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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.
![](http://cdn.teenink.com/art/May09/LookingDown72.jpg)
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This article has 214 comments.
OMG! I love you right now for saying this!! I am mixed and I have light brown skin (however I'm usually just viewed as "black") and I don't like how everyone is making such a big deal about Obama being black. I understand that he's the first black president of America and all and that was exciting for about an hour on the night the votes were counted, but now it's old. I personally didn't know much about either candidate, so I couldn't pass my judgements.
One thing that you mentioned is that people think that now that we have a black president, racism and discrimination is gone. Not only do I agree to dissagree with this statement, but I think that rasicm has gotten worse since his election. I've heard people saying how they wish he was assasinated. One of the students at my school even said that she would want a black person to be the assasin. THAT is racism. I don't care who it is, you don't say that about anyone. How could someone actually wish death on someone they have never met. I am saying this to defend Obama right now, but if McCain was president, I would say the same thing. We're all human.
We shouldn't take advantage of our ability to see the beautiful colors that God created for us!
I agree with you. Obama shouldn't be noted for being a black president, but for what he does in office.
Sadly, it seems in the south that many bash him simply for being black. I watched the inaguration in school. Most of the kids made up lies, such as him being a terrorist. I want to just out of my chair and rip their heads off.
This is a powerfully writen peice of work, but a do slightly agree with lesliej94. Your point on the journalists was a little exagerated.
Although, I do not agree that Obama has been a great President so far.
I'm left to wonder what you mean by "we" at the beginning of your comment. Surely, you don't mean that you, yourself, were whipped and are over 300 years old. If so, please go ahead with your comment, but if that is not the case, claiming that "we" were whipped and beaten, is taking credit for a hardship you had nothing to do with.
I believe the article is very open-minded, and it is you who has shut yourself off. You have assumed that just because the writer brings up the fact that Obama is black, it is an insult to the African-American race. Take a step back, and allow people to have their own opinions. The writer is trying to point out that recognizing Obama as "that black president" is two steps back, in a a society that can barely take one step forward.
the bill even say everyone has to get insurance or there will be penalties
Americans cannot put all there trust in the Government or they will have total control
The way you presented your arguement was also flawless and the whole artible flowed like a powerful river like that our ancestors generations ago would have relied on.
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