If we are past racism in this country, and all men are created equal, why does it matter a nominee is black?

Question

I'm tired of hearing people say "For once I am proud of my people..." Who is MY people? I thought we were all Americans... I think it is silly to make such a fuss over the first black presidential nominee. It is cool that racism has disappeared so it's possible for someone other than a white man to win office, but with all the uproar of people thinking it is amazing, it makes me think that we aren't as progressed as we were acting. Does anyone agree with me, or am I taking it the wrong way?

Answer 1

If it doesn't matter, why are you making a big deal of out it?

Answer 2

You're not taking this the wrong way. Racism is a live and well. Instead of listening to someone ideas and principals, many are making the false conclusion that Obama is somehow 'morally superior' due to the color of his skin. This obtuse reasoning serves no purpose but to inflame racism in this country.

If McCain had the baggage that Obama has (Rev. Wright, Bill Ayres, Tony Rezko and the like) it would be fair game. To ask Obama about it means you're a racist.

Answer 3

Your premise is flawed. We are obviously NOT past racism in this country.

If we were, then why would white folks from Arabi get ferried across the Mississippi river to awaiting busses two days after Katrina when, at the same time, black people were dying of dehydration three miles away at the Morial convention center?

Past racism? Don't make me laugh.

It is exactly that sort of disconnect in perception and failure to agree on terms and definitions that keeps us separated from one another. Here's a hint: so long as we are unable to engage a common dialogue, the rifts in the fabric of American society will only deepen and the animosity will only continue to fester.

People are amped over a black nominee for President because it represents a fundamental shift in the national consciousness. Understand: consciousness means they way a people PERCEIVE their circumstances.

The truth is that even if Obama wins, that still wont mean that racism has gone away or is a thing of the past. Just ask those kids in Jena, Louisiana where during a demonstration in their support, white Louisianians were arrested for driving a pick-up truck through Jena decorated with a confederate flag and a noose. Or why not ask the African-American professor at Columbia University who came to work one day in the weeks after Jena only to find a noose hanging from the handle of her office door.

"Past" racism? Think again, and perhaps a bit deeper next time, before you project your thoughts into a space where other people can see them.

Answer 4

Tell that to Affirmative action activists.  I guess people fear that minorities will never be equal to the mainstream despite apparently equal opportunity.  

Answer 5

Because subconscious racism still exists because we're not to far replaced from the racist country that we once were.  

Answer 6

It doesn't matter. obama strategists are using race as a way to make people believe they are involved in some kind of "cause". Truthfully, obama is just the same old crooked politician...only with limited experience.  

Answer 7

Experience matters.

Answer 8

Because the truth is this nation is not clear of racism, we are still a racist nation. If we weren't then people wouldn't find it amazing that Obama is running for president.

Answer 9

You are taking it the wrong way. No one with intelligence cares about color. It's a matter of who is qualified.

McCain 2008

Answer 10

Generation gap showing.  There are still those that think in terms of the 60's and still believe people believe in segregation.  

Most younger generation don't even understand it.  Which is a prize in itself but creates this huge disconnect between generations.

Answer 11

Because we aren't past racism or sexism. Discrimination against whites and men is not only still ok, it's actively encouraged.

Answer 12

Because we aren't past racism, it still exists.  As does prejudice against women.  We've come along way but there still is injustice.  Just read people comments.

Answer 13

He is more arab, than he is black!!!

Answer 14

I could care less if Obama is green or purple , its his standards that i question. and the color of a person skin has nothing to do with this election, it only seems to matter to Obama!

Answer 15

It shouldn't matter. Some people are just desperate to hold onto something that they should just let go.

Answer 16

It seems to matter in my little red state town.  I've heard lots of people say they won't vote for a black man for president.  We've still got a ways to go.      

Answer 17

i agree 100% and i've been saying the same thing for a while. If your proud to be American say your proud to be American not "African" American. We're all the same no need to differentiate over something as silly as skin color.