The America I Know is Dead...
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...and good riddance to it.
Beware, folks. This could be a long one.
So...that thing happened last night. You may have caught it on the news. Some black guy won something-or-other in some country. I know. Kinda crazy, right?
So, about a month ago I outted myself as a racist on my girl Charles' mog.
Sorry, this isn't quite coming together the way I planned. It's sort of like...where to start?
The first time I was ever called a nigger was by my best. We were children. It was in the middle of a argument. Can't remember what it was about, but apparently it was pretty heated. We were almost to the point of coming to blows when...a single word uttered took the air out of the room.
The fight never happened.
I wish it had.
Cuts and bruises heal a lot faster.
As a black man in America, you don't grow up hating white people. You just don't trust them. No matter how close you get to one, there's always that sense that, "If the shit hits the fan...I'm just a nigger to him." And that's just life. That's what you believe. It doesn't make you angry. It doesn't make you bitter. It just makes you careful. There's just always that bit of distance.
But, it also makes you kind of numb. The bouncer who looked me right in the eyes and said, "We don't allow black people in here." No big deal. The old lady who walked past me as I went with my pregnant white girlfriend to the doctor's office that called me a nigger...for no reason...just looked at me and said "Nigger!" as she went by. Nothing. When I went to that same girlfriend's parents' house for the first time...we rang the doorbell...her sister came out, pulled her inside saying she needed to talk to her...closed the door behind them leaving me outside...when that girlfriend came back outside a few minutes later with this look of shame and guilt on her face..."Baby, don't sweat it. You go in there and enjoy your sister's birthday party. I'll see you back at home." Sure, you might want to punch someone in the face every once in a while. If it happens out at a bar, and some drunk, cocky, fucker just gets too full of himself and lets the word fly, he's very likely to catch a quick lesson in humility. But, on the other hand, it's like..."Well, at least this person is honest about it. Because deep down inside, they're all the same. They all will call us 'niggers' in the right situation."
And that world shattered last night.
For the last couple months, it had been kinda crumbling already. 3 times in the last month-or-so, Obama supporters have knocked on my door encouraging me to get out and vote early. The first time, a sixty-something year old white woman. The second time, there were two of them. The third time, a gray-haired old white man. What?!!? The people I would expect to be MOST racist and behind the times...they're telling me to get out and excercise my vote. I'm riding the bus home from work one afternoon...there's two more wearing their Obama buttons, clipboard in hand.
And even so, there's this thought it the back of my head, "This old lady could be giving me the wrong address. She could be sending me to somewhere they're PRETENDING to take people's votes, just so we won't be at the polls on November 4th."
That's not a joke. When the old lady who knocked on my door jotted down the address of the early voting station, I tossed it on my desk. But, when I wanted to know where I could vote early, I looked it up at BarackObama.com. And if I hadn't lost track of the piece of paper she gave me later on, I would have checked her address against his to see if I couldn't expose some huge conspiracy.
They're cool...but you just don't trust 'em.
But, I'VE been wrong.
Ya know, in the beginning, when I listened to Barack Obama talk about "Change" and people coming together, I just automatically thought, "Yeah, these white people need to let this racism shit go." But, I was only getting half the message. It took a long time before I heard, "Troy, you need to let YOUR racism go." And when I finally heard it...when I finally saw it for what it was...it fucked me up. It fucked me up, bad.
But, here we are. President Elect Barack Obama. And it never could have happened without TENS OF MILLIONS of white Americans...without a shred of hate in their hearts getting out there and making it happen.
The man isn't even in office yet, and already I can't express how much my world has changed. I feel like an American for the first time in my life.
I don't know what else to say.
I've been wrong about the world.
Thank God.
Comments (32)
One of your last sentences in this sums it up for me.... For the first time, a lot of blacks truly feel like we're Americans now.....and not just people who live in the U.S.
One thing I'm worried about though.....
America has a habit of building people up and tearing them down. I just hope Barack is given enough time to work his magic
Hey Troy...reading your post gave me shivers. I grew up in Lorain, OH (very, very close to you!) as a tiny little white girl going to school with a racially diverse group. It didn't bother me a bit...even though my mom was from Southern OH and had her own opinions, it was just that...HER opinion. I remember very clearly when I was about 8 years old she called someone the n-word (I can't even bring myself to type it!) and I bawled and made her feel like a terrible person. I honestly think it helped her change her ways because her opinions are no longer the same. On to my point...reverse discrimination was the bane of my existence for a very long time. It was heartbreaking, truly, when all I wanted was for the black kids to accept me but I was always met by resistance. I understand it, yet, I don't. I've never been prejudiced or racist, but I must confess, those earlier years tried my convictions. I guess I got a taste of how many black people feel...the heartbreaking unfairness of it all. I'd never in a million years suggest it was the same, but I can relate. Your realization made me cry, and really does give me hope! Almost every single friend of mine (white and black!) voted for Obama, and the race issue was never even a factor! I think that yes, times...they are a'changing...
