In October 2015, New York Magazine ran an article entitled the paradox of the first black President. The paradox was that a black President seemed unable to get more done to progress black society.
The Paradox of the First Black President -- NYMag: "There is a photo by Pete Souza, the White House’s canny and peripatetic photographer, that surfaces from time to time online.....They would more likely say: One cannot have that photo without a massive reaction to that photo. In a country whose basic genetic blueprint includes the same crooked mutations that made slavery and Jim Crow possible, it is not possible to have a black president surrounded by black aides on Marine One without paying a price. And the price that Obama has had to pay — and, more important, that African-Americans have had to pay — is one of caution, moderation, and at times compromised policies: The first black president could do only so much, and say only so much, on behalf of other African-Americans. That is the bittersweet irony of the first black presidency."
But now it seems clear why he could only get so much done, not just for blacks but for everyone. From Mitch McConnell's stated aims of one term Obama and the control of the Supreme Court to the election of Donald Trump a year ago, it has been clearly demonstrated how progress can be scary to those who feel they call the shots. Much of the resistance against Obama in power is unfortunately based in racism. Hopefully, this is racism in an aging demographic who need to relinquish power to younger and more diverse successors. It is clear this is a deep problem.
What Do American Teens Want? Less Racism: "The most compelling findings show that race and discrimination are crucial issues for teens today. In 1966, 44 percent of American teens thought racial discrimination would be a problem for their generation. Now nearly twice as many—82 percent—feel the same way. The outlook is more alarming among black teens: Ninety-one percent think discrimination is here to stay, up from 33 percent in 1966."
Better news is that we still seem to admire character over skin color as Obama edges out Trump as most-admired man - POLITICO. Glass half full, progress continues, but sometimes it's one step back to be better positioned to take the two steps forward.
"Obama edged out Trump, 17 percent to 14 percent, to win his 10th most-admired title. He won the year he was elected president, each year in the White House and his first year out of office. Only former President Dwight Eisenhower has won Gallup’s most-admired title more times than Obama has. (Eisenhower was so named 12 times)."
Next year's poll will be interesting....as Michelle said "power doesn’t change who you are—“it reveals who you are.”" Michelle Obama and Us - The New Yorker
Comments