For the first time in U.S. history, a black man has won the highest office in the land. Finally the country will accept change far beyond allowing a lot more rap music in white American households. This country will be willing to have the “uncomfortable” race talk, and work to find solutions to of issues in prejudices. That was the hope on November 4th, 2008, yet racial tensions and misunderstandings remain the abiding subtexts of many of our national conversa¬tions.
It is naïve to assume that racial issues would somehow disappear with the election of President Obama. But it has somehow become a ridiculous notion to believe that racial tensions would settle and maybe phase out. Unfortunately, within the past few month race has been the front line issue on national news stations and most conversations. What is more bothersome is that issues of race have somehow distracted the common goal of all Americans (i.e. fair healthcare, education and a balanced economy).
Ignorance and the refusal to except change have led to fear- motivated comments and actions. Not allowing a group of black kids to swim at a day camp pool in Pennsylvania, opposing Judge Sotomayer’s recommendation for Supreme Court Justice, and now insisting that President Obama is racist against white people are all symptoms of fear of change. It makes one wonder, as much as things change, they often stay the same. It is interesting that people fear change, when the status quo as proved to be unsuccessful.
A lot of people are unaware of the underlying (and often blatant) racism. Other cultures have fused their way into everyday American life. With hip hop seeping into white communities, rock and roll seeping into black communities and the success of “Slumdog Millionaire”; it is hard to understand why some people are so outright opposed to accepting that America is a diverse nation.
Racial issues have become a strong factor in political agendas. “Mud- slinging” has ensued and sides are being taken. The connection made amongst Americans on the night of November 4th, 2008 almost seems to be nonexistent. We know from history, that when a group of people are being antagonized and pushed into a corner, they fight their way out. They fight for their civil rights, but are Americans truly ready for a Race War?
“Cant we all just get along” is proving to be a lot more easily said than done.
*All pictures provided by chicagotribune.com
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