Barack Obama’s Complexion appears to be Irrelevant
by: Guest
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Word Count: 875
Change is popular now. It is the ‘in thing’. The new hip and vintage concept and/or word that’s part of numerous catch phrases. It is also Barack Obama’s campaign platform: Change we can Believe in. Change is and will remain his mantra – but interestingly enough several of those right-wingers are being caught using that remarkable concept/word: Change. I am not mad at them for jumping on the Barack’s much needed rhetorical bandwagon considering it now appears to be a common denominator that’s voiced by people from all walks of life e.g. black, white, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, etc.
Sam Cooke said, “A change is gonna come.” Barack Obama says, “We don’t want to just change presidents. We want to change politics!” Cooke was right – but America’s “first black president”, Bill Clinton (this description is so culturally insulting to black Americans), said that Obama’s lofty idea is a fairy tale. It is interesting that Bill Clinton dismissed Obama’s idealism when many of us were moved by William Jefferson’s humble and hope-filled demeanor, and exuberating charisma back in 1992.
Why is the first black president characterization insulting? Because, we actually gave Bill this title as a result of his adulterous affair and after he lied on national television. I guess deceiving and cheating on your wife classifies him as a black man. So ridiculous and self humiliating.
Obama with his idealistic reasoning believes that America is ready for a change, and the people of Iowa and New Hampshire claim via caucuses’ and primary votes that they are ready for Barack to lead us in the direction that always comes whether we want it to or not. Despite the lost to Hilary in New Hampshire - the state that boasts, “You are going to Love it Here” - Barack Obama has solidified his position in American history. He is one of few black politicians who have successfully crossed the line white America has so successfully cemented in American life: That unnoticeable line that informs non-whites of ‘their place’.
Change occurs with or without our assistance. Change is believed to be ordained by the Great Master of Destiny. We should know this by now. Particularly those of us who claim the world changed for the better when God sacrificed His only son: Crucified so we may live. But, what I am surprised by is the amount of unwavering faith and astounding belief white people from IA and NH are willing to invest in a black man. I literally cannot believe that they have significant confidence in this skinny, preacher-like, former chain smoker, energetic, intelligent, and sincere black man so dearly. Is Obama black or what? His light skin is definitely a plus for them! Could I be dreaming or is this a new day in American politics? He has galvanized and inspired the young adult population. Have we (the black masses) finally convinced white folk that we are just as, and in countless cases, more competent than they are? More of us do have letters behind our names and manage profitable corporations. Or, is America really (this time around) seriously wanting someone in the White House who will mount an effective campaign for changing the outcome in Iraq, revamping the healthcare system, cleaning up America’s reputation at home and worldwide, providing a solution for the illegal immigration crisis; and equally as important, finally focus on assisting the poor?
Time will tell.
However, before time starts to tell I would like to explore with your assistance what it would be like for a black man to be the next president of the United States. Since I am somewhat limited in coming up with realities of a black president I would like to solicit your priceless and always appreciated feedback.
Please share with me what you think America would be like over the next four years if Barack Obama wins the 2008 presidency. What will be accomplished if he is voted in? How do you think the red state constituency will respond to this potential moment in history? Who will be responsible for securing the office of president for him? Will black folk finally begin to participate fully in the political/voting process? Will this give indication that America has addressed and overcome its number one problem: Race Relations?
What say you?
Take an additional 5 minutes to listen to or read Barack’s Yes we Can speech {link below}. It was delivered after his second place showing in New Hampshire. I was inspired and I am convinced that Barack is the only true candidate of Change! Unfortunately, I am also convinced that America’s bed is made with hypocrisy and arrogance. There is no coming back from what our government has done and not done unless Barack’s plea to us works:
“I am asking you to believe. Not in just my ability to bring about change in Washington… I am asking you to believe in yours.”
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post_group/ObamaHQFeature/CGTN
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by all those white folk in Iowa and New Hampshire who’s responsible for the latest “Obama excitement”. We are waiting to see if that large percentage of registered black democrats in South Carolina (50%) will add to this contagious fever!
About the Author
Brian E. Payne is a native of the former furniture town, Thomasville, NC. Brian received his bachelor’s in Physical Education/Health at High Point University and a master’s in Divinity from Howard University. While at High Point, Brian was a dynamic campus leader and he became a Five-Time Track and Field All-American, and received an invitation to compete in the 1991 Olympic Track & Field Trials. Immediately upon graduating from High Point University, Payne worked for the YMCA of Thomasville as a Youth Fitness Director, with an array of responsibilities ranging from teen fitness to adult health education. After one year at the YMCA, he entered the Peace Corps. In Antigua, Payne was responsible for developing and implementing a Physical Education curriculum. He also worked as a Peace Corps trainer for incoming trainees, host country teachers, and host government community leaders. In his most recent service with the Peace Corps, Brian served as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Atlanta Peace Corps Recruiting Office. He was responsible for coordinating all recruitment activities within six states and two United States territories. Prior to the Recruitment Coordinator position, Brian served in various capacities within Peace Corps. As a testament to his leadership qualities and productivity Brian was granted the maximum tour of service (8 ½ years). He is a devoted father of one, and a prolific writer. Several of his writings have been published in a monthly newspaper that’s dedicated to sharing local information, community highlights, and stories. The papers target audience is African American. He is also a frequent contributor for a daily newspaper in North Carolina, and just recently was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Rating: 5.00