You people got a black president, what more do you want?!?
As another Black History Month draws to a close, some have stated that the designation of Black History Month itself has become obsolete because America is post-racial. For instance, a couple weeks ago CNN ran two post-racial America themed stories on back-to-back days, Has ‘whiteness studies’ run its course at colleges? and Opinion: Tim Wise: What is post-racial? Reflections on denial and reality. We need travel no further than the comments on these very stories to see how “post racial” America truly is or we can analyze this excerpt, “a study published last year said that bias against whites is a bigger problem than bias against blacks.”
Let’s break briefly for a WisdomIsMisery mini-rant:
I’m a fan of CNN. They are my predominant, but not even close to my only, news source. The thing that irks me about CNN from time to time is it seems whenever they’re having a slow news day some ingenious editor always has the genius-like idea of suggesting, “Hey, run one of those race bating news stories.”
The story generates a 1000+ comments, gets 1000+ Facebook likes, and CNN is guaranteed spin-off blogs like this very one you are reading. There’s nothing wrong with this, I guess. CNN, like most news organizations, especially lately, is in the business of making money. If they have to run a few articles pandering to our collective racial insecurities and insensitivity to guarantee their monthly page view goal is met, so be it.
However, these types of CNN articles remind me of that well-meaning friend who, while fully aware of the problem, does nothing to move us towards a solution. As you lay there struggling to stabilize the two-halves of your broken leg, screaming and withering in agonizing pain, CNN is that friend that walks over and asks, “Are you ok?”
We’re clearly not ok, CNN. Yet, while both we and CNN are aware of the problem, only one of us seems to have a vested interest in a solution. CNN’s only contribution is to say, “It looks broken.” Thank you, CNN. The bone jutting from the skin is evidence that yes, it is indeed broken but thank you so much for your keen observation.
As CNN walks off with a smug look of satisfaction plastered on its pompous face because it is more than confident it has done its part, we are left behind, our leg still broken, wondering who will be the one to actually fix the problem; instead of merely pointing out a problem exist…
– FIN –
Since the media seems to have a stake in convincing us that America is post-racial, as evidenced by the election of Barack Obama, a half black guy – in case you forgot – let’s assume for a minute they’re correct. We shall collectively ignore the fact that America was not yet post-racial as of December 2008, but as if by a perfect mixture of Disney and Pixar magic on January 2009, when Barack Obama was sworn in as president, America suddenly transcended into post-racialness. What a beautiful story and one that you should not bother stealing because I have already forwarded a copywritten version to Lucas Ltd. for production, Black Tails.
But some believe the idea of racism is shifting entirely. A 2008 poll by USA Today/Gallup showed that 40% of adults in America think racism against white people is widespread in the United States. – CNN
This is our post-racial America? One where the GOP would have you believe Barack Obama is enslaving the white middle class? Oh, I get it. We worked all this time to establish a post-racial America in order to implement reverse racism. Well, that seems a bit strange, which is why Tim Wise best captured my thoughts on the absurdity of the subject:
Being asked to describe what “post-racial” means is a bit like being asked to describe a leprechaun, cold fusion or unicorns: we know what is meant, but, if we are willing to be honest, we also know that none of the four describe something real, something tangible, something true.
To me, “post-racial” is little more than a nonsense term devised by people (mostly white, frankly), who would simply rather not deal with the ever-present reality of racism and ongoing racial discrimination. – CNN
I took the liberty of adding bolded emphasis to the phrase, “something tangible.” I believe this is the intellectual obstruction in the road of progress preventing me from accepting that America, as a whole, is post-racial. In my personal opinion, I’m not sure America will ever be post-racial; certainly not in my lifetime. Further, I’m not positive this should be the goal, since it no doubt sets us all up for failure.
While I feel somewhat empathetic for the media abuse some Caucasians feel they are undeservedly receiving, since I recognize we’re all having it tough as of late, it’s difficult for me to feel too sorry when you had a head start in the race. Now that others have made some modicum of progress (some) of you are turning around to complain that you even had to run the race at all, let alone compete.
