplish a great deal in terms of legislature, his presence in office is a resounding step in the right direction for Civil Rights. There are still many other fronts that need to be worked on, but this one hurdle has been conquered, and I for one, couldn’t be happier about it.
Obama is big. A convincing victory in an election between a young, African-American senator over an elderly white senator closed a book and opened
a book in one single night. Obama represents us well with his intelligence, insight and a plan for our future. Unlike so many before him, Obama has walked where so many other Americans have walked; white or black. He wasn’t born
into money or admitted to Ivy League schools because of Daddy’s bank roll.
He cares about all people because he remembers where he came from. He has see what real Americans go through first-hand. Arrogance doesn’t run in his blood. We did the experiment on electing a President who people wanted to throw
down beers with; we turned the page of hiring the under-qualified.
Americans of all colors and ethnicities, social stature and age came out in record numbers to make their voices heard. That is why on election night while I watched, along with an unprecedented number of Americans, a victory speech by
our President-Elect I was moved. I didn’t know first hand how African-Americans felt that night but I could only imagine how, if a white girl like me was so emotional, how they must have been feeling. The struggles that African-Americans feel everyday, never quite feeling like they truly fit in a society almost solely run by white, middle-aged men, were finally vindicated. Eyes were swollen with pride in their country and a promise that better days
were close at hand.
Michelle Obama took so much criticism months ago for saying that for the first time she was proud to be an American, but now everyone seemed to get her point. Americans have had enough of racial wars among ourselves; that unspoken, yet so
apparent separation of our citizens. This one man, soon-to-be leader of the most powerful nation in the world, allowed Americans to take a collective sigh of relief that finally we can feel safe again and that respect for each other, despite our obvious differences, could once again exist.
For eight years the White House represented an out-of-touch and unreachable monument of sorts; clinical hallways where the guy in charge lived, but where we didn’t really seem to have much to do with. On January 20 the White
House once again becomes a symbol for all America. The feeling after Election Day was not unlike the feeling you get the morning after your team wins a big game. I didn’t grumble so much for getting up early even after the excitement
kept most of us up extra late. Our new President-Elect finally represents all of us. We can all see a little bit of ourselves in his eyes. He clearly did
finish a dream started by so many African-Americans before him. This lanky, charismatic, gifted beyond belief symbol of hope arrived just in time.
Obama really does matter. Being an African American this election really open up my eyes as well as other people eyes I believe it just showed that we are trying to get past how we use to look at people in the old days. At first when I heard that a mixed person was running for the democratic candidate I couldn’t believe it I thought to myself wow are they really going to let him run is he truly ready to handle all the things people are about to bring to him. Then when he was nominated as our democratic candidate over a white person (Hilary Clinton) I thought to myself maybe they is hope after all. This election they were a lot of black young people who got up and make a difference compared to all the other elections. It showed that we as African American were tired of sitting in the back and letting the majority (whites) run everything that it was truly time from a change. I don’t think that when blacks were like oh, Obama going to pay my car payment or when they were like oh I don’t have to work anymore that they meant it in that way but instead now they didn’t have to work so hard to prove they self. To me when Whoopi Goldberg said something to the effect of, "I feel as though I can finally unpack my bags." That she meant me she didn’t have to live in fear anymore that one day we would be in slavery and that we can get comfortable because now we are finally appreciated as an individual and not just as a negro.
If there was one thing about this election that made me really angry was all this praise on how Obama is the first black president. I feel like people didn’t even pay attention to his policies and ideas, which matter immensely more than his skin color does. He is an absolutely brilliant guy. Did you go to see him speak on Old Main lawn? He honestly has to be one of the most articulate politicians I have ever seen. With no script, he just fluidly talked for a good hour and a half. At the end of it I actually was inspired by what he was saying.
