I consider my Al Jazeera appearances to be more significant and interesting for a few reasons: 1) the audience is much larger than that of CNN, since the network covers much of the world, 2) many people around the world are watching this election closely, 3) I feel humbled by having the chance to represent the perspectives of black men in the United States. It has always been an honor to represent black men to the media, and it is an honor I take very seriously. The support of my people and obligation to my ancestors (many of whom died horrible deaths during slavery) to fulfill this obligation with honor, honesty, decency and courage.
At any rate, I want to hear what you think on this issue. I applaud Obama's achievements, and I am hopeful that he will serve as a source of inspiration for millions of black youth. I am not so happy about all the denunciations that he has had to endure, but I have let the wisdom of Louis Farrakhan guide me in my understanding of Obama's action. But I want to hear what you think. Please tell me: What will it mean for the image of black men around the world if our country elects a black president? What does it mean for America?
9 comments:
Hi Boyce...
Ah... what it "means" - well, what it doesn't mean is easier to answer. If/when Obama is elected (or the fact that he's running) doesn't mean that the US is a society where race doesn't impact one's treatment in society or access to opportunity/goods. It doesn't mean that people do not judge others based on their race, ethnicity (these are quite different, but often conflated), immigrant status, religion, sexuality, gender, ability status, and other intersections of identity that are sources for excused/ignored marginalization. Because the preponderance of white America ignores the realities of race in the US (and their stereotypes regarding race), race is still a defining marker for opportunity/access to goods. We live in a nation that believes wholeheartedly that if you can only "work hard enough" you can get whatever you desire: that simply is not true. I could go on about this for hours... but needless to say, I'm really upset that the democratic election process has been presented as a way to allow "us" to tell our children who are women and/or Black, "see, anyone can be POTUS". Bull-shit. It is still performative and unless you can convince everyone that you can "play by the rules" (of the whiteness game) success doesn't come easily: assimilation/accomodation is key to success. The media in the US is a key to the distortion by not covering a wealth of issues honestly.
just a portion of my two cents...
I am very proud of Barack and the citizens of the US who made his nomination possible. Although racism and discrimination are still common practices in America, his candacy is a significant sign of progress. Like many others, I never thought I would live to see a black man be this close to becoming president. Hopefully, his achievements will shatter some of the stereotypes that plague black people in America.
I was not thrilled to hear Barack denounce his church and his pastor, but I do understand why he did it. He was faced with the same dilemma that many African Americans face everyday. He had to assmimilate to make white people feel more comfortable with him. Our culture is not well received by mainstream society. To them, blackness comes with a negative stigma. And to promote blackness means to protest whiteness. Therefore, he had to denounce the views of Rev. Wright and others to remain a safe choice for president.
could not find the official location to submit my thoughts on “your black world,” so; I am sending my briefs via email:
Personally, I just love the idea. I am not naïve enough to believe that one black president in a four year period will be able to resolve the plight of black America completely. However, I do understand the significance of a starting point…real change starts at the top.
For black America, it means there is legitimate support for the argument of social progress in America as it relates to race relations. We can indeed excel to the highest level/position available in a non-black organization. I am by trade a skeptic when it comes to measuring the social progress of America. I have witnessed change personally by watching the social interaction of generation X and beyond and it is only because of the new generations that I have hope and faith in the notion of continued progress. Still, to me A black president for black America means it fosters hopes and dreams. However, in reality all it means is that it can be done…a black person can become president The law says race discrimination is illegal, and a black man can lead a traditionally non-black organization. Nevertheless, race discrimination continues more than the new generations want to accept…your tenure issue is just one example. The fact is that few members of the new generations are in positions to make real decisions…decisions that support their ideologies. Likewise, tradition is still powerful in America and legislation can only slow tradition, but it cannot change the heart of a man.
For non-black America, it means it will be harder to expose and prosecute racism to non-black America. Currently, racism is so covertly executed, that it is easy for non-blacks to ignore the issue altogether and assume some objective reason for mistreatment. Furthermore, it provides another platform to argue reverse racism because they believe the laws and programs in place are no longer needed. A black president justifies extreme naiveté for non-black America. Surely, a racist society would not dare elect a black president. On the other hand, I think it softens the topic of race relations and provides a safe haven for non-blacks to address the issue without feeling threatened. “Surely, my black friend won’t hate me now if I disagree with his/her excuse for little or no upward movement professionally.” “If we can elect a black president, surely race is not a factor in why you haven’t been promoted.”
For the world, it means America will again lead the world and set the standard. Race and gender discrimination have been the Achilles heals of America since the Civil War. Barrack and Hillary have changed the leadership game for America.
Dr. Watkins,
I enjoy reading your emails. Keep them coming.
My comment is in response to what it really means for Black America if Barrack Obama is elected.
Nothing! Obama's presidential run will not open doors for those who come from a traditional African American culture or worldview.
