Dear Larry: I am a white female college student and thrilled about the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States. I am not alone in my happiness. All of my friends, especially the African-Americans, are giddy with glee. I have heard them say over and over they just can't believe his election happened in their lifetimes.
I mentioned to one of them that it is so good to see his election because it proves that America is no longer racist, and blacks should consider racism a thing of the past.
Larry, my friend actually cursed me out and called me a naive fool. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was hurt so badly that I actually ran away crying.
First, I thought I was stating the obvious. President-elect Obama never even could have thought about winning without the white vote.
Second, I think the election of Obama proves a black person can aspire to and achieve the highest position in the world. What more proof does a race need in order to see that the door to opportunity is open and racism is not a factor?
What am I missing in my analysis? I need someone to explain why my friend reacted in such an outlandish manner. — Confused
Dear Confused: People who have depended upon a system that gives them an advantage and an excuse for failure will not give it up easily. You are right that the election of Obama proves race is not a significant enough barrier to prevent blacks from achieving in America.
People who disagree with me will hold on to their belief that race is an overwhelming barrier.
In order to prove their assertion, they find some racist in America, regardless of how remote, and point to that one person for why they are not doing better. People who do not want to take responsibility will always find a way to blame someone else.
I have a friend who lives in a major city on the East Coast, and we would discuss the reasons for the lack of black achievement. The first excuse my friend gave was there were not enough black teachers. Once the district hired a significant number, the next excuse was blacks were not in the schools' administrations. Once blacks were hired as principals and even superintendents, the next excuse was the political power structure was all white. When that was changed, my friend blamed housing and then jobs. The list of reasons never stopped. It was one excuse after another blaming someone else.
When I pointed out I thought the real problem was broken families, lack of fathers, and failure to make education a priority, I was called an Uncle Tom. The reason my so-called friend reacted so strongly was that all of the problems I mentioned could be solved only by the black race.
Someone who has spent a lifetime blaming others will have problems shifting the responsibility.
To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
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As a middle-aged WASP woman, racism is alive and well in this county. Read posts elsewhere from hateful white people who still cannot believe an African American man was elected President. They think it's "their" country, and their country alone. And don't think it doesn't peeve them that a young Black family will be occupying the White House. Barack Obama did not win the election with the Black vote alone, nor with the votes of minorities alone. There are great numbers of us who see a man, not a Black or bi-racial man, with a vision of a better life for ALL this country's people, not only domestically, but internationally as well. Americans have come to be so hated overseas because of our most recent leadership it's a wonder we even survived it.
We now have hope for a better future, something we have not had in recent history. Your reader, the "white female college student" isn't old enough to have seen blatant racism or doesn't know older people of color who have lived as second class citizens their entire lives. This election win is a celebration for all of us and it shows we have come a long way but does not prove "that America is no longer racist". Such a comment was clearly made by a youthful person.
The thought of this wonderful, young family occupying the White House in January still sends chills of excitement down my spine and like many, never thought I would see it in my lifetime. We have come a long way - but we're not there yet.
I do hope that those few African Americans who accuse others of "acting White" stop that nonsense. They now have positive proof that no goal is unattainable to those who who work hard, get an education, and have a passion for the greater good. What wonderful lessons and spirit of achievement can be had by children of color in this great country of ours. I have never been prouder to be an American than I am this week.
Comment: #1
Posted by: Julie
Sun Nov 9, 2008 10:30 AM
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Some people's resentment of an Obama presidency couldn't possibly have anything to do with his being a naive socialist who gallvants around with unrepetant terrorists and hateful racist "preachers" could it? I'm disgusted by those (such as commenter Julie above) who insist that some deep-seated sense of racism is at the root of any dislike of Barack Obama. This is exactly what Elder was talking about in his column - it's not always about race. I will say this though...after this election, I never want to hear again about what a racist country the United States is supposed to be. Ever. And the black community is going to be in a for a rude awakening in a few months, when they realize that life still will not be all lollypops, rainbows, and puppy kisses just because a black man is in the White House. Reality is going to smack them in the faces...very hard. Especially when they realize how his social programs & tax increases are going to bankrupt the economy, his foreign policy will embolden our enemies, and "hope & change" aren't enough to govern an entire nation with.
Comment: #2
Posted by: Matt
Sun Nov 9, 2008 8:29 PM
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Matt, Matt, Matt. First... the economy is ALREADY bankrupt and we are looking at at least 10 years of economic depression no matter WHO is President (I'd point out that the reason we are bankrupt is because politicians allowed greedy corporations to pick our pocket by allowing massive deregulation and also because of the unnecessary war waged on behalf of the Oil companies - but mentioning that would make me sound "anti-capitalist"). Also... you, like many, throw around the word "socialist" without any regard for it's meaning. Use a dictionary before you adopt words into your vocabulary. Yes Obama is for some stronger social policies and programs. But social programs and "socialism" are not the same thing. We have lots of social programs that work just fine in this country and do not threaten the "capitalist" system. Things like Police, Fire, highway and transportation systems, the FAA, military and schools are all things run by the big bad government. Do you think a Fire department would work as a private corporation? It used to... go read what happened when you bought "fire insurance" and your next door neighbor didn't. His house caught on fire and the fire department wouldn't come put it out until AFTER the fire had already spread to your house. As for Obama "galavanting" around with terrorists... he had no more, no less the same type of relationship with Ayers, than McCain did with G.Gordon Libby. At least Ayers never plotted to kill anyone... Libby did and admitted it (also what Ayers did was in defense of soldiers sent to fight another wrong war, Libby did what he did for a crooked President). But, regardless, hanging around with people is what all politicians and business people do (It's a "Kevin Bacon world" - everyone knows everyone) ... I myself have been on numerous charity and community boards and committees and never once did I run a background check, nor even care, about the backgrounds of the fellow board members or volunteers. I was sitting in group meetings with them... not going into business with them. While I personally would have rather seen Dennis Kucinich as President, I voted for Obama and am thrilled he won. Not because of his color, but because he was the most educated and intelligent candidate left standing and because it is obvious that he CARES. Obama is going to try is best to pull us out of the mess we have been left in. No one expects puppy kisses, we just hope that the rest of the world stops thinking that all American's are uneducated cretins.
Comment: #3
Posted by: Bob
Sat Dec 6, 2008 8:05 PM
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