I also want to know if others aren’t suppose to compare themselves to you – while keeping in mind that yes, we all have it hard – then exactly who are we to compare ourselves to? People instinctively compare themselves to those at the top, which is why basketball athletes are compared to Michael Jordan, not Jordan Hill. Do you know who Jordan Hill is? Exactly! If you don’t like the burden or assumed pressure of being at the top in almost every category of merit that defines success in America, then you are more than welcome to switch places.
Let’s be honest with ourselves, many of us are simply selfish. We think our opinions are more valid; our ailments more crucial; issues that don’t directly affect us don’t matter but we’re shocked and appalled when issues that affect us don’t take precedence in everyone else’s lives; and so on and so forth. We have a “life is not fair” view of the world, until life is not fair to us personally. We claim to want equality but only in areas where equality benefits us. We remain eerily silent where inequality behooves us; be it through self-interest, ignorance, or the most likely culprit, indifference.
Despite the general goodwill of most of humanity, there will always be ignorant people in the world who don’t like me or any number of groups of people, because of qualities that are inherently impossible for us to change, such as: race, age, religion, and all those other criterion that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is tasked with preventing people from discriminating on, which, of course, people discriminate on every single day. For the record, such ignorance is not limited to those external to the black community, where even we discriminate among ourselves based on, of all things, how light or dark the tone of our skin.
To declare America post-racial, to me, allows us to declare victory and at the same time become stagnant. It implies we don’t have to progress from this arbitrary point because we’ve already reached “our” goal. This is a defeatist mind set. In all areas we strive for greatness in this country, but when it comes to race, because it is difficult to confront, the bare minimum is sufficient?
Sorry, no.
I honestly don’t know what a post-racial America looks like but I hope this isn’t it. There is too much progress left to be made. I’d hope that the simple election of a half black man to the presidency doesn’t mean the story is over for you. This is why I don’t think “post-racial” is a relevant measurement. By its very nature, post-racial America will not encompass a make believe finish line that we can all cross, raise our hands, and declare victory out of convenience, laziness, and apathy.
We should expect better of ourselves. We will have to strive for progress every day because progress, in the pursuit of perfection, is a continuous and ever changing goal. We can celebrate the victories along the way, but we must also accept that they do not signify the race is over and unfortunately, maybe it never will be.
1) Is Black History Month obsolete? If not, what purpose does it currently serve in your life as opposed to American History? 2) Do you believe America is post-racial? 3) Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you? 4) Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial? 5) If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?
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Before I get to answering your queries: the term "reverse racism" bothers me so much that I want to take to my thesaurus and find a better word than bother. I'ma need you to excise the term from your vocab. Racism is racism. It doesn't need any modifiers. If Black people were to become the people with all the juice and oppress all non-Black people on the basis of "race" then they'd be racists. Fin.
1) Is Black History Month obsolete?
No. It serves the same purpose it did at its creation: to tell the stories that the original writers of American history deemed unimportant or tried to erase.
2) Do you believe America is post-racial?
Hell to the naw.
3) Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you?
Little in that measure because many voting for him were stressing that half part like you just did, and more importantly we just have a looooooong way to go on that. There have always been exceptions. Individuals might start a ball rolling but I measure by mass progress.
4) Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial?
I cannot pinpoint events. It will just be the day that the average person actually understands what "race" (as opposed to ethnicity) is and think of it as a part of the past and not the present.
5) If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?
I am making no predictions or statements about what's achievable. because I didn't think I'd see a brown skinned man and his brown skinned family in the White House this early in my lifetime.
This Canadian will mostly be sitting this one out, but great piece. For the record, America is nowhere close to being post-racial.
Note: It has been my general observation that our generation doesn't quite take BHM seriously. We get amped about putting on performances, pro-black parties, fashion shows…..and throw in a sprinkle of history in the mix. I've never quite learned much, but then again that's mostly my fault.
I agree. Black History Month isn't respected at all. How quickly we've forgotten the state of our people just a few decades ago. People died so that we can enjoy the things that many of us now take for granted. That is one of my biggest issues with the most recent generations. We have too easily embraced a 'I deserve it' attitude. No one seems to want to work…and definitely not stand up and fight for the things they desire. People just want to kick their feet up and have everything handed to them on a platter. It's sad.
