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Momodou
Denmark
11826 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 20:41:26
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FEATURES
Barack Obama-His Presidency ‘An audacity of hope’ to the White House
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
It is imperative for me as someone who is interested in politics and as a student of government and someone with an innate political aspiration of my own to dissect the ever-changing landscape of America’s geopolitics and ascertain how Barack Obama, this son of a Luo (an ethnic group in Kenya), has all but attained a position that has until now been dominated solely by whites—that of winning presidential candidate for a party.
When Barack Obama first entered the presidential race, I felt, as I presume many voters did, that his candidacy would be similar to that of Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton—important historically, but ultimately short-lived. Now that he has proven that he has a good chance of becoming the next president of the United States, the question arises, how has he set himself apart? How has his candidacy been so successful?
The signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 brought blacks into mainstream politics; it restored their once dimmed dignity and identity as American citizens, though it did not give them any real political or economic power. For African Americans, continuing racism in this country has meant that the right to vote has until now constituted at least in part the right to vote for obscure African American candidates that surely couldn’t win—yet they voted for them anyway. With their trying history and the continued stereotyping that is associated with the black race—endemic diseases, abject poverty, and a status as the race with the highest crime rate—they have lagged behind other groups in almost every facet of life, despite being longtime residents of what is arguably the richest and most technologically advanced country in the world. How has Obama risen above the prejudice and the harsh reality of black America to become accepted by white Americans?
To answer this question, it is important to look at who Barack Obama is and examine how his candidacy has evolved. The first time I heard of Obama was when he made his debut on the national stage as keynote speaker at the Democratic national convention in 2004, when he delivered that spirited speech, similar to Martin Luther King’s in its power. I later read that he had a white mother and an African father from the Luo ethnic group in Kenya. Even then he was popular, with a great number of people supporting him despite his mixed heritage. Those born to parents of two distinct races are often looked down upon by many members of both races; this bigotry by some has undoubtedly been a tiresome and often recurring blight in Obama’s life, and more so because he has chosen a life in the public sector. And yet, there is the hope that his unique, blended heritage and his freshness (not having been born to a wealthy or politically successful or ambitious family)—traits which carry a broader political originality—will bring about a change that no other presidential candidate can. This hope, this possibility for change, is the reason for much of his success.
Obama is a voice against racism—against both segregation and identity politics. Obama’s speech on race and politics given ( Tuesday,March,18 2008) is already being hailed as one of the most powerful discourses on race ever given by a politician. In his speech Obama made an appeal for unity and presented an optimistic view of the willingness of most Americans to try and work through some racial issues that continue to divide the country. Governor Bill Richardson said when he endorsed Obama: “Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country that is long overdue, and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together and bridging our differences can we succeed together as Americans” (speech given March 25, 2008). Obama’s interracial background gives him a “raciallessness” that is politically appealing to whites and blacks alike. “I am a son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas,” Obama said. “I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on earth is my story even possible” (speech given March 18, 2008). In this country that has been called the “melting pot” of the world, Obama may be evidence that much of the prejudice that once existed is finally gone. This ability to break down racial barriers by inspiring a shared vision with those of all ethnic groups is another reason that Obama has been so successful.
In life people do well because of their passion, charisma, strength and determination to succeed. This draws others to them, and much is asked of them not because they are black or white but based on their contribution to society. Their own sense of responsibility is always their greatest asset. Senator Obama opposed the war in Iraq early on and has been a community organizer in Chicago helping the poor and the needy. This willingness to give to society is another reason that Obama has been successful.
And finally, Obama is a plausible presidential candidate today because he is naturally persuasive. Because of that great power of persuasion, Obama is well on his way to success. And yet, the way to truly succeed is to drop the mask and move beyond the obsession with identity, and to honestly, openly reveal what he truly believes as an individual. Only by letting people know what he truly stands for, rather than merely spouting rhetoric about change, can he really show himself to the American people and allow them to know who they will be voting for in November in that historic election.
Author is a candidate for a Masters in Public Administration (MPA)Harvard’s John F.Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 47/2008, 23 – 24 April 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 20:45:32
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Fox News isn't helping Barack Obama at all! Democrats campaign is already NASTY POLITICS with scandals and castigating each other. The RACE CARD is not at play but RACE MIX is vivid in Democrats campaign.
