In the past 48 hours, we have seen history made. No matter what one thinks of Obama’s politics, his racial background makes this a memorable election. (Follow this link for a sober and sensible questioning of this assumption.)
Of all the reactions I have read (some quite off the wall) the one I appreciated the most came from a woman whom I deeply love and respect but who cannot often be persuaded to use her verbal gifts to say what is on her heart. (She is the good looking one in the picture currently used in my profile.) I reproduce her comments here with her permission. (I wouldn’t dare do otherwise!)
I’m glad that we’ve elected someone whose skin color is not pasty white. I just wish it could have been someone (male or female) from a more conservative persuasion!
It does still distress me that we are so hung up on ethnic background. In this whole debate everyone seems to forget that Mr. Obama is really biracial. Mr. Obama is proud of his ethnic background, both sides, as he well should, but by virtue of the fact that he is being touted by the media as the first black man to be elected president, not the first man of mixed racial ancestry to be elected just reinforces the old stereotypes. It really grieves me to think that mentally we’re not much different than when people were excluded from participating in the voting process because they were “1/8th” black ancestry so therefore were labeled as black.
I long for the day when people are viewed for who they are on the inside and not for what they look like on the outside. Sadly, that will probably not occur until Jesus comes again.
Well said, Barb. Maybe that day will come sooner than we can imagine.
MagistraCarminum
Amen and amen. You ought to get that woman to post her excellent thoughts more often!Love,Chris
Gus/Adri
As someone has commented, M L King, Jr.’s dream is not here yet. Some voters are still voting for or against the skin color.GE
Randy Greenwald
Oh, yes, Chris. And I ought to jump out of an airplane. And run the Boston Marathon. And try for the land speed record at Bonneville. And run with the bulls in Pamplona. Yes, I ought to do this. ‘Tis a bit easier written than accomplished, experience has shown.
Anonymous
Well said, Barb! I was wondering when we would hear from you! You should comment more often. :)As the saying goes: “Quiet waters run deep!” Keep them coming Barb! Love ya!Fiona
Geoffsnook
Well played Barb. That should be your introduction to start your own blog.
Anonymous
My complements Barb, very well said! Especially the first sentence of the last par.: “I long for the day,when…..” If I just may add my optimistic view of this sentence:I believe that this day has arrived. I firmly believe that the majority of the voters did not vote for Mr.Obama because of his race, but voted for Mr.Obama because they believe he is the better candidate to lead our nation through this very difficult and turbulent times to a strong and healthy recovery.Paul Der