Also I’m getting really sick of the narrow mindedness that black people always think since if were white you voted for John McCain. Read a newspaper, something like over forty percent of white people voted for Obama. And all everyone white that I know who voted for Obama, it had absolutely nothing to do with his skin color. It had everything to do with the man beneath the skin.
Seriously, more than skin color, this election was about having a smart president. I turned to my friends after the results came out, and for the first time I actually felt excited for the next four (eight) years.
I never realized the importance of this year’s election until 2 days after it had happened while sitting in soc 119. As I heard the stories of countless colored people telling their stories of how it affected them being a minority in America and how their relatives felt, I couldn’t help but feel the same amount of happiness, and couldn’t help myself from stop tearing at the eye. My dad called me the day after the election asking me how I felt being a part of history that will live on forever and I couldn’t express the emotion that I had until later on that week. It was almost like it was surreal. Is this really happening, a bi-racial man being president? Of the 19 years that I have lived, minus the first few, I would have never thought that I would see the day that this would happen in America. When you are younger and asked by your 1st grade teacher what you want to be when you grow up, some kids say they want to be the president. For some kids, who are minorities, they think or have been told that its not possible for them to be the president because their “not allowed” or cant achieve such a high goal. Well now for all those children they will stand a chance because it already has happened once and can surely happen again. Now when I have a son or daughter, I will be able to say that anything they want to do is possible, just by Obama’s example.
They say that America is the land of the free and a ticket to golden opportunities, but I never thought that was 100% true until this moment occurred. I had some sort of idea that America was a great country only because it gave my parents the opportunity for better living and to make something of themselves, but after hearing so many stories and tragedy of hatred, bigotry and all the other countless events that have occurred in the last decade you cant help but wonder why people in this country act in such the way they do. We are the richest country in the nation, why cant we set aside all these differences, we are all living in the same world and I can guarantee we are all practically the same people, looking for the same things, going through similar experiences. I think Obama becoming the president elect has unified this country in such a way that no other political figure has before. This is what we need in times of a financial crisis where people are worried and afraid that we are doomed.
Barack Obama winning the presidency is clearly one of the most important steps—maybe even the most important step—in the history of race relations, as Sam points out in the blog post. I completely agree with every word of that statement. In fact, it will go miles toward aiding the black community, and toward helping the white community knock down the racial barrier that exists in society today.
However, presidency is not that simple. The man who is most suited to bring better race relations to our nation is not the way our president should be elected. It should be a side effect.
If the question posed on the ballot were, who is the most helpful for our nation’s race relations, clearly Obama is the right man to choose, but this is the president we are talking about—the man who must make the most important decisions in the world.
I just hope that Obama was chosen because people saw his ability to make these decisions, instead of his skills to unite races, because as the president that is not his job.
Sure, it is a great thing for race relations that Barack Obama was elected president, but like we talked about with racial identifiers: He is not our black president, just like Bush was not our white president. He is our president, and he has a lot to get done in the next four (eight?) years that has nothing to do with race relations.
As I read on about Obama's victory, I see more and more that all though he was not that candidate I had hoped to win, his win represents everything we want our country to be. His win represents the equality we all dream about and we all hope to one day see. The fact that this black man was elected to hold the highest and most powerful office in the world leads me to believe that there is hope for our country to eliminate racism, sexism, and any other "ism" that is holding us back from reaching our full potential. There are so many good things that can only happen from here. I feel that as a citizen it was an honor to participate in this election even if the candidate I had chosen was not victorious. The fact that our society has progressed enough to put Obama in office gives me hope that perhaps hate crimes and tragedies will decrease and people will begin to see that we really all are equal and no color can change that. If there is anything that this election has taught me it is that there is really no need to judge anyone by the way they look because their education, their status, and their ideas can be strong enough to run the most powerful nation in the world. Through the next eight years we will see a huge change in our society progressing towards equality. We will hopefully become the country we have all always dreamed of-one of equality and hope and change.
