Here we go again.
Race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race.
Can’t get away from it.
Barack Obama warns supporters to watch out for race-based “attacks” from Republicans. (Also see this story) The timid might be tempted to soft-pedal or avoid legitimate criticism against this half-black candidate.
And that’s what he’s counting on.
Ideally, no one would reference Obama’s half-black ethnicity at all, and neither would he. But we know what kind of world this is, so let me tell you something you should already know. Obama knows the “race card” is a powerful weapon in his arsenal, and he won’t hesitate to use it. He can’t help playing the race card. How do I know?
People of any color have a natural tendency to use whatever advantages and distinguishing characteristics they have. I’m no authority on black people. But since I’ve been black all my life, have black family and friends, etc., I have some insight into how black people think, generally speaking. From my vantage point, there’s nothing special about Barack Obama. He understands very well that his ethnicity distinguishes him in this presidential race. He’s the first black major party nominee, the fifth black U.S. senator, etc.
Yes, Obama is more than his race. But as far as his political career is concerned, he knows his race is an integral part of why people support him, and, dare I say, oppose him.
Race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race, race. The conflict it causes – why we use it and why people use it against us – is part of The Fall, plain and simple.
How do we begin to overcome it?
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