Obama and Racism

Of all the topics introduced in the poli-lounge, the issue of Obama and race has interested me in many ways. This issue can be viewed by two opposing ways: America is becoming a more diverse country that is trying to forget about the past, America needs a lesson on defining race. Being one of the youngest yet most powerful countries, America is beginning to develop into a strong nation outwardly, as well as inwardly. About 150 years ago, slavery was a real problem in America – the white men viewed the blacks as property instead of humans. Although slavery was abolished in the late 19^th century, the blacks were still restricted by many of the laws passed, aimed to suppress the blacks. After 1950, racism and discrimination began to disappear through the help of many active organizations and powerful people. Now, almost 60 years later, we have a President who is the first half African American, which is quite amazing, considering how much our country has changed in so little time.

What many people do not realize is that there is still a large population of Americans, particularly southern whites, who are still attached to the idea of racism towards the blacks. During the presidential campaign, I thought that McCain was going to win the most popular votes because of the large slightly racist population located in the southern states. Although Obama and Biden may have clearly been the better candidates (come on, seriously? Sarah Palin?), I thought that most of the Americans were going to vote for McCain simply because of the fact that he is white.

Well thankfully, in a sort of country-loving way, Obama won the election. Not only does this disprove my theory about our population (which is a good thing), but it also suggests that many of our younger and slightly more educated population are voting. Obama was often considered as a celebrity – mostly in a positive way. For some reason, the younger population, 25 years old and younger, liked Obama – a lot. T-shirts were made of Obama’s face, he appeared on many videos aimed toward a younger audience, and the younger population generally respected him. There are many reasons to support this phenomenon (sorry for the lack of a better word) such as the previous disapproval toward Bush. But the most important factor might have simply been that Obama is black – well, half black.

The reason I say half black connects to the second way the issue of Obama and race may be viewed. On Thursday, Mr. Mamer gave our government class an interesting way to view race. Although Tiger Woods is one eighth black and half Thai, why is it that America still views him as African American? Although Obama is half black and half white, why is it that America still views him as African American? Why can’t he be seen as white? Because technically, he is considered white as well. I believe that Obama’s race may have partly attributed to his victory due to the media’s increasingly popular portrayal of black people – like rappers, athletes, and celebrities. Don’t get me wrong, it might sound like that I dislike the current black culture (which I don’t), but I am simply pointing out the fact that America still has a small problem regarding race. What is the problem exactly? I do not know because I do not have enough knowledge in some sort of philosophy and sociology to determine that. But I do know that there is a problem.

Although America has become more mature as a country, it is clear that it is only in the early stages of maturity. There are still some issues, but considering the amount of time we had to change, the difference is astounding.

Just to let you guys know, I actually turned this in to Mr. Mamer for the poli-lounge extra credit. Hope you guys liked it. Please let me know what you think!