I am so happy that Obama is our President elect. I think this shows how far our country has grown and is still growing. After the election Sam asked for people to share their feelings on the situation. It was very moving to hear how people have talked to the grandparents and were almost in tears telling the excitement that Obama's win had created. I think that it is a turning point for the United States. No longer with African Americans be unaccepted. It will definitely take more time for everyone to treat people with the respect that they deserve but at least a step was made in the correct direction. It feels so good to say that we, the United States of America, will have a black president. African Americans have gone through so much throughout history and have been put down so many times that it is almost unfathomable to say that finally the US will have a black president. I agree that Obama being president will do wonders for race relations. In the post, Sam questions why black Americans by the millions are feeling as though they can finally unpack their bags and make themselves at home, I feel that black Americans are saying this because they now believe that they can fulfill the American dream and truly do anything they set their mind to.
I felt as though the blog posting “Obama and Black Paranoia” was truthful in so many ways. This blog caught my attention, because the statistics shown are very enlightening. I never knew until reading this post tonight that more than half of the white, non-Hispanic American population time and time again did not vote for the democratic presidential elect. Obama was one of the most favored democratic presidential nominees we have seen in a long time, so it surprising to me that talk of people not voting for Obama because he is black is so prevalent. I do agree that the United States is still discriminatory but clearly it is not as harsh as many people led it to be during the presidential election. I would like to believe that people voted for the presidential candidate that they felt had the best credentials and was the most qualified for the job, but that would be ignorant. Voting based purely on skin color was a two way street. Many people voted for Obama purely because he is black and not because he is one of the most liberal/progressive members of the senate and because they share similar beliefs with him. On the other hand, many people voted for McCain because he was white and they simply would not stay for a black president not because he was pro-life or because of his strong military background. People who vote on skin color no matter their race are uninformed and ignorant in my opinion. If a white person simply did not vote for Obama because he was black, he or she is going to run into a lot of problems in life, it's the 21st century and times are changing. If a black person voted for Obama solely because they wanted to see a fellow black man as president he or she is wasting time worrying about one of the most minimal issues.
I definitely believe that Barack Obama being elected President is a huge step for America. There has not been a time where we have seen a minority face represented in such a position. Being Black I total understand what Sam is trying to get across. When speaking to other Black people I continue to hear the same things being said. They say that they finally feel represented in America. For many of us just the fact that there was the opportunity for a person of Black decent to be in the running for President was a huge accomplishment. Before this if you were to ask a black person whether they would consider themselves to be Black or American, the majority would say they were Black. Now I believe that that has changed. We actually feel like we are Americans. We have someone to identify with, someone that looks like us, someone that may have gone through the same kinds of discrimination that we have. We had the speaker come in and tell us the story of his friend who said that he could finally tell his son that he could be whatever he wanted to be and actually believe it. To me that was a very powerful statement. I mean how could be able to tell your black son or daughter that they could become president, and history shows that for many many year that has never happened. I can say that I have never been more proud of being a Black AMERICAN in my life. This election has not opened the doors to the Black race, but to all other minority races that exist in the United States.
I completely agree with Sam in this blog. Having a black president for the first time ever is a huge thing for this country, and every single person living in it. It shows that our country is somewhat improving on the race issue. We are not entirely there yet because there are still some people, companies, and schools that discriminate against blacks and other people of color. But with the election of a black man as the new president, hopefully the racist people of the nation will stop being so and actually support Obama.
Right now I feel more proud to be an American with the election of President Obama because before, I felt that we had a president who was racist, that did not care about the black people of the United States, and was not truthful to it’s citizens either. But with Obama, I feel like we now have a president we can trust. I voted for him because I feel like he can help the change the perception that the other nations around the world have of the United States. Also, I have many black friends and cousins that are really happy that Obama became the president. They are happy to see the country starting to move forward about how the people of their own race can be accepted by others.
