This morning, two of my coworkers asked me who I voted for in last night’s primary. Upon hearing that my support went to Barack Obama, they responded with absolute horror. No, not just incredulity. Horror. Shock. Disgust. I’m serious.
“What do you think is going to happen to America if that guy...you know he’s black...you kids don’t know...you don’t know what it was like...when that black guy was Mayor of New York - Dinkins - do you think that was good...I’m telling you right now, white people are going to have a hard time...I would never vote for him...” and on and on.
Effectively what they were saying was that electing Barack Obama as President would turn the United States of America into the United States of African-America, a place where blacks hold uncompromising power over whites and other minorities.
To which I say, quite frankly, “What the fuck?!”
These women - one is from Russia and the other from Peru - both U.S. Citizens now (interesting, perhaps, though I’m sure that has less than nothing to do with their feelings) - just shook my faith in the American electorate. Not because they want someone other than Obama to win (one of them didn’t even vote, and hundreds of thousands of other people want someone else, too), but their (lack of) reasoning for it. I mean, I’m not asking other people to carefully consider the policies and qualifications of the candidates. I guess all I’m looking for is a shred of rationality - even merely a little excitement about one candidate in particular - a sense that the motivation is rooted in something other than being strongly against (and especially for racist, sexist, or related reasons) the others.
I tried to argue that just because they didn’t like New York City under Mayor Dinkins (and here my other coworker piped up to say that he liked Dinkins), that didn’t mean that America under Obama would be remotely similar. The assertion that not all black people are exactly the same, just as not all white people are exactly the same (duh) fell on deaf ears.
One of these women actually indicated that if Hillary Clinton did not win the Democratic race, she would, without a doubt, vote for “that other guy” - a politician on the “other side” whose name she didn’t even know.
I have never - never, not once, ever, in my entire life - personally experienced the expression of sentiments like those to which I was a witness this morning. Never.
How naive of me to think that we had somehow moved past this kind of hateful, hurtful stuff. The way they said to me, “You want a black man to be President?” with such disregard for the possibility that I might have black relatives or close friends - just an assumption that I was somehow betraying my “race” - really hurt. And it was really disappointing. I really hurt for them, too.
One thing I agreed with: “You kids don’t know what it’s like.”
Nothing could be more true.
And, given the taste I got this morning, nothing could be more welcome.
06 February 2008
Election 2008: Racism Still Exists
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11 comments:
Well said. For me, it's just one more bonus we'd get from an Obama Presidency. After 4 or 8 years with him as President, I think the number of racists in this country would probably be reduced by about 70%. They're a dying breed anyway, but it wouldn't hurt to speed along the process.
Thanks, Joseph. Very much agreed.
Your story made me wince. As white folk, we're sheltered from much of what's really going on out there in terms of racism. I'm glad your brought this story to light. I understand your shock and rage. It's a good reminder of what people of color encounter on a regular basis, in all kinds of forms and permutations, from overt to subtle.
Those two women (naively? being new to America and it's odd mores regarding how racism is and is not to be expressed) openly spoke their minds; many would have the wherewithal to keep their mouths shut, but nonetheless harbor similar thoughts and attitudes.
The racism AND sexism that's surfacing in this campaign—as well as the heartening signs that many people are able to see beyond the harmful and moronic fantasies that surround "race" and "gender"—tell a fascinating story about the ongoing saga of oppression, prejudice, and—yes—progress in this strange land of ours.
Gerry, great thoughts for sure, and definite signs of progress that keep me waking up in the morning. I have deep faith in people, and hate moments like this when the foundations shake.
One point worth making, though: both of these women have been in the US longer than I've been alive. Whatever that means.
That is unfortunate. I'd like to think that this was an isolated incident, but somehow I doubt it...
sheesh Obama rocks man I am so voting for him! and plus whatis upracism any way why I aught a punch those racist in the face! >:[
They say we cant keep bringing up the past, but if you notice were not its repeating...Im leaning on Obama to make a change in this cruel world..GOD BLESS AMERICA?? Why would he do that?? We dont give him credit for anything, took prayer out and all this/that and the other, but now wanting to take it of the bill..why should God bless America?? and i love being black but y complain about wits when blacks have racism toward blacks..Wake up Nigga..but beyond our problems among us white people need to get it together asap because you cant stop whats happening
I agree with Joseph. As far as the number of racist in America diminishing from a "colored" man being elected,i believe the number of racist would become less but of course not extinct.I believe there will never be anything we can do about that.There will always be dumb assholes who need something to be angry at and resort to as an excuse for whatever. I'll say very bluntly, " FUCK THEM ". but I myslef am voting for Mccain, and not becuase he's white.
I'm white. As is my grandmother. Her black friend in church (and of 20+ years) accused her of being the racist because she didn't vote Obama. Who are the racists' really? Not whites. 60% voted mccain, while 30% voted obama. Blacks, 97% voted obama, 2% mccain. Do they even know what they're voting for? Or is it just the fact that they can wrap their arms around a fellow black. God forbid they wont vote for an established white man that wont drive this fucking country into the ground.
this country is already on its way into the ground if anyone hadn't already notice thanks to a fellow Republican of McCain. I have to admit, he does have his work cut out for him as he tries to convince people to vote for the party which has been solely responsible for the country's decline....never say never, right? I'm an Obama supporter because I am not rich! So I am not surprised when those of you who are wiping your behinds with benjamins are voting for McCaint do it.
people voted for him because he was black (so he could be the first black president).
FYI, that is racism. he won because people wanted him in because he was black, that is judging someone by race hence positive racism for him and negative against his opponent.
America is a walking contradiction, who seriously wanted such a large population of people to vote for only two? The system itself is pathetic, so are the people.
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