How about an utterly serious question for a change.?

Question

Please condider this question apart from your own political convictions. I realize the very nature of the following hypothetical question will either support your convictions or not, but lay those aside and consider this without any vitriol.


If Obama were elected president, would that help or harm race relations in the United States and/or the world?

Answer 1

First of all, America has been lead by whites in part b/c it's 80% white. Second, comments like "For once, America would show that all the babble about freedom and liberty for all is not just cutesy promotional talk while the country belonged to white Catholics" demonstrate the ignorance involved in these issues.

1. America is mostly PROTESTANT. JFK was the only Catholic president.

2. A majority of the world do not think women should be in positions of authority. In fact, in some cultures it's offensive, let alone illegal. Hence, some would take this as a sign of weakness, not credibility. This is their logic, not mine, blame them, not me.

3. He's not just black BTW, he's half white. And how come Rice & Powell being in the highest positions of US government in history hasn't had that effect?

Oh, that's right, only black liberals and democrats are real blacks; hence, republican or con blacks couldn't possibly help race relations. Having women in positions of power is not new either, from Albright to Rice to Hillary. Hasn't changed much. Did Thatcher's ruling change gender relations?

3. How can anyone tell before it happens? Anyone who is certain is ridiculous. It would hinge on his performance. If he was terrible, it could harm race relations b/c some ignorant people could blame his race and generlaize. Same thing with a women (see how Albright is criticized by some for her "handling" of various issues).

4. Race relations will improve when people see beyond race. That was MLK's message - not that people are based on their skin color, but that people are seen as people first, race second, if at all. MLK was about equality, not preference.

Instead we treat people differently on the basis of race and sex. We reward some and punish others. We've taken a 180 degree turn and just replaced the races making up the priviliged and outcasted groups. Most of the posts on here reflect this reverse racism and sexism.

We have people who exploit situations and inflame tensions using race and gender to divide us for their personal gain. Until people like Sharpton are the voice of the fringe and we focus on similarities and equality rather than race baiting, hypocrisy, and division everything will stay the same.

5. Lastly, why is everyone focused on blacks when we discuss race relations? How will a 1/2 black president help Asians who are among the most discriminated against in America - Asians out perform whites and blacks, yet have a lower acceptance rate into schools. Race relations will improve when race is defined more broadly than black and white for starters.

And looking back over history, I wouldn't say things aren't progressing, and they've done so without electing someone just because they're of a particular race or gender. Interracial marriages have tripled since the 1960s, we don't have lynchings any more, nor Jim Crow. An entire race is not enslaved. Things are far from perfect, but we're progressing a generation at a time.

Answer 2

I have to answer this question in 2 parts....

1. I think that the more powerful men and women of color that make their way to positions of power are an engerizing to young people in minority comunities who feel that their lives have been set on a path because of the color of their skin (or sex). Positive role models in any comunity help to raise the hopes of that comunity, mostly the children who can have a goal to work towards. I don't think that most white people would have a problem with a black (or female) president. The problem may be that a minority president might spend (what would be considered to be) too much time adressing the issues of their comunity. Too much time being the wrong words because most politicos only pay lip service to things like education in poor areas, health care and helping those in need. Those who have been used to being at the top of the president's call sheet (the rich, mostly white and powerful) would complain but only about the change in the status quo.

2. I want to be led by a president, black, white, man, woman or anything else. the question of race will be dealt with when we talk about a president who happens to be black and not a BLACK PRESIDENT.

Answer 3

I don't see any huge problem with race relations today. Sure, maybe 40 or 50 years ago, but the worst that I hear of now days is hiring descrimination. I think just about everything that the civil rights movement tried to do has already been accomplished, and the only things left is crucifying radio shock jocks for saying "nappy", or lawsuits against companies who may or may not have descriminated by firing a black person. Whether or not Obama will make any additional improvement, I don't think his skin color should even be a factor in whether he'll make a good president.