I wonder sometimes how people would react if they woke up in the heart of the 50s and 60s. Would they be able to survive? Would they realize just how far we've come as a people? And if so, would they then realize how far we've fallen?
It truly saddens me that not only do many of us not appreciate and respect Black History Month, but we don't even respect the people who worked, fought and died for us to be living and doing the things we are currently doing.
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40% of adults think bias against whites is bigger than bias against blacks. Really? SMH. In the words of none other than Rainn Wilson, "White people are weird as f*ck."
I agree with the above comment that BHM isn't taken as seriously by our generation. But as much as I try to read up on roots and shyt throughout the year; I do find that BHM gives me something new. A documentary or performance or whatever. I still like it, and I think there is still some impact even if it's not a WHOLE lot.
"If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?"
No. It is a difficult thing to undo racial socialization… and white people, largely, are not willing to confront their own racism, which is the first step in undoing all that. If ~60% of the population continues to stick their fingers in their ears with regard to racism, and pretend to be "colorblind," then there will be little progress.
Great post! I think many people who are in such a hurry to declare our society "post racial" are the same people who are quick to tell you that they personally have not discriminated against other races. They say they are being blamed for the mistakes made by the generations who came before them. What they fail to realize is that they continually benefit from those mistakes. Or maybe they do realize it, but accepting that also means accepting the fact that perhaps they are no more 'deserving' of their station in life than someone of less eduation and means, and likely of another color.
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1) Is Black History Month obsolete? If not, what purpose does it currently serve in your life as opposed to American History?
Yes, but not for reasons in this article. The actual struggle and movement needs to be emphasized more, not just the first person to do this or that. When I was at a school and I saw teachers had black history posters about Michael Jordan and Karl Malone, I realized it's time to reconsider how we approach Black History Month.
2) Do you believe America is post-racial?
LMAO!
3) Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you?
Not much. Just that George W. Bush messed up so bad that white people were willing to vote for a black guy over whatever candidate the Republicans would put forth.
4) Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial?
No, because I consider society as not post-racial based on several factors. No one milestone would change that.
5) If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?
I don't. Humans love hate, and humans love whining. As this article shows, if your position of privilege is challenged, then the majority whines about reverse racism.
America isn’t post-racial. I am reminded of that every time I read an article about a Black person on Yahoo! Or CNN and read the comments. People are so racist its disgusting. I hate reading the comments but I do it anyway, to remind myself that “sh*t is real out here”. Black History Month wasnt even mentioned in the High School I graduated from. And this was in the new millenium! Btw if a Caucasian woman trips and falls, its Obama’s fault. If a Caucasian man gets sick from his meal from a fast food restaurant, its Obama’s fault. This is all per the comments I read below news articles on the internet. People liike to say there isn’t racism because we have a Black president. I actually have seen racism be more overt since Obama’s election and NOBODY respects him. If these news commentators talked that much crap about ANY other president, they would be unemployed. But everyone has free reign to disrespect the president and his wife. Post-racial my little booty…just tell that to the White Supremicist (sp?) group that have a rally here in Atlanta this week! 🙂
1) Is Black History Month obsolete? It depends. If not, what purpose does it currently serve in your life as opposed to American History? Black history is not American History…two different stories. A lot of black people don't even read let alone share the story of our historical greatness with their children. So, I appreciate the little facts that are shared in February.
2) Do you believe America is post-racial? HECK NO.
3) Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you? You may not really want to know what this conspiracy theorist thinks. To sum it up, President's Obama's victory was God's last appeal to us as blacks that—if they don't respect The President, how in the world do you EVER expect respect.
4) Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial?
I don't think so.
5) If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not? America, as it is NOW will NEVER be 'post-racial'. Yet, we will continue to be gullible and think that one day we will receive equal treatment in a place that was set totally against Us. A change is not gone come in the way that we think.
I apologize in advance for what will most likely be a lengthy post.
