After watching the inauguration this morning and following the coverage for most of the day, I started thinking about something. Everybody is so excited to have the first "black" president. But really, he's only "half" black. Don't get me wrong, I like Obama. I think he's an honest man and will make a good president. But I get kind of annoyed at all the press focusing on him being "African American." I mean, if he was born looking more like his mother who was Caucasian, would we still feel the need to point out that he is "African American?" Would it be different if he looked "white?" If he was 1/4 or 1/8 black, would we still call him our first African American president? I am just curious, at what point does a person stop identifying themselves as a certain race? What makes Obama identify more with his "black" roots? And why is the focus on race such a huge thing in this instance?
On a side note, Vessel was so cute this morning while watching the inauguration with me. He has always known who Barack Obama is. And this morning I explained to him what was going on. Although he probably didn't fully understand, every time the crowd on the screen cheered, Vessel would clap along and say, "Yay! Barackobama present-net!" I LOVE that kid!
11 comments:
I was thinking today that it's sad that we have to place so much of the focus on the fact that he's black.
I'm way glad that we have our first non-white president, don't get me wrong. I totally agree that it's a big, significant step for our society that's struggled so much with race (and obviously still does). What I'm referring to is the fact that our society still isn't to the point where "they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Either way, I think this is a step toward that goal.
According to current scientific research race is a cultural perception rather than any actual genetic difference between people. I think there have been studies that show children don't really perceive racial differences until they are taught by others to notice them.
I'm not a fan of Obama's morals or many of his proposed policies, but it has nothing to do with the color of his skin and everything to do with his voting record and the people he's surrounded himself with.
The media plays up the black angle because it makes a good headline and gives people something to be excited or angry about. Controversy sells newspapers and prime time ad spots, you know.
I hope Obama proves me wrong and does some good things for America and the freedoms of me and my family.
Chris,
I agree that race is played up for the purpose of creating drama. It just annoys me to no end that the focus has to be on that. When I was deciding who to vote for, I really researched each man. My vote had nothing to do with race, religion, or who people expected I should vote for because of my age or whatever. And I voted for the person, not the party he represented. I think Obama has good morals. What kind of morals do you disagree with?
Also, if you know a link to that study of race you should send it to me. It would be interesting to read.
I read somewhere that Obama himself, from a young age, referred to himself as african-american. Also, there were 5 other presidents that although are white and look white, have black ancestors..Abraham Lincoln being one of them.
I also have to agree with Chris. I don't agree with his morals, but it has nothing to do with him being African American..if anything, it makes me proud to be an American..diversity and freedom to vote.
I don't think that race or the color of someone's skin will NEVER NOT be a problem, it's just one of those things. Also, this opens up the future for more people of different races, religions, even woman being president..
I agree Katie. I hope that the tone of my post wasn't sounding harsh. I am just frustrated that all reporters and journalists really talk about is that he is black. It just seems way over the top to keep bringing it up again and again and again.
I think I'm just curious why Obama identifies more with his African American side when he was raised by his "white" mother and grandparents. What made him feel more of a connection to his father's side? Is it because he looks more African American than Caucasian?
I'm also curious as to what morals y'all disagree with. Just lay it down, yo!
Mostly I'm not a fan of his stance and voting record on abortion. I think he lied about his intentions on the issue of gun control.
He's also caught up in the "religion of Environmentalism," as Orson Scott Card put it. McCain actually got caught up in that too, though, so I can't side with either of them on that.
I've got questions about Obama's past; maybe he didn't do anything wrong but he moved in circles of people that I feel may have negatively influenced his worldview.
I don't agree with his push for universal healthcare, as I think it will lead to worse care all around.
And although you can't really quantify it, he and his wife don't really seem to be as pro-America and patriotic as I'd like my President to be. I just wonder if he's going to throw away all of the work we did in Iraq.
That's just my two cents. Everyone sees politicians and their agendas through the lens of their life and situation, so something that seems like a positive to me may be a negative to someone else.
The discussion on race was brought up in my Anthropology class, here's a link that gives an overview of it: http://anthro.palomar.edu/ethnicity/ethnic_1.htm
The basic gist of it is that humans are 99.9% similar genetically, and race is really something our cultures assign based on a few superficial external traits. I think there was a study showing that some black Africans has more in common genetically with white Europeans than with other groups of black Africans, but their cultures were more similar to those of the other black Africans.
That's interesting about the black Africans. I will read more about it on the site you sent.
I truly think Obama is a good guy. I think he sincerly wants to turn our country around because he loves this country. I think Obama has good family values, which is more than I can say for McCain who left his wife for Cindy. I like that Obama wants to focus on education and health care. After living in a place where there was socialized medicine, I don't think it would be such a bad idea. It seems to work in other countries. I don't know, there are a lot of issues I could go into, but it doesn't matter. The election is over and Obama is our new leader so.... yeah, there's no point debating with anyone about it. :)
My main question was about race, and I find it fascinating how our society places so much emphasis on it. I love how Mike mentioned the quote by MLK. Even now it seems as though Obama is not being judged by his character, but by his color (though not necessarily in a negative way.) It's just intriguing.
Ever since the beginning of the race, people have also been arguing the opposite. He may be black but he acts more like a white person, and that goes directly back to the fact that race is just something our culture teaches us. There have been plenty of reports asking "Is Obama black enough?"
I think that is what makes him a perfect "popular" candidate. He doesn't stand out as the typical race front-runners like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Obama himself hasn't used race as an issue, which I admire, but the media has, so it keeps getting shoved in our face.
I personally didn't vote for him for many of the issues in previous comments. I do think he is a good man and wants what is best for America, but I don't quite agree with him on how to get there.
I think the issue is much more significant with the older generation since they have dealt with it their entire lives. Our younger generation has grown up with the mindset of equality and don't emphasize race much. Although, there are still plenty out there that keep making it an issue.
I haven't checked your blog in awhile...I'm so glad that you and Vessel were okay in your accident! I think it is crazy sometimes how Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers in such mysterious ways! Vessel is so cute! I love the whole budha thing! That's hilarious!!
touche about the half black thing. I hate that people only celebrate the black side. It's weird. I am on the Obama boat...I wasn't in the beginning but I believe in supporting whoever's in office. Go OBAMA!!! Seriously, best of luck to the guy. We are so screwed up right now.
I didn't vote for Obama either, but I agree that you should support your president, whomever that may be. I also wish Pres. Obama the best of luck because we seriously need help right now. I'm sure there are many who are bitter out there and would love to see him fail, but that would be terrible for our country. I am definitely hopeful that good things will happen during his presidency.
Post a Comment