Wednesday, February 28, 2007

BARACK OBAMA, MY FRIENDS AND ME

I am thinking back to the discussion of Barack Obama's run for the Presidency of the United States that took place in our Changing Racism class weeks ago. I have a general idea of the conversions, but do not remember exactly what everyone said. What I do remember was the tone of the conversation. We struggled together to find words to express our reactions to his campaign, to the editorial comments of the media, and to the website information from his church. I remember a wait and see attitude -- a desire to watch him negotiate the perilous waters of journalists and public opinion. There was hopefulness in the room.

Today I participated in a conversation about Barack Obama that addressed the same issues discussed in class and in our assigned readings. The difference was that this conversation was with an entirely white group of people.

To say I was shocked is an understatement.

This group of well educated, intelligent, well-meaning people expressed some of the most unreasonable, judgemental, and divisive opinions and ideas that I have heard in a long time. Statements like, "Black people think...." or "Blacks can't find a way to...." or even "Colored people represent colored people...."

I was appalled.

When did the black community become a monolith that could be dismissed with generalization? When did people of color become so transparent that people who don't even know them can tell what motivates them how they will react? When did it become us versus them and not Democrats versus Republicans or conservatives versus liberals?

When did these friends become bigots?

I remain quiet for a while and finally give voice to my disapproval of their dismissal of the man because of his color. I wonder aloud about their commitment to the community and to inclusivity.

Then I cross a line.

I ask them about their baptismal vows. I talk about respecting the dignity of every human being, including Barack Obama. I ask them if the Body of Christ is for whites only.

I tell them that I am embarrassed by them and hope that they will open their hearts and their minds. They offer awkward apologies and say they don't understand me and didn't mean to hurt my feelings.

I tell them it is not about me, but I fear it is.