Mccain and Republicans appear to be heading for VICTORY Appears that Hilary's come back victory appear to show that Democrats may finally end up slotting & supporting CLINTON (for President) & OBAMA (Vice); as the DEAL OR REAL CHALLENGE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE AGAINST REPUBLICANS. Recently Clinton is giving very impressive speaches and with the meadia getting at Obama on defensive and distractions from the POLICIES, ISSUES & SOLUTIONS. Its very competitive between CHANGE YES WE CAN CALLING OF OBAMA & CLINTON'S SOLUTIONS FOR AMERICA. I would rather go for SOLUTIONS to address the REAL ISSUES.  There is the likelihood of stealing OBAMA'S popular lead at SUPER DELEGATES
However GOOD LUCK OBAMA & PRAYERS FOR YOUR SUCCESS! |
Edited by - kobo on 25 Apr 2008 20:49:28 |
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tamsier
United Kingdom
558 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2008 : 14:54:30
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I find it laughable that some people believe if Obama becomes president, then things would change for African Americans. Politicians by their very nature are bunch of liers who would lie to their teeth to gain power, but would do a 'U - Turn' once in office. Once he becomes president, he would still be controlled by the same begotted people who have controlled the White House for decades.
I now move on to race. It is interesting that some one of mix heritage [lighter skinned] stands a better chance compared to the darker skinned [most of whom tried years ago unsuccessfully].This tells you more about America and goes to show you the racism within American society and reminds me of the days of slavery in that ghastly country were the light skinned slaves worked the domestic house, and the dark skinned slaves were in the field dying. Obama may have an African father, but there is nothing African about his character, he was brought up in the West, grow up in the west and have western mentality. I have nothing against him but only wish him success. However, I refuse to fall under this over-hyped 'first black to become US president'. Anyone who wish to believe that, go ahead. |
Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
Edited by - tamsier on 26 Apr 2008 15:05:44 |
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2008 : 18:47:17
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quote:
Originally posted by tamsier
Obama may have an African father, but there is nothing African about his character, he was brought up in the West, grow up in the west and have western mentality.
Barack Obama´s mother was indeed American but his childhood and upbringing was far from that of a typical American child. He was born in Hawaii and were left behind by his Kenyan father when he returned back to Kenya. He then spent several years in Indonesia with his new father and were later sent back to Hawaii to live with his old grandparents. After finishing his studies he moved to New York where he received a call from Kenya telling that his father had died in a car accident, a father he only had met once as a ten years old boy. He spent several years in Chicago doing community work among underprivileged children instead of starting up a successful carrier as a lawyer.
Read his biography, Dreams from my Father, where he searches for the truth about family and race. In his foreword he says “I think sometimes that had I known she (his mother) would not survive her illness, I might have written a different book – less a meditation on the absent parent, more a celebration of the one who was the single constant of my life.”
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kiwi |
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tamsier
United Kingdom
558 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2008 : 18:59:48
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| Kiwi, thanks for your facinating account of Obama's life, but frankly I dont care. As I said, he is just another typical politician who would lie to get in office, but would do a 'U-Turn' once in office. Interesting your account of Obama's life may have been, it does not address that issue. Further, as I have indicated above, I have nothing against the man and wish him all the luck in the world, but the over-hyping of 'the first black to potentially be president of the USA' is just not washing with me. |
Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
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black orchid
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2008 : 21:14:57
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I think obama settled this debate sometime ago,he said in an interview "If I'm outside a building trying to catch a cab," ....... "they're not saying, 'Oh, there's a mixed race guy.'
I find it very disturbing that people of colour can turn on another person of colour, based on some baseless claim that they have not suffered enough,or that they are not Black enough. |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
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tamsier
United Kingdom
558 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 12:48:27
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Black orchid, I hope your venom is not directed at me, because if it is, it tells me that you have not read and registered my postings in your brain. Everything I said here are generally accepted facts by: black, white, mixed, yellow, green, blue,purple, pink, etc [you take your pick]. Just to summarise my points again for your own benefit:
1. Politicians lie regardless of who they are. They dont fulfill what was in their manifesto once they get into office. That was my main point, anything else was subsidiary.
2. During the days of slavery in America -, the mixed worked the domestic house of their masters while the dark skinned worked the fields. The reason why I even brought up this point was because all the media and the postings about Obama seems to be based on his race. Therefore, I have every right to pass judgement on this.
