A Vote for Obama and Its Racial Ramifications

The United States has seen many crises in its relatively short history. We fought a great world power to gain our freedom, we fought them once again only a handful of years later. We fought a civil war, two world wars, two major wars where we were defending world freedom against communism, and have been involved in many other minor wars, scrimmages or crises.

We've suffered several recessions, financial crises and a great depression. We've had presidents and other great leaders assassinated that caused social upheaval and wreaked havoc on our collective psyche.

These crises and troubles all came and went, and surely the troubles we are now experiencing, for the most part, will not only come to an end but will serve to make us stronger.

But one ill the US has suffered from even before its beginning, to this day even, is the race problem. This is not a problem that has came and went like most others. The circumstances of the problem may shift over time but the problem remains and persists.
The race problem was inextricably entangled into the causes for our involvement in our most costly war(in US lives), our civil war. It's been behind unconscionable murders of innocent blacks in the south. It's been the impetus for numerous riots.

In the past the racial problems were perpetuated by systemic, structural efforts and initiatives. For example, in the 60s the problem and appropriate ways to address the problem were much more clear, the problem more tangible; the solutions more concrete, to simply stand in opposition to the initiatives that curtailed freedoms of certain groups. Examples of this were Dr. King's marches, the sit-ins and acknowledgment by whites, including politicians that there were indeed problems and that they should be addressed.

Today the problem has shifted into one that is more spiritual than structural. It's one that can't be seen as easily. You could call it the dark matter of our society. Its gravity, and therefore influence on surrounding matter may be great, yet it is virtually invisible. The days of structural racism, in my opinion, are over, but the problem persists. Why? Because, just because a system or structure is dismantled doesn't mean it will not leave artifacts. The artifact I believe that our racist history has left behind is the perception in the minds and spirits of many blacks that the American dream has no room for them.

Values and attitudes to a large degree are not intrinsic to individuals, they are refined and passed down through generations over time, they are instilled. The values, attitudes and morale of much of our black population is in a sad state. Many blacks actually believe that the system is still against them, that the system and hence those who have majority control over the system -- whites -- don't want to see them succeed. Many blacks in this country feel dispossessed, believing that there is truly more than one America, and the America with opportunity is not the one they belong to or even have access to.

Unfortunately many perpetuate and feed off of the low morale and feelings of dispossession for their own gain(Rev. Sharpton, Jesse Jacksonm, Rev. Wright), or maybe they are just confused themselves and still think the problem is the same as it was 40 years ago. And yes, if I must get partisan, most of those perpetuating the myth of a surviving structural racism are democrats, usually the most "liberal". Not only do many of them refuse to see or acknowledge the new form the problem has taken, but attack others for suggesting it and offering solutions, simply because they suggest that the problem must be addressed internally and that the problem is not such an extrinsic one perpetrated by the white power structure.

Even if you don't sympathize with the millions who live in poverty and desperation as I do, the drag on our system cannot be denied. Blacks are much more likely to be poor, much more likely to commit crimes and much more likely to draw from social resources and institutions, including welfare and the legal/prison system. And it shouldn't be this way. Blacks are more likely to come from circumstances that make it harder to succeed, but a mindset that blames the system and gives them an excuse to not try and do the things that will make them successful will inevitably exacerbate and perpetuate the problem.

Unfortunately, this spiritual healing cannot come from white people or from government programs. It must come from an awakening amongst the black community and must be lead by blacks. Bill Cosby made a good effort in 2004 with his poundcake speech. He was promptly and thoroughly ridiculed for not toeing the old line, that blacks are merely victims of an unjust system. But it was a good start.

And this brings me to my main point of why I am voting for Obama.

I'm voting for Obama because I don't believe the problem will go away without the guidance of extraordinary blacks who take the helm and lead the way. Obama has proven to me that his presidency is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity to incite this "awakening" in black American society and our society as a whole. The reason I believe his presidency has a potential to transform American society in an almost unimaginable way, is based particularly on two speeches, the "A More Perfect Union" speech and even more particularly, the "Father's Day Speech".

The More Perfect Union speech was the most honest speech on race I've ever heard given by an important political figure, much less a candidate for President. It resonated so well, I believe, because not only is Barack so articulate and eloquent, but he comes from a unique place in American society, being half white and half black, that informs the eloquence, when it comes to race. He is in a unique position to speak about the troubles of white resentment and of black anger. He's seen both sides in intimate ways and he's willing to speak honestly about them, which is something most politicians do not have the luxury of doing.

The Father's Day Speech is where I was really sold on Obama. I don't want to be dismissive of the fact that white racism exists. It does and probably always will exist in ever decreasing numbers. But as I have said, the solution to the problem is not in the hands of whites, or government anymore, it is in the hands of blacks. But the problem has to be talked about honestly, and that is something that not many have been willing to do, and understandably so, lest they become a target of the backlash of consensus victimization, that they are an Uncle Tom or that they are selling out their people.

Obama took heat for the speech where he pointed to the lack of responsibility within the black community, as I'm sure he knew he would, and as Cosby had four years earlier. He was criticized by many on the left yet he did not back down. He has proven that he is willing to take on the status quo that has helped to keep down so many Americans. And as President, his willingness to confront the problem honestly could have a monumental effect which could help bring about a transformation in American society that rivals any we have ever seen.

I believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to elect a President that can speak with credibility on issues that have divided this country since its inception, and someone who has proven that he will not just speak on the subject in a way that garners popularity, but in a way that is necessary in order to bring about real change. I believe that not only having a a mixed race, half-black President that is willing to talk about these things honestly can have massive transformative effects, but I also believe that the mere fact that he was elected will do much to diminish the credibility of those who wish to perpetuate a sense of victimization.

In my opinion the extortionist and grandstanding tactics of the Rev. Sharptons and Jesse Jacksons of the world will lose much credibility with President Obama in office. Instead of a large minority of American society believing they are helpless victims and that the limits of their progress in life is predetermined by forces not within their influence, they will instead aspire to success through hard work, responsibility and the application of whatever talents they may have.