I was planning to write this right after the Iowa primary but I didn't. Honestly, the words that I am about to type will probably piss off a number of people but since I post infrequently and I do not know how many people actually read it; I'm safe for now. Barack Obama won the Iowa caucus, lets repeat this
Barack Hussein Obama won the Iowa Democratic Caucus; he is the first Black person ever to this and it is an historical event which may lead to the first Black President in the History of America.
Pause and think about it
(Here the pundits, op-ed columnists, and others in the know inhale deep)
Now why am I not juping up and down like a madman, crying like there's no tomorrow?
This is a day many never would thought possible in their respective lifetimes
So why do I feel so cold?
Maybe I don't have the Audacity of Hope
Maybe I don't share the values of the BMC*
Maybe it hasn't sunk in
Maybe I don't think he's Black enough
Maybe I'm not Black enough
Maybe it was Oprah
Maybe it was too soon
Or maybe it's the negative implications or should I clarify the deification of Obama; on one hand it is a calculation on his part. He is hope and change. He is the break from the old order to a more pure democracy. The coming of New Jerusalem that shining city on the hill. But it is also the back-handed compliments by pundits like Bill Bennett; or the columns by M J Rosenberg for TPMCafe. They say he is an example for Black America in that he doesn't bring race into the equation (translated he is a palatable Black leader who doesn't bother us with racial problems like Jesse or Al; none of that nigger shit). for others he is the communion bread and wine to America's church. The instrument by which we as a nation can expunge our past (in a way that does not bring race into it). And maybe this is really a good thing. Race is outdated we're Americans. And he is perfect a man who is of biracial heritage born to a non-American Black; raised outside the main areas of contention; and never emersed into Black culture until adulthood. I'm trying really hard to not be a buzzkill, but I can't get behind him.
Now I ain't voting for Hilary, I liked Bill but she is not him. But I don't know or trust Barack that much. I believe that his run is being propelled by as much negative forces as positive ones. And I know this is rambling but I don't fully have thoughts on this together. i just don't know.
Respond back or not
Peace
2 comments:
You write: "compliments by pundits like Bill Bennett; or the columns by M J Rosenberg for TPMCafe. They say he is an example for Black America in that he doesn't bring race into the equation (translated he is a palatable Black leader who doesn't bother us with racial problems like Jesse or Al; none of that nigger shit)."
Where do you get the idea that I like Obama because he isn't too black. Not only have I never suggested that, I don't believe it.
I can accept criticism of my position on the grounds that I so much want an African-American President that I've gotten starry eyed about Obama but not that I'm looking for an nonthreatening black guy.
mike and mindy-
I should have been clearer; first I am not knocking anyone supporting Obama; this is America your vote your choice. What I meant from that statement and from the piece was that I feel that some of the people who are for him see him as a safe Black candidate and tat his election will have signaled an end to America's racial issues and history. If you were offended I apologize but as I said at the end of the peice I was writing what I felt and those thoughts are still forming
Post a Comment