Asia Times Online :: Asian News, Business and Economy.
Black and white and barely read at all
By Muhammad CohenLast week, Senator Barack Obama gave the most important speech on race in America since Martin Luther King shared his dream 45 years ago. But instead of focusing on Obama’s thoughtful words, Americans seem more intent on the sayings of the preacher Obama denounced.
In speaking fundamental truths about black and white under the stars and stripes, Obama’s speech challenged Americans to prove we want intelligent debate on key issues. So far, America is failing that test as badly as it has so many racial trials, preferring simple sound bites that reduce a vivid, vibrant society to a different kind of black and white
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Now, after eight years of Reagan’s political heir George W Bush and his simple but wrong answers leaving a legacy of crises at home and abroad, you’d think America would be ready to elevate the degree of difficulty. Reactions to Obama’s speech indicate otherwise. Rather than considering the points he makes about race relations – or, yikes, reading the speech – reactions center around whether the Illinois senator sufficiently distanced himself from Wright.
It might be that Americans can’t handle complexities. Don’t underestimate the capacity of voters to confuse and misunderstand. A poll last week showed most Americans oppose Republican nominee-in-waiting John McCain’s policy prescriptions for Iraq, yet they say he’d do the best job on the issue as president.
But the reaction to Obama and his speech goes beyond seeking simple answers. It’s about avoiding the honest racial introspection he’s asking us to undertake. Despite Obama’s urging to the contrary, Americans would indeed prefer “to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality”. Make no mistake, race is a key factor in reactions to and the coverage of Obama’s speech.
Sorry, but I just think it’s hilarious that “Muhammad Cohen” wrote this outstanding article on the black/white thing in America. Good reading. Sad story.
Robot Pirate Ninja 