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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Feb 2008 : 19:45:28
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I hear the voices screaming- “Yes We Can”-Obama
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Harvard University
To paraphrase Benjamin Hooks: If black people in America knew what white people had in store for them, they would not be able to get out of bed in the morning. This statement exemplifies what has for too long been white American sentiment, a sentiment that of course still lingers in the hearts and minds of some white Americans.
Is it necessary to be a good, articulate, and coherent speaker to be elected president of the United States? This question seems to arise conveniently when a person of colour is able to express him- or herself in a way that appears homogenous with white society. The content of that person’s expression, however, often loses our attention as we praise the black person’s exceptional skills of articulation. Is anyone truly listening to the words and meaning of the candidate? Or are Americans simply mesmerized by the black person’s ability to express him- or herself in a way that is not intimidating or frightening; in a way, I mean, that does not cause them to fear a sense of loss and entitlement? Put differently, are Americans inspired by the content of Barack Obama’s speech–by his message of hope? Or are they simply in awe of his capacity for articulation and expression?
“You’re really not black.” These are often the words spoken to a person of colour who speaks well. God help this person if he or she happens to be a few shades lighter and is declared a redbone, an affectionate pejorative eloquently handed down by the dark-skinned black American community. Yes, that’s correct: Some black Americans, too, underestimate and sell short the members of their race. But African Americans too have a responsibility in this malaise–in this imbroglio over who has the right to own an articulation passport.
Here’s an example of the sort of thing that can happen when too much focus is placed by the African American community on the eloquence of an African American candidate. Suppose I am a black man considering a vote for Obama. Not only is the question of his identity a problem; I also know that if he gets elected, then the standards for excellence in articulation are about to rise. If Obama is elected president, he will raise the bar so high that many of us, Secretary Rice included, will have to resubmit our application for consideration as articulate. Therefore, to protect my standard of living, and maybe that of a few others, I will vote for McCain. Does this hypothetical situation sound irrational, or ludicrous, or both? In my opinion, yes; it’s both irrational and ludicrous that anyone would consider voting for McCain in lieu of Obama because the person believes Obama to be too articulate. In reality, the true issue at the centre of this discussion is how we as Americans move forward on the question of race. For that matter, how do we move forward on the question of gender? Maybe we don’t move forward on either account, but that would be much too easy. Americans should know better than to let these and other issues be ignored or overlooked. Who issued Obama’s African American articulation passport? —the very citizens he is trying to serve and lead.
Some contend that putting this matter in writing is a continuation and further unnecessary validation of an issue the country has already begun to correct. Nonsense, I say. Are Americans, truly ready to elect a black person or a female to the most powerful office in the world? If so, that would be an indication that the country has truly progressed and healed and is ready to move forward. Yes, I hear the voices screaming, “We should elect the most qualified person for the job, without regard to skin, colour or gender.” I agree, but that reasoning sort of went out the window with our current president. Nice guy, though!
What I am suggesting, Americans, is that come this November, if either Obama or Clinton is the Democratic candidate, you should prove that you’re ready to move forward. You should prove that you’re ready to elect a woman or an African American based not solely on their qualifications, but because they are an African American or a woman. Obama and Clinton are both qualified for the position. Therefore, to overcome this longstanding prejudice based on race and gender, vote for the articulate or the skirted candidate and move this country forward. Race and gender still matter and they always will. At least until America sets an example for the world to see.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 21/2008, 20 – 21 February 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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