R.I.P Racism: The Death of the Race Card???

November 4th, 2008, America elected its First Black President. History has been made. Many never thought they would see this day. Others marveled at the idea of how progressive America is and what this historic election means to the country’s future. However, another issue continues to linger: racism. Since President Elect Obama has won, I have heard reports that finally the ugly chapter on race has closed for this country. I have heard such reports that blacks feel vindicated for the years of injustice they have received and that blacks are now playing on an equal playing field. But how true or realistic are those statements. Are they insinuating that in the matter of 2 weeks, all of the racial prejudices and undertones have miraculously disappeared? Slavery is forgiven and forgotton?? And who are these people speaking on behalf of ALL Black People? One of my good friends made a great analogy about changing people and their perceptions on race. His analogy was this: Cows have been a commodity for humans for thousands of years. We view cows as farm animals that create milk and are used for food. Imagine that one day a law decrees that cows where equal to humans. How quickly could you change your perception of the cow from food to human? And not only that, would you instantly be able to respect that cow and offer it the same rights you do to your fellow man? I know that it is insulting to compare Black people to cows but for hundreds of years blacks were not viewed as human, they weren’t even viewed as a full being. How quick can you expect one’s view to change if it has taken 300 years for this country to elect a Black person for the nation’s highest position?? Now Women, Indians and Latinos are all serious candidates for any and all elections and positions in this country. Yes history and progress has been made, but you still have to scratch your head at the idea that it took so long for something that seems so normal. Instead of saying that Obama’s presidency has closed the book on racism in America and replaces our 40 acres and a mule, first, let’s not underestimate the importance of his election, and second, underestimate that racism is an ideology and that the two are independent. Some states are now looking to abolish affirmative action because they deem it unnecessary. Pump your brakes people! We are not there yet!. What I hope Obama’s presidency does is help erase stereotypes of Blacks and show that People of Color are normal and are able to manage and hold positions of power. The Obamas acting as first family will give the nation and inside view to something that it has been ignoring or overlooking: a positive black family. This racist ideology is not limited to whites. Many Blacks are racist towards one themselves and feel like they are unable to live outside their boxes. Obama represents what every man, black, white or indifferent is able to accomplish and leaves no room for excuses. This is a gift and a curse. A gift because it gives hope to a people who were disadvantaged and disenfranchised. These people felt like they were limited because if their race and the circumstances and conditions that come along with their race. Now there is no excuse and President Obama serves as an example for how men should conduct themselves and as a role model for young boys to look up to. It is a curse because it removes all excuses that People of Color have used in regards to being held back. Yes there are still boundaries; President Obama has not knocked them all down. But he did raise the bar and because of that, more is and will be expected from Black people. Will racial profiling still exist?? Probably. Will somebody not get a job or house because of the color of their skin?? Still Likely. But will the perception of race and the stereotypes that accompany it start to fade?? Yes…Eventually. So as we enter this new era and essentially a new identity, know that things have changed, but things are still the same. Racism is alive and will be for a while, however the expiration date on your race card is approaching fast. You will be held at a higher standard. NO excuses now, its time to step your game up. But do not mistake this as a concession. America still has a lot of work to do in regards to how it treats the Blacks and the oppressed. So let’s take President Obama’s win as an opening for an apology from this country and not forget that actions speak louder than words. Also…keep your card handy…just in case.


"Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate, than that these people are to be free; nor is it less certain that the two races, equally free, cannot live in the same government. Nature, habit, opinion have drawn indelible lines of distinction between them."

----Thomas Jefferson