Keli Goff, a political analyst and author who has made numerous appearances on CNN and FOX, posted an (as always) intelligent entry on her blog called “You Gotta Believe.” I think Keli is just terrific. I wrote a rather lengthy comment to post on the blog, and I thought I’d share it here on my site, too. Here’s the link to the C-Span Chris Matthews program I refer to. Here is my comment:
I caught a bit of Chris Matthews on C-Span before the Iowa caucuses, and I was charmed by his forthcoming response to Obama’s campaign. He said that his Boomer generation really had to deal with race and racism in ways that the youngest members of Gen X and all of Y do not. He said that, as a kid, it was big deal if there was a “Black kid” in the class, and that was something his generation would go home and tell their Greatest Generation parents. Young people today don’t do that. Race is certainly used to describe a “Black kid” or “White kid” or whatever, but there is a very different value attached to race by younger Americans. Matthews said he, like a lot of white Americans, is standing on one side of the racial divide, the side that is honestly struggling with internalized racism and trying to emerge better citizens, and looking across the racial divide at the stalwarts of ol’ school prejudice and racism, into the faces of their white counterparts there, and urging them to cross over and join them on the path to healing. I thought that was a powerful revelation, and I think Matthews articulated the thoughts of many others with backgrounds similar to his.
Having said that, I really don’t think that many white folk are in a dilemma over Obama’s race. I think there are more older white Americans standing with Matthews than there are on the other side. Maybe we, Black folk, should drop the issue of color. After all, why are we so shocked that a bright, articulate, empowered, graceful Senator from the African American community is inspiring so many Americans’ hope for substantive improvement through innovation and change? Clearly, the average American is there with Matthews – and they’re over it. We should get over it, too.
Comment(s)
Girl, maybe in nyc, and I say ‘maybe….I would have to disagree. After living for a year in the midwest, I don’t think anyone, particular most white Americans, have gotten over it.
Comment(s)
Am I too optimistic? Is my glass half full? Am I sheltered New Yorker in community with hip folk from around the world? I hear you… Maybe I was just buggin.
Comment(s)
Well I believe! (yes I am the ‘whitest white girl’ from your English class last semester). I want everyone to believe Obama’s message of hope and unity for America. Listening to his Iowa victory speech made me feel like anything was possible. I don’t think this is just an optimistic NY feeling. I’ve been surprised by the young white republicans I know who are feeling the Obama feelings. (and they’re not from NYC). I agree that younger generations don’t have as much ‘internalized racism.’ There is, however, a lot of divisiveness in the country. Obama seems to transcend all of that.
Comment(s)
Thanks so much for your comment, Joy. It’s good to hear that some of the young folk you know are crossing racial and party lines to connect to Obama’s promise of a hopeful, united, future America. And it’s just good to hear from you. I hope you had an amazing holiday season. 🙂
Comment(s)
Is it Camelot I see in the distance?
Comment(s)
I hope so, Amanda! 🙂
Comment(s)
I have recently discovered Chris Matthews’ show as a result of following this election so closely, and I find him very refreshing and forthright. Sometimes I also think that we black folk (especially those over 30) need to “get over it.” But only “sometimes.” LOL. I do think things have improved A LOT racially, especially over the past 20 years or so, and we have to work harder to not imagine it when it’s not there but to also recognize and deal with it when it is.
Comment(s)
That’s a balanced comment, Connie. The mountaintop has a brilliant, shining summit. We can be blinded by the light, especially as we approach that highest level of human interaction. As African Americans, I think your point, that we have to make sure we note the improvements your comment acknowledges and also see racism clearly when it is present, is a great one.
I say: “Go, Obama, go!” Come on people, we still have a ways left to climb. Let’s do it together.