(inspired by the Black Expo)
I make it an effort to go to the Black Expo every year here in Sacramento. This is a weekend filled with events and vendors during the end of Black History Month. Depending on what year you attend, you can find vendors who are disinterested or non-existant, or like last year, more vendors and local businesses eager to give you their pitch.
This year's unofficial theme was all things Obama. Not surprised because his ascension to the White House has sparked a never-before-seen enthusiasm in the Black community. This is completely understandable and I fully expected the Black Expo to follow this trend. I was particularly intrigued by a painting being sold by one vendor. The Mount Rushmore-esque painting showed Fredrick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Obama side by side, all with dignified poses. As I questioned the validity of having Obama join these luminaries this early in his administration, I was immediately rebuked by the vendor and the friend I was with (both female). Their arguments for his placement in this "hall of fame" were legit, but I still held onto my viewpoint that it was too early for the man to be included amongst the other two.
This brings me back to my main point about the adulation that many have with our new President. I've noticed more in Black women than most, this sort of "Barack-can-do-no-wrong" theory. Never did I think that Denzel Washington would be replaced atop his mantle as "Soul Brother #1" in the hearts of Black women; but Barack has temporarily knocked him out the box. The reasons for this are pretty clear. Firstly, he is a Black man. Although bi-racial in reality, Barack himself acknowledges that he is viewed by society as a Black man. He has, by his side, an intelligent and beautiful Black woman in Michelle and two beautiful Black children. On the surface, this is a Black family worth emulating: good-looking, intelligent and successful. For all these reasons, Barack is worthy of praise.
Unfortunately, he is the President of the entire country, not just Black America. Most of his policy decisions, from Iraq/Afghanistan to the failing economy will not be made with Black America in mind. Let's be clear, Barack is more Douglas Wilder (the first Black governor of Virginia) than Malcolm X or Dr. King. His politics are that of a centrist, much like his Democratic predecessor, Bill Clinton. What makes Barack different than most in his position (Presidents that is), is that he has direct experience working amongst the forgotten. That in itself is a welcome change from presidents past. Although both him and Michelle are Ivy League graduates, they have an understanding for the inner city with strong ties to Chicago.
As Black Americans with a clear understanding of politics and history, we must not be afraid to offer constructive criticism. Yes, what Barack has accomplished is historical and great, but nonetheless, he is not above criticism. We must not become so enamored that we fail to see policies and instead just see the man. We've come to a point where we have to be completely honest with ourselves.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
i agree. it is important that people don't fall into the old habit of building someone up to such an unrealistic expectation only to break them down when they dont meet them.
ReplyDeleteBarack Obama has made history, this is clear. And from where i sit, he seems like a good man with the brains and potential to do great things. However, i do not expect him to be perfect...in his politics or in his private life. He is a powerful man...but still just a man. When some of his character flaws or imperfections come out...and they will, i will not be surprised, nor will i take these imperfections as a reason to discount anything else that he has done or will do.
I think that much like people sometimes do with The United States of America itself, they may confuse criticism with dislike.
I respect and admire Barack Obama, but that doesn't mean i can't criticize him when i feel that he is wrong, and hopefully i wont get the screw-face from the people around me.