Even Mc was not a great competitor for president, nonetheless Obama is not fully black, I was pretty excited that he became a first black president. Some one might want to say that he is half white and he was raised and educated as an elite white. But we all know that several decades ago, black people used to be treated as animal and non human. They did not have right to think and talk as human. This is huge change in United States without doubt. Being an Asian, I knew that how big this means. Although I did not vote for Obama, I am still proud of being a part of a big historic moment. I think this election will be memorized as one of most important moment as civil revolution like Sam said. Being first mixed racial president can be more benefit than just being white or black president. People wants change, and it happened. Just voting for Obama is already huge step. According to Sam's numbers, Obama received the biggest white voters out of all the presidential democratic nominees since Carter in 1980. Including white, we all want change and We made a history. Good job for us!
There is no doubt in my mind that this past election what the most historic our country has ever seen, and I was so very excited to be a small part of it. The class we had immediately following the election, we watched a historical documentary about the first black man that was admitted to the University of Mississippi back in the 1950's. I was astonished to see on video the violence and blind-aggression that engulfed our society at that time. Violence, bloodshed, and disobeying the law, all because a black man wanted to go to college. I felt a lot of things after watching this video. I was embarrassed, saddened, and infuriated all at the same time. But what really made this hit home for me was knowing that my father has lived through both the violence in Mississippi and this historic election. I could not even imagine what that would feel like. Having experienced bloodshed over one black man going to college and now seeing one elected President of the United States must be absolutely mind blowing. Regardless of your racial views or personal beliefs, you can not make the argument that this election “doesn’t matter.” Absorbing all of the news coverage and listening to my peers in the classroom confirms my belief that “Obama really does matter.”
Without taking SOC 119 I don’t think I would have ever understood how monumental this election has been. Learning about the inequality and racism present in society has amazed and educated me in a way I doubt I could have found elsewhere. Not to recite class lessons or anything but there is a crap load of discrimination against anyone with darker than white skin that goes unspoken. I never realized how much went on and now hear a lot more coming from whites that undoubtedly contributes to the fact. I also forget now that there are so many whites oblivious to the advantages we have just because of our skin color. Just like how whites, like me before this class, were oblivious to how huge Obama even being nominated was. I think I said “this is probably the biggest moment in history I will be alive for” about four times to my dad and white friends. Every time, there reaction was “nooo, I wouldn’t say that.”
Not only has learning the statistics on racism and such influenced how huge this event in history is but hearing from the black students and one particular TV clip did too. The class after the election was probably the class I was most anxious to get to this semester. During that class, for the first time, I heard from the black community. I heard students say that their grandmas were crying, their parents were crying, that they thought they could do anything now and that they could finally be honest in telling their children on day that they could do absolutely anything. It really touched me. Hearing someone say that for the first time they could tell their kids to follow their dreams and actually mean it was advice I’ve never even questioned. About a week later I saw some black kids on the news in a really run down school compared to what I am used to. One child was asked something like “how do you feel about Obama winning the election?” The child who couldn’t have been over 12 or 13 started to cry saying that he felt like he could do anything and maybe become the next black president. It was incredibly powerful to see a child cry and realize the enormity of the event that so many whites are oblivious too. Just seeing that one boy alone demonstrated what Obama as our president really means.
I do think that Obama matters, not only for racial issues but for all groups that are a minority. Another group of people that are not always factored into the ‘minority’ group of people are those who are disabled. Not only across the United States, but all around the world, Obama’s election could have important implications for people with disabilities. However, this is only if Obama follows through on all of his promises that he has made to our country. Obama has proved to our country that change CAN be made. This does not have to do with only races, but for other sexes and religions as well. This election shows how far our country has come, not only in the past century, but also in the past decade. It makes me wonder about how far we will have come in the future, or even in the next 10 years, in regards to acceptance and diversity for anyone and everyone, no matter how different they are. Barack Obama comes from a mixed culture and represents how overlapping cultures are becoming. People are no longer just black or just white, but they are mixed. There are rarely any people anymore who are 100% anything. In the future, we will hopefully have woman leaders, homosexual leaders, highly disabled leaders, etc. I think that Obama has made us all realize how, despite all of the bad things going on in the world, we can see positive change in both the present and in the future.
