Presidential Election:: Barack Obama, “Not Black Enough”
NW on Feb 12th 2007
To the Public,
The Democratic Senator, Barack Obama (45), has launched his presidential campaign. He is considered the first African-American candidate to have a chance of winning the Democratic nomination.
Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4, 1961. He obtained early education in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Hawaii; and continued his education at Occidental College, Los Angeles, Ca, and Columbia University, New York City. He studied law at Harvard University, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Obama was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 2004, his term beginning January 3, 2005.
Despite all of his accomplishments, many members of the African-American society do not support him because they view him as “not black enough”. Yes, many African-Americans believe that because Barack Obama did not grow up descended from slaves that he is not really black; that he is “an adopted brother, but not a real brother…”
His father, Barack Obama Sr., was born and raised in a small village in Kenya, and his mother, Ann Dunham, grew up in small-town Kansas. Barack’s father eventually returned to Kenya, and Barack grew up with his mother in Hawaii, and for a few years in Indonesia. Later, he moved to New York, where he graduated from Columbia University in 1983.
It is sad to come to terms with the idea Barack Obama might not be elected president in 2008, simply because ignorant Americans refuse to look past skin color and cultural backgrounds. Especially in this day and age. We shouldn’t be looking at a candidates skin color, we should be focusing on his political agenda, his beliefs and plans for the future of our country.
Plans that include strengthening America overseas, ending the Iraq war, cleaning up Washington’s culture of corruption, and much more.
I can only hope that in the days to come, Americans will erase their ignorance and start looking at candidates for what the can offer our country.
Sincerely,
NightWriter.
Well said NightWriter. Well you know what I think already. It is really sad that his own community is being so myopic and, sorry to say it, ignorant. Shameful.
NightWriter’s Reply:: Most shameful. I just can’t get over it. When I read your article, and then while watching t.v it came up again. I just got so frustrated. I thought people had more sense than that, but I guess not. It really sucks because he is a good candidate, and the whole “not black enough” thing could really hurt his campaign. I don’t think voters want another Bush on their hands, so why don’t they open their eyes and start paying attention to the candidates before it’s too late. Why are they blinded by color?
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Nothing would please me more than to get to heaven and find that God is a purple female with orange eyes and green hair. When I was growing up in the sixties in Harlem in New York City I went to catholic grade school. I found myself constantly forced to change my behavior according to my environment. In school I could be the “intellectual goody two shoes”, but back around the block I had to speak and dress and act like the wise-ass little ‘nigger’ that survival required. Conversations about anything other than basketball and who was sexing whom was totally anathema.
Throughout college and entry into the business world came greater challenges. Often the well spoken, intelligent , talented person on this end of the telephone was a shock to the system when he appeared in the flesh. I saw more smiling faces than a comedian while constantly being denied opportunities. Talent and excellence became my salvation. As a producer and songwriter I was a faceless entity. I have been told a thousand time, “Wow I thought Patrick Adams was a white guy.
I have found that in America, my brothers and sisters and I have all been infected with the virus of prejudice. It may lay dormant deep in the back of the mind but it is there. In the ghettos of America there is still that silent doubt about black professionals. “I want a white doctor, lawyer or accountant.” Heaven help us if we get on a jet plane and the pilot is black.
Now that a great part of the mainstream population has had a few years of integrated schools and working environment, it seems that the mindset of the ghetto is lagging behind. Blacks are not escaping the bonds of past generations. Many seem to fear taking those first steps into the larger universe. There is strength and comfort in sticking together. Like Pavlov’s dogs my brothers and sisters fail to escape the conditioning of the Slave masters. Already there are those in the business community that say illegal aliens can fill the jobs that “blacks” refuse to do.
Blacks from the Caribbean and Africa come to America with a totally different mind set. Many of the successful business and political leaders are the children of these bloodlines. Over time if we downplay the NBA and America Idol (which young people already know are unrealistic dreams not worthy or their efforts), then the black youth of America might begin to see where they can fit into the tapestry and aspire to join in. Otherwise in a few more generations we will be confronted with a self fulfilling prophesy - a lazy, uneducated, criminally minded black underclass.
Barack is black enough for America. Maybe Blacks are not American enough for Barack!
NightWriters’s Reply:: Thank you for your comment, I love your last statement.
Leon A. Walker
Freelance Writer
Pensacola, Florida
leonwalker@cox.net
Is That Black Enough For You?
Here we are in “Black History Month” and I find myself again confused. Perhaps troubled is actually a better way to describe my angst in response to the horrific statements I have repeatedly heard regarding Senator Barack Obama’s lack of Black awareness, experiences and sensitivities. Amidst this nonsense, I remain energized, recognizing that should the stars continue to align, this man may well receive the nomination of the Democratic Party for a run at the office of “President of the United States”. I am a democrat and a supporter of Senator Obama. I even dug down deep and made a modest contribution to his campaign. I am not a “political animal” but I am intensely engaged when it comes to presidential elections in particular. Citizenship is important to me and exercising my rights are for me, a matter of personal responsibility and unwavering commitment. That is the core of what this writing is actually about “responsibility and commitment”. In truth, I find both democratic candidates appealing and their differences relatively slight with regard to policy. I have chosen Senator Obama as the recipient of my support for one reason alone. He has better convinced “me” of his willingness and ability to unite people and accomplish positive change.
