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An Attempt to Address the "If You Don't Vote For Obama, You're A Racist" Issue...
I just had a conversation with my father, some of which was about Thursday's debate and the state of the race in general. Now, I try to look at things from as objective a view as possible. But as much as I try to give McCain the benefit of the doubt, I just can't see why the choice this year is not obvious for so many.
My father provided what he may think is the answer: "The choice is so clear this year...the fact of the matter is that the majority of people who won't vote for him are racist. Period."
Oh boy. Here we go again. I say "again" because I've heard this from many other African-American folk (even some that are my age).
On one side, I can see why someone my dad's age (54) would say so. He simply grew up in a different era and has had to deal with racism all of his life--including getting fired from his job 2 years ago over something trivial. The thought of an African-American president is no longer inconceivable, but there is still a distrust of the system. Even in late April, when Obama had the primary all but sewn up, I had an older black woman go on some rant about how Hillary will still find some way to steal the nomination from Obama.
But how can you refute this claim of our country still being racist? Of course it's still out there, but obviously that's not the only issue with some. Many people just don't like left-wing policies under any circumstances. People still question Obama's experience, though I don't know how you can think positively of Palin after the debate and Couric interview.
I have had some scary thoughts regarding what would happen if Obama lost. If anything, I would beg Black America to not blame the whole thing on white people. However, I still have pictures of riots, protests, and the refusal of some to go to work because of the Illinois Senator's defeat. I want to tell black America that despite his defeat, this year has been historic, and that this shows how much progress our country has made over the past 40 years. I don't envision a lot of people, particularly those in my father's generation, acknowledging that.
I'm on a college campus, so I don't interact with older white people a whole lot unless they're my professor. WashU students are probably for Obama by at least a 75/25 margin. I've made only a handful of phone calls for the Obama campaign and the issue of race hasn't come up...yet. But clearly, the McCain camp is using the issue of race to hurt him--some ads have arguably pulled the race card, and you best get ready to see Jeremiah Wright footage quite often between now and November 4. It may not be explicitly racism that sways undecideds, but some element of fear will be felt by those voters. And some, like the writer of this article says, just are unwilling to accept a change in any tough situation:
I really can't blame white Americans for their misgivings. I want to,A writer from Townhall sees it differently (well, of course he does, it's Townhall):
but I can't. It seems many of us are hard-wired to cling to our biases
even in the face of new facts that overturn our beliefs, says Robert
Burton, author of On Being Certain, in a piece at Salon. Burton
cites a Cornell University study showing that incompetent people tend
to overestimate their abilities, fail to recognize other people's skill
and don't see the "extremity of their inadequacy." He links "unshakable
self-confidence" to feelings of conviction or rightness -- what we
might call the gut. Neurologically speaking, these feelings don't help
us make better decisions.
About two weeks ago an orchestrated effort was attempted by liberal
politicians and media pundits, to assure us that the only thing that
could possibly stand in between Obama and our vote is “racism.” CNN’s
Jack Cafferty explained that the differences between Obama and McCain
could not be more pronounced (this is true); and that McCain is
essentially a carbon copy of the “failed” President George W. Bush
(this is not true); and, therefore, the only reason that some Americans
are not supporting Obama is Obama’s “race” (this is also not true).
Similarly, when asked at an Obama rally why she thought the
presidential contest was so tight, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius
replied “have any of you noticed that Barack Obama is part
African-American?…That may be a factor.."
He mentions the study that show's Obama's 6 percent loss due to his race, and then goes on a rant about his "socialist" ideas. Basically, he addressed the race issue without really addressing it. Oh, and McCain is about the same as Bush, and I have no idea why people still think of this guy as a "maverick". But I digress.
If it's not blatant racism, it certainly is deep-seeded. The next time I run into a McCain supporter, I'll ask: "So why do you support McCain?" or "What is it about Obama rubs you the wrong way?". Even in our school newspaper, there was an article entitled "Why I'm Not Voting for Obama". The author lists a litany of bad stuff about Obama, says near the end of the article that he will likely support McCain, and doesn't give a reason why. Not saying racism's behind her stance--I overheard a conversation on Thursday in which a McCain supporter was infuriated because of people in the past that accused her of being a racist.