I'm gonna start by saying, I hate, hate, HATE Black History Month. There are several reasons why – the main one being that having gone to predominantly white schools all my life, I've always been looked at as the unofficial spokesperson for "my special month", although my family is East African and I was learning just as much about Black-American history as my white classmates (when I was little, at least). But the fact that Black History month is so limited in context goes beyond my personal gripes with it – its a disservice to the acknowledgement of the Black experience. Black History did not begin with the slave trade and end in the Civil Rights movement. There are just so many parts of Black History, both in the global diaspora and in our coverage of Black-American history, that are just disrespected. And don't even get me started on Kwanzaa, and other retardations of "African" culture…moving on.
Post-racial, along with color-blindness are just faux idealist notions. Like communism, they're thoughts that sound ideal originally, but are completely impractical when applied, and once given further examination, wasn't even that ideal in the first place. Honestly, what does post-racial even mean? As long as we are human beings, we will always have the ability to acknowledge and discern people by their differences from us. If it's not skin color, it gender, or secksual orientation, or height, or religion….the list goes on and on. The point isn't to pretend that our differences don't exist — its to acknowledge peoples differences without defining them by it. And I don't know if we're steadily going in that direction.
Why is Kwanzaa a "retardation" of African culture?
F**k CNN and their Faux news-wannabe a$$. MSNBC is what's up.
First of all, we have to understand that racial, was a term that was introduced by a Black author. It does not mean racism. I think the conversation up until this point has all been about racism and not racialism, which are two different phenoms. Can America ever really be post-racial? I actually think it's closer that than it's ever been. Are there any people who really have preserved their race line in America anymore? I was surprised to be talking to one of my boys the other day and he said to me, "J, I don't really tlak about this a lot cause it sounds bad but i'm like 100% Anglo-Saxon, unless someone lied their whole lives, my family for some reason works hard to preserve that." When you think about it that way, it's easy to see that race is going away.
Is racism still alive? Yes, it is impossible to rid yourself of competition. People will use anything they can to oppress you. People have to come to grips with the fact that it stings when you can't change it, and that's the reason why we're so concerned with race all the time. Racism is different, but it's still there. This isn't about that though.
Is Black History Month Obsolete? No, because Black people like putting their name on ish. We have MLK's bday, Black History Month, a memorial and a Black President. It's really important that we have those things. I wonder if people even know how the month came about. I'm guess most people don't. Do we need it? Probably, but as long as we have Black History month, we'll always be black Americans. And I think that King's goal was for us all to be Americans. We spend more time during the month teaching our own about their history that they should already know, than working to make sure that our history is American history.
I so agree with this entire post. Great questions!! I am answering out of order but here goes:
Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you?
Obama's victory was bittersweet. Progress, a miracle, a blessing for those children coming after him. Then there is this reality of it. I try not to harp on it too much, but the reality of it is, when Barack Obama was elected it gave us the ACTUAL racial temperature of the country. Not the perceived view many of us had. Actually, during his election process, for those who paid attention, it showed the racial temperature. Considering he was the first person in history to NEED Secret Service protection for him and his family while campaigning, has received the highest number of death threats, etc – shouldn't that have told us something? Skip watching everyone crying at the election (some out of happiness, others out of sheer horror) and look at what really happens. How often lawmakers have disrespected him. How people believe they can say anything or do anything to him. Simply because of his skin color? Then there is the disrespect Mrs. Obama endures. They've even went after the children. From the cartoons and the side-comments that are made. It's a true showing at the actual temperature of the country. Before, people were in their respective areas, neighborhoods and communities fa-la-la-laing along. After the election, it got serious.
Is Black History Month obsolete?
Never. The cliche that Black history is American history is true. Other cultures are sure to highlight their contribution to the country. Why wouldn't we? I really believe sometimes we need a cultural slap in the face to remind us we come from great things. Alas, many of us just have no idea.
Do you believe America is post-racial? If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?