My father was visiting with me several months ago and it was who first introduced to me this idea that Senator Obama “was not black enough”, going on to say that he could not possibly have a clear and full understanding of the black experience. Something to do with a Harvard graduate and having lived in Hawaii. My father is an educated man and a lifelong democrat, but I did not hesitate to share with him my opinion and belief that I, or he, or Senator Obama could not possibly look as we do, and live in this country, and not understand the black experience. I find that an absurd viewpoint; although I did not use that wording when addressing my Dad. He did get my wheels turning however.
I wrote a column about “Black History Month” very recently, and I pointed out what I consider to be an intriguing trend that can be considered neither a statement of “commitment or responsibility”. Having been raised in a northern city and born in 1954, I was between the ages of 10 and 14 when some very intense and frightening violent demonstrations took place in the city I lived in and across the nation. I was old enough to observe and understand exactly what was taking place. Armed with the guidance of intelligent, responsible and committed parents, I was required to watch the news casts and read the news of events from the north and the south and I understood the concept of struggle regardless of the chosen means. The point of my recent column however, was that I have been attending “Black History Month” events for decades, and in all of that time, I have yet to attend one when a single name of “any” of those who applied other than peaceful methods during the Civil Rights Movement was “ever” even mentioned. Is it because their ideology and tactics included violence? Or are they “too Black”?
Again reflecting on my father’s comments and those of many others, I am left to wonder what it is that he and these racial critics of Senator Obama really want. I mean if they want “Super Black” then Stokley Carmichael (former leader of the Black Panthers) would be a perfect historic icon to celebrate annually. He was about a black as you can be in terms of complexion, his ideology was certainly about Black Unity and he had plenty of street credibility. He was quite handsome too. Still these same critics of Obama don’t even dare mention Stokley’s name in public settings. So Senator Obama, educated, handsome and accomplished as he is, is not Black enough. And the leaders of the Black Panthers and Black Nationalists are too Black. I can only suppose that is why they are not included in our annual celebrations. Well, if there is a line of demarcation on “Blackness” I should be at a loss. The truth is this is not my first time at the dance. I have a very clear understanding of how the social strata is understood and interpreted and generally applied, by and among, many Black in this country. It is far to complex to address herein.
The point here is that it is completely “irresponsible”, as a person of color, a person who claims to be racially aware and sensitive, to turn on another person of color, based on some baseless claim that they have not suffered enough or that they are not Black enough. What I find frightening is that this irresponsible and myopic viewpoint is seemingly substantially pervasive among Blacks in this country. That brings me to “commitment”. A little introspection about supporting the sincere efforts and accomplishments of Blacks, by Blacks and on behalf of Blacks might be considered and would certainly go a long way in terms of positive cultural impact. Also making a “commitment” to avoid making “unnecessary” negative judgments and assessments on the basis of a specific racial model should also be pondered. To sing forth such needless negative judgments about another Black person at any time, but particularly during “Black History Month”, as such a man as Senator Obama makes a miraculous and historic mark seems… just tragic. If ever there was a time for Black Americans to stand together and offer respect, admiration and support for another man of color, it would be now.
This message I am attempting to impart has absolutely nothing to do with votes cast, or those to be cast. It is simply a suggestion that we, the Black Citizens of this country, consider making a “commitment” to uphold a “responsible” level of reverence and dignity “among ourselves”. Then, we can go forth more confidently and comfortably, in our expectation of the same “for ourselves”.
I don’t claim to be all knowing, but I a fairly confident that if you are you take issue with concepts of commitment to “personal respect” and “responsible characterizations” with regard to your fellow Black Citizens, then your problem is otherwise. Say what you like but if the truth be known, for some… it is not be that Senator Obama is not Black enough… it is that he is not White enough.
He’s a very bright man so the bad news is, if I know this about our “Black Community’s” disjointed perspectives, so does Senator Obama. The good new is, we may well be on our way to finally having President who is smarter than me.
L. A. Walker
© Leon A. Walker, February 17, 2008
Leon A. Walker
Freelance Writer
Pensacola, Florida 32526
leonwalker@cox.net
February 26, 2008
Hillary Bushwhacked: “The Unanticipated Intangible”
George W. Bush should also be remembered as major contributor to Senator Hillary Clinton’s impending, and what no doubt will be recalled as, a resounding defeat in her failed quest for the democratic party nomination for President of the United States. Realistically, it does not matter if she and her party faithful continue to cling to a fading hope of overwhelming success in Texas and Ohio. The people have already spoken and the contest is lost. The handwriting on the wall clearly indicates that she is, and will remain a substantial distance behind Senator Barack Obama in delegates and the posturing for the support of super delegates has already indicated that she will not likely be the benefactor of their support. How did it come to this? It was because for many voters, Senator Clinton seemingly was tied to in an image of a person is not suspected of anything, but also someone who spent too much time hanging around in a bad neighborhood.
