In this election year, there's an elephant in the room. Some can't believe it's there, others deny it, others quietly ride. The elephant is race. Barack Obama describes himself as African-American or black. Even though he's half-white, he chose the harder path of living by the color of his skin. As he shows us his intelligence, ambition and skills, he implicitly challenges the black stereotype and the white establishment. I've heard reports of people referring to him with racial slurs, showing the depth of their discomfort. One of the many things Obama has brought us is the chance to look again at our racial intolerance. We must face it squarely with each other and with ourselves. What is it about Obama's black skin that discounts him so? What is it in Obama's record, behavior, talents or achievements that evokes such denigration? What about him specifically calls for fear? I ask these questions seriously, not rhetorically, and I'm looking for serious answers.
Our society benefits from scientists, judges, writers, artists, businessmen, actors, politicians, journalists and doctors who are black. The civil rights movement, not yet fulfilled, succeeded in opening the door for us all to experience the vast array of African-American talents. And society has moved forward, despite bigotry, so it's hard to comprehend that some people still react to skin color rather than the content of a person's character!
We must ask ourselves: "Can I honestly say to others that I am colorblind?"
"Can I see past skin to what a person's heart, soul and skills offer my community?" "Can I say 'I'm not racist'?'" If you answer no, please look into your heart and ask why.
Jima Rice
Ketchum