No. Nein. Nyet. Hell naw. It won't be for a very long time. I doubt in my lifetime I will see it. The only way America will become post-racial is if some M. Night Shamalan/War of the Worlds/Battlestar Gallatica ish goes down and we have to fight against something else collectively. People will always choose to marginalize others for the sake of getting ahead. It's been happening for thousands of years. Although all of us can make headway on how we interact with others in or daily lives (being more tolerant of others, being open to meeting new people, having different neighbors, not pre-judging someone based on skin color) it will take years of consistent non-racial incidents to bring peace on that level.
Also, just as a special note, I was taken aback with Toure's recent book. I don't understand how a black man in America can believe it's post-racial. I mean, I understand when you have money, the green speaks it's own language. But wasn't it just a few years ago that they wouldn't let Jay Z buy a condo in a specific building because the tenant association voted against him? Yeah. Ok. And how many other examples are still out there about racial/cultural violence against a warring groupJust saying.
Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial? Difficult to answer. Possibly if I didn't see as much unfairness as I do out in the world based on race? Racism these days is so covert. Every now and then, there'll be someone who is in our faces with it and doesn't care (like the David Dukes of the world) but mostly it's those small quips and statements people make. Or priviledge people assert both consciously and unconsciously. So, if we could live better as a whole- home ownership, access to better education & healthcare, etc I may begin to see it leveling. I live my life as a Black woman and always will. I will raise my children as Black. I don't see myself as ever buying into the post-racial kool-aid.
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Great article WIM!
America, and the world for that matter, is not post-racial. White supremacy is so embedded in every aspect of the world, from business, to the global economy, to beauty and self image. There is no escaping it. While I wish I could say black history month was more effective, its far from obsolete because its so desperately needed.
Great article!
1) Is Black History Month obsolete? If not, what purpose does it currently serve in your life as opposed to American History?
I have always felt that BHM is extremely obsolete, the very notion that Black History can be separated off from American History is of itself a sign that America is not post-racial. Everybody knows who Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, & Harriet Tubman are….. so why are these the topics of discussion even during BHM? What is the purpose of having a month of separation where we teach redundancy?
It would serve more purpose in my eyes if people were learning about Maggie Walker, Alexander Twilight, Huey Newton, Joe Louis Clark, etc..
2) Do you believe America is post-racial?
Refer to earlier comment…..
The very notion that Black History can be separated off from American History is of itself a sign that America is not post-racial
3) Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you?
Pretty much meant that the best candidate had won, but likely due to several wrong reasons. Sure it meant that America had made massive strides heading into the right direction, but with many people not even knowing what Barack stood for & instead merely voting for him because of him being half-BLACK….. well it's the same thing in my eyes as most people watching a black produced/directed film just because a need to support black.
If Obama were not the best available candidate, I would like to hope that he would not have been elected into office just because of his skin color.
4) Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial?
If BHM was to one day not even be a thought, that would mean that blacks have no longer found reason to fight at all. If ever a day came where blacks have absolutely no fight, one could only believe the reasoning to be because we have reached a state of post-racism.
5) If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?
Nope, hate is a trait that the human race knows only too well….. We love to hate, thus we will never IMO reach a state of being a post-racial America.
I personally can't stand the idea of Black History Month. While I think it is important for our people to receive recognition for the ever-present "contributions" we have made to the development and continual progression of this country, learning about said Black history should obviously not be limited to one month. To me, Black History Month is the equivalent of hearing an Oscar acceptance speech wherein the winner thanks everyone by name and even goes on to detail the specific involvement in their success. Then, at the very end, says "Oh yeah and I'd also like to thank all of my fans (aka the little people). I couldn't have done it without you guys!" My point? Black history (as well as the history of any race that has had anything to do with the development and/or success of this country) should be taught and discussed throughout the year.
Wow that is NOT everything I wrote. Must've gotten a bit lengthy lol. I'll TRY to be concise then.
IMO, America is not post-racial. Our attention has simply been averted to other things that we deem more important or interesting or modern. Like freedom to marry whichever sex you choose, troops in *insert country we are not wanted in here*, gas prices, health plans, ecominc crisis, NBA lockouts, ect. Its easier to check racial issues off the list as done (because we've made an "honest attempt" to solve the problem but eh whatcha gonna do).