As I sat there listening to the speech given by President Obama, I was struck with the depth of hunger I feel within my own self to experience racial healing in America. I am a white woman. I grew up in a community where I was lucky enough to go to mixed churches and have friends of all colors. And even with that blessing, I was not so naive or blind to not see the barrier that too often stood between whites and blacks. I sat there with tears in my eyes. I long to start this national conversation - this conversation of unity and healing. I want to know and hear and understand the struggles and fears of the black community so that I can learn what my part is in bringing this nation together. It is my hope and dream that someday when I have children that begin to date and marry, should they bring home a black girlfriend or boyfriend, they can do so without fear and without discrimination. I hope that should they choose an African American partner for life, that my family and theirs can then join together as one larger family and enjoy the love and blessings that understanding and a shared hope for the future can bring. This is a unique moment in history where we can begin to bridge the gap and conquer the divisions that have come between the white and black communities of America. For myself, I stand with those who choose healing.
This is very important for America and the American people. However, we can sit here continually dwelling on how wonderful that night was for America or we can all look at this and think It’s time for our generation to make a positive difference in this world while using the educational tools provided. We still need to remember about the serious situations and cannot think that just because Obama is in the White House everything will be okay. We need to stand behind our leader providing support and contributions that will further advance society. Our economic situation is still a crisis and the first step in solving the crisis was made with the election of Obama. This election is very comparable to Kennedy especially because of the support from young adults like us. This is the beginning of a new chapter in American history and we must not leave Obama by himself. We need to support him at all costs and educate the ignorant who dislike him due to his skin color. It is up to us to decrease racism and advance society even more than it already has advanced. This is the time where change is due and change will happen.
In responding to the blog Obama dose really matter which in my beliefs which history was made. Barack is the first African American president for the United States of America. I feel much erupted that I live to see history was made on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Not only that, but my mother and especially my grandmother lived to see that. The blog also argues about the Civil Rights movement, and I definiently agree with that. This is the Civil Rights movement that Dr. Martin Luther King JR fought for years so not only African Americans can have rights but, poor class whites and other minorities can have a chance in life. I believe by Barack Obama is the new 44th president of the United States of America will enlightening racism in that as African Americans and other minorities that face constantly. I believe that extensively he will be the pure cure for decreasing racism and will help everyone as a whole, to reunite all as one. Last be honest with ourselves, a lot of African Americans did vote for him because he is an African American. I personally voted for not only for that reason but, what he discuss about in a sense that will help me and other people in the society that there is time for a change. Chance not only in race but, to elaborate on issues such as health insurance, creating my jobs and careers that we need, economic issues, and other proposals to help the United States to run back on track. Still today they are a lot of people don't want to have an African American run this country, but I'm so glad he still got sworn in. The go into more specifics, by Barack Obama became the the new 44th president of the United States of America will influence other African Americans and other races besides whites will have the opportunity to become president if they meet the criteria's for it. I believe Barack Obama will help open more doors for people and help the United States go in the direction it needs to go. Nevertheless, Barack Obama will try to influence every race, religion, gender, and ethnicity to have an open mind about things. Obama has taken his plans to the next level and hopefully it will be successful. He is a well dedicated person and a very elegant speaker. This change is what Dr. Martin Luther King had discussed about when African Americans had no rights at that time and he said one day there will be change. Now, this is the change that we need to wake America up and see something different for good reasons. Even I have been waiting for this change and I feel very grateful and blessed to be a live to experience this electrifying time. I wish the new 44th President of the United States of America Barack Obama all the luck and success on his first four year term and very rewarding to us.
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