There are some unique perspectives on the Barack Obama presidential candidacy. Here are I encourage villagers to check out if you have time or inclination:
- Yobachi Boswell - 'Why a Barack Obama presidency may be more bad than good for Black people'
- Michael Eric Dyson and Glen Ford - 'Barack Obama and the African American community'
- Phx - 'The Audacity of Success'
4 comments:
I just read the article with Michael Eric Dyson, and I will have to agree with him. I don't think Obama is going to wave a magic wand and eradicate all the issues of race in this country, or for that matter better the lives of blacks (i.e. destroy black poverty, radical inequality, social injustice)per se.
I do however think the idea of a black President will help others to transcend the idea of racism. I've said this over and over, think of the impact Obama will have on inner city youth. When I grew up they told me, I could be anything in the world, including President. This is the first time in my history and it will be the first time in the history of youth, that very idea will ring true.
I think there is a double edge sword, and Obama will have to be very careful. Blacks shouldn't label him the "Magic Negro", and they should not put all their hopes into believing a black President will cater to black needs and fight for every injustice that have plagued our community. If we hold him to that standard we will be his biggest critic, and my fear is that we and other black leaders will crucify him for unreasonable expectations.
On the other hand, I think he will help people of color on a more global level. He has a first hand connection to tribal wars, civil war, and genocides. I do believe he will be the first President to come to the aid of Africa before and during crisis, and not wait for the United Nations to declare genocide or "ethnic cleansing" after the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives.
My thought is, don't set this man up to fail, what do we really expect of him, and let's use our available resources that are already in place to work with Obama to ensure a successful candidacy. I believe his goal is to better the lives of the less unfortunate, and yes that includes blacks.
Mrs. Grapevine - Excellent analysis and thoughts. My mom reminded me about the way that Blacks responded to the movie Color Purple. We slammed the movie because it didn't show Blacks in a consistently positive manner. One of the outcomes was that a film with 11 nominations ... didn't win a single award.
Fast forward to the political realm. Blacks cannot criticize Obama if he doesn't overtly come to the 'hood to address every individual grievance or tragedy in our community. If we hold him to that impossible standard ... one that we don't hold to other candidates ... then he may win nominations ... but not get the ultimate reward at the end ---> President of the United States.
Anyhow, it should be an interesting few weeks and months as this plays out in front of our eyes.
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/january2008/010908_widespread_fraud.htm
Obama and Ron Paul cheated in New Hampshire.
http://www.nationalexpositor.com/News/898.html
Ron Paul will pardon all blacks in prison for victimless crimes.
Post a Comment