Obama's being elected president didn't really mean too-too much to me (with respect to racial issues in America) simply because I wasn't buying into the "we shall overcome" everyone was singing at the moment. I hate to be cynical but, in my opinion, it may just be a reflection of White America's "tolerance" of other races (namely the Black race).
….and the rest (since they made me split it up)
I believe that leveling the playing field would work the best. So the event that would make be "believe in love again" would be equal education across the board. At least on a K-12 level. That way no one is getting a head start or unfair disadvantage due to funding or the lack thereof. That's just one piece of the pie, but we've gotta start yet somewhere.
I believe a post-racial America achievable, in a George Lucas' imagination sort of way. But I'm not banking on seeing it happen any time soon. But then again, our parents or grandparents probably never thought they would see a Black president in their lifetimes.
"Let’s be honest with ourselves, many of us are simply selfish"
I 100% agree with everything from this statement on. And the stuff before it.
Answers to questions:
1) Is Black History Month obsolete? If not, what purpose does it currently serve in your life as opposed to American History?
I honestly think we should celebrate black and American history all year round. We should also learn about the history of other cultures besides just Vietnamese, Asian and Middle Eastern and folks who we've fought wars with and who we do business with. Folks would be surprises at how very well other countries know us and we are clueless about them. A friend of mine from Zimbabwe said he learned all about American history and culture in grade school. I told him we didn't learn much of anything about Africa, especially not Zimbabwe.
2) Do you believe America is post-racial? According to the definition per your disussion no.
3) Relative to a measurement of post-racial America, what did Obama’s victory mean to you? 4) Is there any one event or group of events that would allow you to view America as post-racial? 5) If you believe it an achievable goal, do you think America will be post-racial in your lifetime? Why or why not?
Great post, WIM, as usual very well written.
In my humble opinion -there is no such THING as a postracial America and neither should that be a goal. The civil rights movement did not want an America that was color blind but one that embraced all colors, creeds, and backgrounds-embracing implies an acknowledgement, respect, and at times an all out celebration of what makes us different.
I do not want to ever not be seen as a black woman-thats who I am, it changes the arc of my life experience and what I bring to the table in any social or professional setting, and that is OK. The goal is to have other people see that and EMBRACE that I am different rather than QUESTION why I am different for reasons like you said WIM I cannot change.
President Obama was elected by some people because he was Black, by others because he was the better candidate (me), and by the majority of people who like a GOOD story (me), of triumph over what has always been by what can now be. His election did not signify a shift in the way we look at race because for many people there are still the 'good' black people and the 'bad' ones.
Finally, black history month is not obsolete but the way we celebrate it is. I am tired of black people voicing their dislike of black history month because they are as guilty as the white counterparts they scold for forgetting what the whole point of the month is in the first place. It is a celebration of a community in a positive light, coverage of our lives in a way that CNN and other media outlets don't quite live up to all year round. It should be an acknowledgement of what we've done, what we're doing, and where we're going-unless everybody is ok with VH1 reality shows being our only face in the media on a consistent basis.
answer to number 2 again is no – I agree with your statements Wis. I think we still have a long long way to go…and I doubt very seriously we as human beings will ever evolve to the level of "perfection" where the answer to that question is yes.
3. His victory definitely meant making some serious strides and folks getting their priorities straight and realizing that some things regarding politics are way more impnt than the color of one's skin. I think white corporate america has gotten smarter and realizes that it's about choosing the best person for the job, regardless of skin color. From the impeccable way Obama campaigned everybody knew he was the best man for the job…..especially considering everything that happened during the Bush administration.
4. No nothing makes me think America is post-racial. I think it's much more subtle and folks are more politically correct because they don't want to get sued or slandered and at the end of the day the most impnt color is "green." I think racism exist and probably always will. Just not as strong and prevelant as it was in the 1900's because those things folks used to get away with are illegal now. One thing we have as black people to a degree is the law on our side. However, some folks still buy into stereotypes and constantly judge other people, and that is the root of the racism.
Again I doubt very seriously we will ever reach that level of perfection. But one can always hope.