When I heard that close to 95 % Afro-Americans voted for Obama, the question that crossed my mind was this, "Is this not racism?". For the record, close to 55% of whites voted for McCain. There will be more pointing fingers at those 55% of whites than the 95%.
Argument - 1
People may argue that Afro-Americans were oppressed for years and still are victims of racism. So when they had the opportunity to protest racism they voted to Obama. Hence it is not racism but more of righting a wrong.
Argument - 2
When someone chooses to vote to a person because he is from their race, irrespective of the merit, then it's got to be racism.
Argument - 3
We needn't see it from the racist angle. Obama is the right candidate and hence voted for.
Argument - 4
Yes, it is racism but so be it. For ages we have suffered racism and here is an opportunity that we don't want to let go.
Argument 1 & 4 are same things with different attitudes. Argument 2 sounds more valid while Argument 3 doesn't convince, unless empirical study supports such a huge support to one party by one section of people, based upon a candidate's credential.
To the naked eye, it is racism. But then could it be any different any where in the world, in different times and even with different races? I am afraid it won't be any different. It is natural of oppressed communities to stand behind their men when one of them rises to the limelight. It is racism yet expected and some what accepted. No white men were jumping on the streets to condemn it. There could be secret circles sulking, as one rumour on the net claimed, but there is none in the public. At least 45% of whites who voted for Obama are okay with it.
I do not know whether racism still exists in America but can be reasonably sure that Afro-Americans are no more an oppressed community in America. Other wise Obama could not have risen to the top in such a short span. I wish he serves the United States of America as a competent and successful president than as an Afro-American President. He has lot at stake. He has to tread a finer path. He could be mistaken easily. But he has nothing to worry as long as he is genuine.
Looking forward to an American President election where 90% Afro Americans vote for a white candidate, defeating an Afro American candidate. That will be the day of true victory for American democracy and there won't be Afro or White Americans on that day. There will just be Americans.
Complete agreement on every point.
ReplyDeleteSB, the fact that American democracy hasn't ensured equal grounds for everyone is reflected by majority of Afro-Americans voting for Obama. So in a way it is a test for America and its democratic principles to see this huge divide is bridged. Obama could be the change agent who brings about this great transformation for America and its people
ReplyDeleteI feel this is racism, but we will accept it because it is practiced by the people who we see have been suffering from discrimination for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI don't think what you do today should be affected by what happened in the past. There is no point in addressing the grievances of the past- what is good today, that is what should matter.
But it is never that way. We are all emotional, and in the election of Obama, I think we will see some kind of justice being done.
Okay, US has shown the world that it is a bully with a heart. Good for them.
"A bully with a heart"
ReplyDelete---
Yes it is
There is one thing - Obama emphasized his white roots and hardly spoke about his colored roots. People just flowed along whereas he actively wooed the whites by telling them, one half of me is like you and most of what I am is like you for that's how my grandmother made me. A kind of sidling up alongside.
ReplyDeleteHe was deferential to the whites and spoke to the coloured assured of their support.
Then, America still has to address the religion and gender bias. So after race, that's two more to go.
SB, I think Obama is just like any other politician played different tunes to different people.
ReplyDeleteGender and religion bias are universal SB. In fact it is as worse here in India as it is there.
I agree with SB.
ReplyDeleteI read a Wall Street Journal article, which half-mocking, referred to Obama as, "Black Brahmin"!