As the title of my post said, this was only an attempt, and not the best one probably. One thing I can say though is that the conversation on American race relations must continue after this election. Maybe Senator Obama can hold a periodic forum (if he wins or loses) on these issues, where people can come together and address these issues in a town-hall format. Maybe Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson could do the unthinkable and take a more active role in the process. Whatever happens after this election, it is undeniably frustrating that it took 40 years for us to talk about these things again. Let's do our country a favor and not wait 40 more to heal the wounds.
Comments (16)
I live in Pensacola, Fl. It may as well be in Alabama. I work with a very nice lady..in her late 50's...who will not vote for Obama because she 'does not like him". She is solidly in the middle class..her husband has worked for Winn-Dixie for 40 years. And has been cut from Manager to nothing. She says she will vote Mccain because she does not like Obama. I ran into another younger girl, in her 20's, with a young daughter. She will not vote Obama because he is a Muslim. She likes Palin. She has a young daughter. Amazing. These people will never be swayed. And we know why. Ignorance. Plain and simple.
The lady that cuts my hair...she and her husband are voting for Obama because he is on their side. They are closing their eyes to the fact that he is a 'black man'. I told them...'relax...he is also half white'...and that made it ok. Racism rears its head (a Palin quote) everywhere. It is just one more thing that Obama has to overcome. I am amazed that this young man would take on this burden. He is laying his very life on the line. How can anyone say he is not a patriot?
October 5, 2008 1:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
"They are closing their eyes to the fact that he is a 'black man'. I told them...'relax...he is also half white'...and that made it ok."
Wow, that's kinda sad. But you're right, he is putting his life on the line. Sad as this sounds, I hope he isn't shot/assassinated every time I see him give a speech. Unfortunately, McCain's campaign from now until Election Day will try to paint Obama as unpatriotic...and I think Obama will have to kick his campaign into overdrive to combat McCain's onslaught.
Anyway, to spur a discussion on the topic of whites being "racist" if they do not vote for Obama...does anyone have black friends who say that, and how do you react to it? What about whites who still believe these false claims about his supposed Muslim faith, voting against troop funding, and "socialist" ideas? Can we change the minds of people like this at this point, or will they forever remain in the darkness?
October 5, 2008 3:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, we can't change people's minds at this point. But one of the most encouraging things I've heard recently was from a woman who said that she had seen Obama's face in the news so much during the campaign that she didn't even think about what color his skin was anymore. This is what we are aiming for, isn't it?
Familiarity may not solve the problem of racism, but it will make a difference. The *small town values* palin talks about include suspicion of anything different from themselves. When something becomes familiar, small-town people (who can be found in big cities,too)will find it easier to ignore the color and consider other factors. I hope. I believe.
October 5, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why should Obama being half-white make things "ok". That troubles me, we have had 43 straight white presidents, so the one time a black man is actually close to winning people want to bring race into things. That is truly troubling. The new generation is much less racially tinged, by the time we are old, hopefully this will be very close to a thing of the past.
October 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh I have no doubt that racism is a major factor in this campaign. It is sad and pitiful that a middle-class person who is feeling the economic pinch would rather vote for McCain who will no doubt turn that economic pinch into a vise rather than vote for Obama whose empathy is for the entire middle-class.
The first time I heard Obama speak was when he declared his candidacy in Springfield, IL. in 2006. Hearing him speak, I did not see a black man. Instead, I saw a man with a depth of character, an unrivaled eloquence, a true ability to inspire and an inexhaustible intelligence.
Later that day, I went to work and I was still in a sort of daze from that speech. I mentioned to a coworker that I was sold on Obama. She scoffed and said America will not have a black president in our lifetime.
I no longer work there but I really wish I could tell that former coworker that she was so very wrong. But perhaps I'll wait until Nov 5th and tell her, "I told you so", when Barack Obama is declared the next president of the United States.
October 5, 2008 4:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've noticed some open declarations of racism being a factor among certain communities of late.
In The Forward, an article about how older members of Florida's Jewish community will vote against Obama for that reason.
A group I am familiar with is the older Hispanic demographic in New Mexico which will vote for McCain rather than pull the Dem lever as they have done forever. It's their kids and grandkids who are pointing to racism within their communities as the defining factor for their elders.
PBS "Now" had a segment on Friday that dealt with racism from the POV of Hispanic Obama canvassers working ABQ's South Valley neighborhoods. Rough area and home to gang culture going back decades. The general consensus was that Obama would favor blacks at their expense with some citing MCain's military experience as a factor.
Same goes for other areas of the state; from the southern border to the villages dotting the terrain in northern NM.
