Why is Obama's Ethnicity Important?
It's been interesting to watch people respond to the election of Barack Obama. African Americans especially are enthused -- to put it mildly. I was listening this afternoon on NPR to a African-American pastor from Chicago talk about the election. He had experienced segregation personally. He knew how it felt and thus he wasn't sure what this means for those like him. Is this a turning of the page? He's not sure and he remains suspicious. But he also said that his grandchildren see this very differently. They are excited in ways he's not able yet to be. He's seen racism first hand.
On the other hand, there are many, mostly white, who question why Obama should be seen as a black president. Isn't he half white? Aren't we supposed to be color blind? Why can't we just celebrate a new President? Why make a big deal about his ethnicity or his color?
As a White Anglo Saxon Male, I've not experienced what people of color in this country have experienced. When I look at the 43 presidents that have gone before Barack Obama I see men who look pretty much like me. But when I listen to African American friends I hear their delight and their concerns.
Consider another era, major league baseball is a White's-only entity. There had been many great black players down through the years, people like Josh Gibson and Satchel Page, but a color line prevented them from participating in the "National Pastime," at least at the highest major league level. Then one spring day, a young black man named Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the first, but not the last. But he had take upon himself much abuse from fellow players and from the fans. He was chosen in many ways because of his background and his temperament. His success paved the way for others.
In many ways Barack Obama is the Jackie Robinson of American politics. His success is our success. Even if you don't agree with his positions on some issues, his success is vital to our nation's future and standing in the world.
So, is his race important? Yes, indeed. Because not only African Americans, but all people of color in this nation now know that they too have an opportunity to rise to the highest office in the land. Next will come a woman, and when that time comes -- then we will again celebrate the breaking of a glass ceiling.
On the other hand, there are many, mostly white, who question why Obama should be seen as a black president. Isn't he half white? Aren't we supposed to be color blind? Why can't we just celebrate a new President? Why make a big deal about his ethnicity or his color?
As a White Anglo Saxon Male, I've not experienced what people of color in this country have experienced. When I look at the 43 presidents that have gone before Barack Obama I see men who look pretty much like me. But when I listen to African American friends I hear their delight and their concerns.
Consider another era, major league baseball is a White's-only entity. There had been many great black players down through the years, people like Josh Gibson and Satchel Page, but a color line prevented them from participating in the "National Pastime," at least at the highest major league level. Then one spring day, a young black man named Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the first, but not the last. But he had take upon himself much abuse from fellow players and from the fans. He was chosen in many ways because of his background and his temperament. His success paved the way for others.
In many ways Barack Obama is the Jackie Robinson of American politics. His success is our success. Even if you don't agree with his positions on some issues, his success is vital to our nation's future and standing in the world.
So, is his race important? Yes, indeed. Because not only African Americans, but all people of color in this nation now know that they too have an opportunity to rise to the highest office in the land. Next will come a woman, and when that time comes -- then we will again celebrate the breaking of a glass ceiling.
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