When the campaigning began many Americans, democrats and republicans alike (counting myself among them) assumed that Senator Clinton would easily secure the nomination of the Democratic Party. What I and perhaps most failed to realize, is the massive negative impact the Bush Administration has had on the American Public from a very personal perspective. Certainly, there are well known issues like the war in Iraq and the current state of the economy that are intensely troubling, but these are only the open wounds that are clearly visible when the veil is lifted from the current administrations domestic and international political plague. When the seeds of deception and power mongering were planted seven years ago, no one imagined that such wide range of horrible fruits could spring forth. Today, many Americans are hurting. Hurting both emotionally and financially, along with being angry and frustrated by the arrogant and brazen political scarecrow that has become our world image and our domestic nightmare.
The core problem here was, and remains, an “unanticipated intangible” that became Senator Clinton’s undoing. In spite of her many splendid efforts, she is seen by many as an icon of American politics. An icon of American politics at a time when so many Americans want absolutely nothing to do whatsoever, with anything that reflects or conjures up the slightest image of traditional Washington, D.C. politics or its traditional politicians. I want to make it clear that I respect and admire Senator Clinton and I sincerely believe that she has fallen victim to the circumstance of political proximity. But for massive numbers of citizens, the waters in Washington have become so incredibly murky that many are not convinced that any long time Washington operative has not in some way been tainted.
Then along came Senator Obama. He is accomplished, capable, talented and most importantly “a relative newcomer” a fresh face with an eloquent and sincere message of “change and hope”. No one could have predicted that such a candidate would come forth and so deeply touch the hearts and minds of so many Americans, and at a time when they were gasping for a political breath or fresh air and thirsting for a taste of governmental clean waters. Senator Obama came to the fore and spoke to us as citizens and individuals and as Americans, recreating a vision of a people with the power to reclaim their proud legacy, and dreams of freedom, peace and prosperity that have been so callously and recklessly stripped away. Incredibly, I don’t believe for one second that his campaign would have been nearly as successful had it not been for the horrid condition of our political leadership and the associated landscape. The man and the message are fantastic! But the moment, the moment in time, when Americans desperately sought and alternative, something they could believe in, and genuinely feel good about, had arrived.
Senator Clinton’s campaign is on life support, near death, and if she or her campaign can be blamed for missing anything it is perhaps just slightly telling. The “unanticipated intangible” the tremendous and deep seeded dislike and distrust of traditional Washington politics and the state it has left this nation languishing in. George W. Bush and his failed administration have been much maligned for a broad spectrum of wrongs in the eyes of many in this nation and around the world. However, his most egregious act against countless Americans was not the many broken promises, but rather, that he nearly destroyed their pride and broke their hearts. So through no significant fault of her own, Senator Clinton has absorbed Washington’s stain. A stain that is a grotesque reminder of a failed system and a seat of power that has betrayed the trust of so many and for so long.
The records of achievement, qualifications and the commitment of the democratic candidates have now been considered and in large part put aside. The prize has gone to the man who so many American voters believe with a new found confidence and passion, will keep his promises, lift their spirits, soothe their broken hearts and cause them to hold their heads up again. A man who in their view remains untainted.
As for the “unanticipated intangible” and the Washington insider image, the only questions that remain are: Did the Clinton campaign miss it? And was there anything that could have been done about it?
L. A. Walker
© Leon A. Walker, February 2008
I am not impressed with Barack Obama. I only look at the issues. I don’t care what color you are, but a least be truthful and say. I am not black, but I understand what the black issues are. We as black people love “like skinned, straigt hair black people.” If Obama had nappy hair and dark skin, blacks nor whites would be interested in him. I guess we are suppose to believe that he is the first black man to come out of Harvard with high credentials. The light skinned blacks are the only ones that could work in the master house, I guess we have not gone far from that as a race. My friend that is white told me yesterday, the reason he is so brillant is because he is half white. Wow!! She said many whites believe this and that is why they don’t have a problem voting for him. She said she knows that a real black man could never have gone this far in america, because they are just not smart enough. She and I are still friends we go to lunch everyday together, and she openned up my eyes to that which I did not see. So, here we are again as a race offering up a substitute for the real thing. Because we really don’t believe in oursevles as a race. I am voting for him because he is a good man, not because he is black because he is not.
This debate about Barack Obama and “Is he black enough?” (circa February 2007) and “Is he too black? (circa March 2008) is intriguing. I’m about as white as they come, historically a moderate republican, and I find myself supporting Obama… But why? This recent issue regarding Ferraro’s comments gave me time to reflect on what really is appealing about Obama. He really has maintained a straight course and position. He has never played the “race card” so to speak. He wants to be the president of the United States… not the first black president, not the first minority president… the American President. He’s showed that he won’t steppe to negative and divisive tactics.
Truly, I think he possesses the ability to unite Americans. Unite them across party lines and across racial boundaries. Maybe I’m a fool, but I have always bought into King’s dream “… little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” I think that race will be an issue as long as race is made an issue. Barack Obama seems to understand this and is uniquely qualified, and uniquely positioned to make a difference.
C. Faist