3. Personnaly, I am bored to death with with this 'obama will be first black president'
As I have said, I have nothing against the man and wish him all the success in the world. If I had something against him, I would not have made that statement [twice]. As regards to black people suffering as a result of slavery and racism [which you were referring to], I wouldn't know Black orchid. My direct ancestors were not slaves during the Atlantic slave trade, slavers they may have been - this is true for most Africans, therefore, they did not directly suffer from the Atlantic slave trade as slaves in another country. This is one of the reasons I totally refute the arguement by certain people, that Africa should be compensated for the slave trade. In my opinion, it should be the direct decendants of that ghastly trade [Atlantic Slave Trade]e.g. African-Americans, the West Indians, etc, who should be compensated and not Africa. Although Africans suffered, as far as I am concern, it was those who were taken from their mother land and shipped to another country as slaves who suffered most. This is just my opinion. Some may agree, some may disagree, I totally respect their opinion. Not all African ancestors were slavers of course, the geweels for example, were well known for buying slaves and then setting them free before they entered the european ships, hence the term Jam-Geweel -, which originally meant a slave bought by a geweel [griot] who was about to be set free. Now of course the term has lost its originally meaning. In those days, perhaps up to this day, those who may have been shipped to slavery and their decendants continued to give thanks to the geweels for saving them from that ghastly trade. Very few people apart from the elders know this and as a result, the Geweels are rearly if ever commended for their part in abolishing slavery and disrupting the trade. You will never hear the term 'jam-geer' as a sign of respect and gratitidue, because the geers [nobles] were the biggest slavers.
As regards to racism strange it may sound, I have yet to directly experience it. Perhaps I am one of the lucky few. Both my black and white friends say the reason why I haven't yet experience it is due to the way I carry myself - [some sort of superiority complex]. Any truth in that! I dont know, because I dont believe, I am superior to anyone, but I equally believe no one is superior to me. I know my history so well, always learning new things and I'm very pround of my lineage and were I came from. In addition to that, I also know other people's history because I'm well read, as a result, a racist person will never be my equal. Therefore, Black orchid, your so call 'baseless claim that they have not suffered enough' as you put, cannot apply to me. If your posting is directed at me, I suggest you read my postings again and pay closer attention to what I said. If on the other hand, it is not, then I take everything back and offer my sincere apologies. |
Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
Edited by - tamsier on 29 Apr 2008 13:16:52 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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black orchid
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2008 : 13:24:31
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Tamsier
My post was not in the least filled with "venom", you must have read it when you were in a "venomous" state of mind, and thus projected your feelings onto my statement.
My statement was directed at "people of colour who turn on another person of colour, based on some baseless claim that they have not suffered enough,or that they are not Black enough". if I was specifically targeting you, then I would have addressed you by your name ,or quoted your post
Thankyou.
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tamsier
United Kingdom
558 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2008 : 11:58:45
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| Black Orchid, in that case I offer my sincere aplogies. However, if your posting was not directed at me [regarding my comment about mixed race], it begs the question what led you to bring up that point [i.e. under what circumstance]? because it could not have been from Momodou's or Kobo's postings - or even Kiwi's. |
Tamsier
Serere heritage. Serere religion. Serere to the end.
Roog a fa ha. |
Edited by - tamsier on 02 May 2008 12:02:51 |
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black orchid
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
Posted - 04 May 2008 : 13:23:38
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quote:
Originally posted by tamsier
Black Orchid, in that case I offer my sincere aplogies. However, if your posting was not directed at me [regarding my comment about mixed race], it begs the question what led you to bring up that point [i.e. under what circumstance]? because it could not have been from Momodou's or Kobo's postings - or even Kiwi's.
Tamsier
Thankyou for your apology, but I must also apologise for not making my initial posting "clearer".
I was responding to Momodou's posting from the "foroyaa newspaper" in which it said "Those born to parents of two distinct races are often looked down upon by many members of both races; this bigotry by some has undoubtedly been a tiresome and often recurring blight in Obama’s life, "
As someone from a mixed race background I can certainly identify with this statement
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2008 : 18:46:48
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Bro. Karamba,
A super delegate difference of 1 is still a difference, but she is trailing more and more daily. The point to clearly note here is that the Maths is truly not in her favor. In overall, she is behind by at least 165 delegates.
For party unity and recognition of her tireless endeavours in this memorable race, I think she deserve the position of a VP.
An Obama-Clinton ticket might be an automatic journey to the whitehouse for the democrats. If they are truly tired of Bush like others are, they should consider a joint ticket.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 11 May 2008 18:50:41 |
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