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Still Not Colorblind MAG
I often heard about the presidential election on the news. You probably did too, if you expose yourself at all to the sickly sun of the American media. Journalists, reporters, and every other member of the information army practically wet themselves with exultation at the election of the United States’ first African-American president. And so have American citizens. There are still “Obama ’08” signs in yards, on cars, bridges, babies, and anything else that can be decorated with that godly O – his supporters still have that smug smirk glued like a bumper sticker across their faces.
Reading this, you might come to the conclusion that I am a rabid racist and torch-waving conservative, but hear me out! I am not a racist – in fact, I am almost certainly more colorblind than you, Obamanite. Barack Obama is now America’s first black president. You may say “Hooray!” but I say “So what?” You might tout his victory as a sign that racism is dead, and equal opportunity is, if not here, then well on its way. I disagree.
Racism is discrimination. Discrimination is not simply the act of deriding or oppressing a particular race. I believe it is any emphasis of racial differences. If a caucasian sees himself as “white” and identifies with others of his skin tone to form a coalition promoting his race, this is racist. By this logic, pro-black coalitions are racist too. And those who vaunt Obama’s presidency as a victory for African-American people are included.
In my experience, modern society is not discriminatory in its presentation of opportunity. There are black CEOs; there are white hobos; there are members of every race in every position. It’s the beauty of America! And yet still some insist on highlighting Obama’s victory as something strange and wonderful. Not only is it an insult to the American spirit to be fascinated by a black president, it’s an insult to those who have fought for this spirit.
The proper response to Obama’s election should have been: “We have a new president. Will he do a good job?” It is foolish to think that just because Obama is black, he will do a good job. Those who share my opinion see Obama not as racial crusader in shining armor, but as a politician whose actions must be analyzed logically. In short, the fact that America still perceives races as “different” is shameful. In a land of equal opportunity, the best will win – and the best has been chosen.
Celebrating Obama’s victory in a racial context is simply celebrating past racial divides. The election was not a victory for African-Americans, but a victory for all Americans.
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This article has 214 comments.
We're all fully entitled to our own opinions.
I just wanted to let him know that he poses an interesting argument and explains it very well.
Whether I, or you, or anyone else actually agree with his idea does not cut back from its merit as an article. However, if you do feel like letting the author know the other side of the argument, you could always post a comment to the author telling him your take, elaborating on it, and backing it up. Or, better yet, write up an article on Teenink. I'd be happy to check it out. If you do choose to do so, please let me know.
Seriously? People celebrated the election of President Barack Obama bacause it was a huge step towards eliminating racism; because yes, it still does exist. For centuries, many people have believed both women and people of different races are not smart enough somehow to hold any real position of power. Yes, there are black CEO's, yes, there are white hobos, but the only presidents of our country have been (generally) white men. Having a black president means that more than half of our country believes a black man is better suited for power than a white man. Normally, it wouldn't really matter, but in this situation, it means that a lot of people did not disregard him immeadiately because of his race. That's a big step up from the days of slavery, and even 15 years ago, when black people didn't have much power in America.
You may think that racism doesn't exist anymore, but you're wrong. (in my opinion.) It still does exist. Barack Obama is really starting to change that.
If a caucasian sees himself as “white” and identifies with others of his skin tone to form a coalition promoting his race, this is racist. By this logic, pro-black coalitions are racist too. And those who vaunt Obama’s presidency as a victory for African-American people are included.
where do i start i can not believe my eyes, o you even know why there are black coalitions? because sean bell got shoot 51 times last year by the NYPD coming out a bachelor party, because Rodney King was beat half to death by LAPD on tape and in both case cops got off free, not even a suspension. those racist black coalitions (a word you spelled wrong) were started because of jim crow laws, because a black men where lynched for fun, because little black girls were raped, and no one with any power to do anything cared. are you serious i think this a joke or maybe you wrote this intoxicated because this is ridiculous are you proposing that blacks could have came from the slave cabins to presidency without banning together with "coalitions", if so im truly sorry you live such a life of ignorance.
Barack Obama is now America’s first black president. You may say “Hooray!” but I say “So what?”
what im black maybe you do not understand allow me to explain. no black person expects racism to end in fact the election showed how racist some people are, there were countless racist attacks on obama. like FOX news local anchor calling michelle obama a "baby mama", highly offensive. anyways your just confused because you base your article off an assumption that is not true, people see the election as the end of racism. frankly that belittles and insults the america publics intellect. 46 years ago black man could not ride the front of a bus, now one is president this type of social change over a generation is shocking and black people, such as my self, encounter racism from the government, especially local. wether it be from the police department or the justice system or economic functions or the bias education system.
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