In order to fully integrate into American Leadership, as a black person, you have to subscribe to the dominant culture. In order to be regarded as a leader, instead of a "Black Leader", you have to put away or separate yourself from traditional African American culture. You have to be a champion for all people, not just black people. You may have to disassociate yourself from people you love in the African American community who may be perceived as militant or revolutionary. Today, the dominant culture has changed the labels for militants to racist. Revolutionaries are now called anti-American.
Which means, Black folks are going to be surprised how excluded they will be under an Obama administration. Obama, has to play the game of keeping the dominant culture comfortable with his leadership. He will have to surround himself with people of all nationalities. If Obama is elected President, the people within his inner circle and cabinet members will NOT be African American.
The dominant culture can not feel like Obama is "hooking up his own" while in office. Even though, "hooking up your own" has been the norm with every presidential administration. An Obama administration will be scrutinized for every decision that will aid and improve opportunities for African Americans.
The image of an African American as President will be a testament of how far we've come. However, the cost of acceptance means distancing yourself from traditional "Black America."
Darren T. Walton
http://dtwalton.worldventuresdreamtrips.com/ - Take 5 minutes and dream with me.
Barack Obama having being named the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of US has given the black man a more positive, courageous, honorable, and proud, black American image that is long overdue. I am very proud and honored to have participated in the primary both as a volunteer and registered voter and to be a part of this historical time in the US. I am also happy that he was able to endure all the negative media that was used to try to discourage him and destroy his campaign. However, as a black, 57 year old, black female, I am disappointed that black females aren't more publicly recognized as hard-working, conscientious citizens and registered voters that are helping tremendously in making Obama's presidential campaign successful. I am reserving making any further detailed comments about what it will mean to have a black president of the US until Obama is actually sworn in as such, and I am assured by his actions that once he gets in the Oval office, he will represent all Americans and not play into the hands of the lily, white political arena of the past. I am aware that he will be under a microscope by white America to make sure he doesn't forget that he is a black man even though he is actually bi-racial. As we all have witnessed, white America already is setting expectations for Obama not previously set for presidential nominees such as pressuring him to have Hillary Clinton (his opponent) as his running mate and pressuring him into leaving his church and denouncing his pastor. I've been a registered voter since 1968, and this is the first time in my lifetime that I have witnessed a nominee being pressured to the extent that Obama has been in an attempt to control him and to question his decision-making abilities. So it appears Obama's nomination is just a battle won. The war is far from over!
I find that all the comments above are valid and well observed. All I can say (as a foreigner and onlooker) is that I HAVE to have faith in him. I have to give him the benefit of the doubt because none of us can really know what incredible pressures he has endured and will continue to endure. I may be wrong but I don't believe he is in this for vanity and I really hope he will not distance himself from traditional Black America. What we must remember is that nobody can ever be everything for all people.
As for the original question; Not that my image of Black men needs any positive enhancement, I believe that around the world, it can only be a positive thing for the image of black men. And for America, it can only be a positive thing too. America might actually gain a little credibility again.
The question isnt just what it means to black America, but what it means to America and the world. The history of this country’s racial prejudice and inequality is no secret here or abroad. The real crime today is from those who refuse to acknowledge its sorted past and continued existence. Yet, never in our lifetimes would we have thought a black man could become leader of the free world. But here we are with that stark possibility close in hand. The world is watching. And I cant imagine a better candidate than Sen. Barack Obama to grasp that ring.
His diverse cultural background encompasses white America, Asia, and Africa. He has not only visited abroad but he’s lived abroad. Having been raised by a single white mom, he understands the struggles of women. He returned to the trenches of black America in Chicago where he found his black roots. What better experience can a leader gain than to have lived amongst various cultures and thus understand their needs and perceptions.
I don’t expect and actually would be disappointed if Sen. Obama favored blacks over other groups. He’s bigger than just us. WE will benefit because EVERYONE will benefit.
Obama will be a president for all of America and a strong leader internationally, particularly in the Middle East. A leader like Obama rarely comes along. I just hope people maintain patience. He has a big mess to clean up before he can truly get his own ball rolling. But once it starts a-rolling, look out.
Dr. Watkins,
I didn't write this. I found this on the blog, Skeptical Brotha over a year ago, and it was so profound, I never forgot it:
I joke a lot about these two, but something sticks out at me about the whole campaign. especially after seeing this interview:
I like her. And not because of any strong this and that, she just seems genuine.
Is America ready for a First Lady who looks like her? A regular black woman? Not a passable biracial curly girl that they call black, but a regular black woman from the south side of Chicago? With dark skin?
Is she going to be the face of The Woman on the largest pedestal in the country? A self-confessed “loud-mouth” black woman?
If they succeed, it turns white supremacy upside down. And not, in my opinion, because a black man is in the White House, it’s because a black woman is in there. And she didn’t have to come in the back door to lie in bed with the president.
For me, personally, my respect for Barack and Michelle Obama has grown exponentially over the course of this campaign. Both of them are putting their lives on the line, and we know that, yet, they push forth. If we want to be honest, Obama was out there, alone, with nobody defending him, except for Michelle. I believe he's proven his strength over the course of this campaign, as he was racebaited from one end of this country to the other.
That's wonderful, Rikyrah! It gives me even more faith.
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