On the other hand, NM's Native American population is the complete opposite and also traditionally Dem; they favored Obama during the primary. What's interesting is that the "warrior culture"/serving in the military is a proud tradition among these people. Far more so than for the Hispanics.
They were also the victims of racism for generations unlike the Hispanics who were introduced to it much, much later as the "Americans"/Anglos gained more influence within the state.
October 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know, when Obama quits glad-handing and twisting arms over a $700 billion bailout and stops supporting the administration on retroactive immunity for telecom giants, maybe I'll think about a town hall on racism as having some relevance. In the meantime I find this whole racist implication insulting and increasingly irrelevant. Let's see, has Obama abandoned his "more troops to Afghanistan" stance from a few months ago? Thanks, I'll vote for the purple sex-neuter candidate that gets us out of unnecessary crises and restores our Constitution and international standing. Hey wait, that could be Prince. What did he say, "Ronnie talk to Russia". Seems like a lifetime ago, but best advice of a generation.
October 5, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
You exhibit a curious reality-free kneejerkery when it comes to discussing racism in this election. It's a primary hangover effect common among some malingering Clinton Firster Democrats.
As a result, desi, commentary from you on this issue has become irrelevent.
October 5, 2008 6:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
You mean firesides about racism are more important than a $700 billion bailout of an economy, sending more troops to Afghanistan and suborning the Constitution for mass wiretapping of our populace? Sorry, my reality-free kneejerkery had enough of "put on a sweater" homilies quite some time ago.
PS - I notice you manage to post at length about Hezbollah, Syria & Israel - is that your reality zone? Sorry, I don't really care. US Constitution, US financial health & economy, US folks being sent off to stupid wars, US security. And a bit of self-respect around the world. Yep, those are some of my big ticket items. Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on what we think of as "reality-free", or at least "over-emphasized". I guess I could worry about the Knesset elections or something.
October 5, 2008 6:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Want to lose this election? Start accusing anyone who doesnt support your candidate a racist.
Yes, it makes us all feel great to call people racists but incredibly, and I am saying this as a life long Democrat, Hillary now Obama supporter, there are many good folks who think that Obama isnt the guy. Want to alienate them forever? Accuse them of racism.
October 5, 2008 7:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm sure most of you have already read it but this article struck me as an effective way to approach and tackle the race issue in areas and with people where it may be a bigger factor than normal without saying 'you're a racist if you don't support this guy!'
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-virginia5-2008oct05,0,7655182.story
My favorite was the 'would you rather have a black friend or a white enemy?' approach. making it about issues near and dear to their hearts like jobs, guns and religion (never bitterly of course!) is way to recast the focus on what should be most important about their decision.
October 5, 2008 11:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
"stupid wars" are inextricably linked to our FP policies and evidently unbeknownst to you, the ME is fucking ground zero in the larger scheme of things.
You don't like the topic of this (or any other) thread?
Tough shit.
TPMCafe may not be the place for you as your topic preferences are completely immaterial to the zeitgeist.
Or you can continue to piss into the wind, desi; you have apparently developed a taste for the blowback.
October 5, 2008 11:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
With due respect Les Ismore, we are not accusing anyone who does not support Obama a racist. We may be calling racist a voter that does not vote for Obama because he is black.
October 5, 2008 11:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ha ha ha, you deem anything I say on this topic as "irrelevant" yet continue to spew with abandon.
Thanks, you all can go have your little get together elitist chats about racism. I'll continue to discuss the meltdown, trillion dollar giveaways and the wars we're actually sending troops to, thanks.
October 6, 2008 3:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just fyi, not caring about what's going on in other parts of the world (especially the middle east) is a major factor in WHY we're in the wars that we're in today and most likely the ones we'll be in tomorrow. Not to mention, the tax cuts you didn't mention combined with said wars are probably a major contributing factor in the meltdown you seem so concerned about. It's all connected! If you're serious about solving the problem you gotta look at the whole (i.e. global) picture, not just the areas you're most comfortable with.
October 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
God, I'm not Lawrence of Arabia. I put it simply, "US Constitution, US financial health & economy, US folks being sent off to stupid wars, US security. And a bit of self-respect around the world." That says what you said except modestly. I'm not going to solve the Palestinian question. I just don't want us to act like jackasses. Tax cuts? Those went against US financial health & economy.
If people would just read my posts with some attention, they'd see all the brilliance in full light.
October 6, 2008 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
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