Answer 4

effigy, this is a big question. I would like to think it would help race relations in the world. the United States has been so "white bread" for its entire 200 plus years. I don't consider myself a "racist" but I know some will misread my next comment and consider me to be so - please read this sentence again if you think I mean anything negative - I do not!! I was just people watching at the mall a while back and it occurred to me that our population is no longer black and white// with racial intermixing we are more "tan" it seems to me that if this trend continues there will no longer be black and white but the melting pot will have created a whole new race of just "people". I work with children and each year there are more racially mixed people and I wish we could mix ourselves up a little not just this way but how about "politically" mixed people?

Answer 5

I don't see how it would hurt race relations. Black people have been in America just as long as white people, and I wish it was politically correct to call black people Americans, instead of African Americans. After all, how many blacks in America have even been to Africa? ( The ironic thing about Obama is that he actually is African American, because his father I think is Kenyan. )

I think it would finally say to America, that it will no longer be run just by white men. They have ran the country long enough and now it is time for the rest of us (minorities and women) to step up and take our place in government and in the world.

I think it will finally say there are no more second class citizens, and we will not see color or gender but achievement and ambition, and accomplishment.

I hope that it will bring us closer to the America we all hope to live in one day. The one Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed about . It will come one day. And what a day that will be! :)

Answer 6

No difference..
"Race relations" is a term generated to divide people..
People interact ; Entities such as white/blacks/browns/ Asians negotiate...
Entities that use discord as a basis for complaint are seeking an advantage or sympathy..
Sharpton/Jackson and their ilk coupled with the others who feel that soothing pacifying actions will "fix" aggressive ranters and bullies are actually creating greater divisions and justifying the claims./rants/demands.
..Each individual is responsible for how he /she lives their life.
The USA has by far the best opportunity for anyone regardless of their appearance to choose to pursue what they view as a successful "life".
Every society has segments of population that are over achievers, under-achievers,hard workers/lazy, those who embrace change those that don't...etc
NO ONE is OWED anything nor is ANYONE immune from loss, hard times, difficulties...each individual must chose clamor for "help" or brush off and start forward, ignore, interact or help others.. ..etc
...Kids recognize that other playmates are kids like them...adults with agendas would have us believe that differences, appearances mean "things "...they don't. Humans are genetically identical (>99%)..so "race relations" is absurd....people chose how they interact with their friends/neighbors and acquaintances ..The term race relations should be retired... Ones skin color does not reveal character or intelligence or intent..

Answer 7

I guess the answer to that question will lie on the shoulders of Barrack himself. If he can somehow get through to black people that hatred of whites and a culture of blame and victimization is detructive to not only America, but to their entire race, then maybe there is hope.

It really is a shame that MLK was killed because I think he would have put an end to black racism against whites. He certainly is spinning like a top in his grave right now, I'll tell you that much.

Answer 8

I don't think that we have a race relation problem here, but i think Obama will be good for the United States.

Answer 9

Baptism is a symbolic ritual. You are following the example that Jesus gave us by being baptized, but it is purely symbolic, it is not the thing that saves your soul. Changing your name does not change the fact that you have been saved or the fact that you have not accepted the free gift God gave you by sending his son to pay for your sins and mine. I grew up in a Baptist household and I was raised to believe in "believer baptism". My wife was raised Lutheran and grew up believing in "baby baptism". We had our children dedicated at birth and they will be baptized when they make the decision. My mother-in-law is convinced that they will go to Hell if they die before they are baptized. I would have to say that my son who is 10 has more of a relationship with God than she does. I would be less concerned with him going to Heaven than her. At any rate. God knows who you are, no matter what name you use. If you feel that the baptism you went through as a child isn't enough, go ahead, be baptized as a believer. Either way, it's just water. What do you believe in your heart? Have you acdepted Jesus' free gift of salvation? You know in your heart if you are Truly saved.

Answer 10

I believe it would help race relations. I believe Obama is not going to side with one race over another. I truly believe he wants to make America "whole" again, instead of the division we have right now. At the beginning of his term, there will be rumbles, but that will disappear.

That being said, I know in my heart he will not be elected. Many reasons will be given, but he will not be elected because there are people who still won't vote for someone who is Black.