Frost: Yeah, it's crazy. In just a short time I've gone from feeling like someone who just lives in America, to feeling like an AMERICAN. That's exactly what it is.
And I'm not worried about him being torn down, or screwing up. I think enough people in this world want things to go the right way, we wouldn't let him fail. If other people's minds around the country and around the world are changing like mind...this simply can't go wrong.
Hap: Nice to meet ya! Yeah, Lorain is right around my way. Let me say that I don't make any excuses for being the way I am. No matter what my experiences have been, for me to project a certain image onto an entire group of people based on the actions of a few is wrong, and it's part of the problem. It's part of the reason we are where we are as a people. It doesn't matter how well I can justify it. People are people. Race is just something imaginary. I can't expect others to see that if I can't see it myself. I think MLK said "The old rule of an eye for an eye leaves everybody blind." And I've definitely been blind.
So, hopefully the people you grew up with are coming to some realizations of their own. It really is a new world today.
Nice to meet you, too! How's Clevo doing these days? My mom lives on the west side but I don't go out much when I visit...I hear The Flats are struggling. I sure miss Coventry, though! At least...the Coventry I used to know back in the day (the 80's/90's...I'm old).
In reference to that lovely quote of MLK's...I'm pretty sure that a lot of white people are blind to the amount of racism that still exists. I took a multicultural diversity class several years ago and the discussions held in that class could have started a war! It was tough for even me to see the amount of racism that still exists, so I had my own little epiphany there...I guess because it's not as blatant it's harder to see. But...for the first time in many, many years, I have faith in our country! I've even had that corny-ass "Proud to be an American" song stuck in my head all day! :) Anyway...we're all human...it's time we all started looking out for each other and working on the human condition instead of being divisive with race or social hierarchy or whatever...
Cleveland is...Clevelan. 'Nuff said. :D
Yeah, The Flats are pretty dead most of the times. When the weather is really nice, you still get a good crowd at Shooter's though. But, for the most part, the crowd is on W. 6th. But, it's jumpin' over there. Coventry is still very entertaining. I live in Cleveland Heights, so that's my spot. Good for partying all night, or just copping a squat and watching the weird Coventry folk stroll by. Good times.
Oh, and thanks for putting that damned "Proud to be an American" song in my head.
God I love this post. So, so much. It makes ME proud to be where I am. When I walked out of that voting booth, I felt so good because I felt that I voted for change. I have never been interested in politics until these last few months, and since the time I decided to start getting involved, I have devoured every book and article I could get my hands on so that I could formulate my own opinion and make it so that I was involved in the world around me in an educated manner. With that being said, I was ecstatic walking into and out of that voting booth.
Now, to me, race has never been an issue in my life. I grew up in the city with friends from every race, creed and background. It was never something I thought about. They were my friends and maybe looked a little different from me. However, that didn't really span across the generations of people in my family.
I had a long talk with my mother last night, and she made some points that kind of disturbed me, but also clarified things for me. I am the oldest grandson in a very large family. Mom has 4 sisters, grandmothers has 6 sisters, all of them are married and I have a ton of cousins and such. Now, in the midst of all these people, there are hardly any common thoughts regarding politics and world issues that everyone agrees with. It's sad, but it's true. The older generation (my grandmother and her sisters, mostly a few of her sisters) are very "old school". They grew up in a time where racial segregation was the "norm" (even in the northeast where it was as prevelant as other areas of the country), and they are VERY conservative. So much so that some of the things they say make me stop in my tracks and drop my jaw. They make no sense, they pertain to nothing about what is happening in today's world, and they are so black and white (no pun intended) that is pretty much scares the shit out of me.
I have argued, at length, with these septagenarians over these things and they are so adamant that I have to leave the room and compose myself. They still think that we live in a world where Communist Russia is still out to get us, that the U.S. is the lone "superpower" in the world and class divisions within the country should govern how we do things. When, in reality, the world is nothing like that. It visibly frustrates me and makes Thanksgiving a little tense at times. Politics and religion have both been banned from the dinner table. Which kinda sucks because I have a degree in religion and love to argue with them about it and since I take a scholarly stance on things rather than a spiritual stance, they think I am the devil. It's great. Anyway.....
Back to the conversation I was having with my mom last night. I was talking about those members of my fammily who are so "old school" and how it physically makes me sick when they say certain things. My mom made a really good point, although it doesn't necessarily validate what they say. She said that you have to look at the way they were raised, but more importantly at the time they were raised and the world they were raised in. It is what they know. However sad it may be, it is true. I have read many times that racism is not something you are born with, it is something you are taught. I think that is absolutely true, yet unfortunate. However, I think interpreting the word "taught" is important here. I don't think it necessarily means that someone sat them down and said "you have to feel this way about XXXXXX". I think it is more like they were taught by what was going on around them. Of course, my response is "well, doesn't anyone think for themselves and realize that something is wrong?". Well, I wish that was true for everyone, but unfortunately it only happens with a select few, like the people who came to your home to ask you to vote for Obama.
Now, with our generation (I am 30, so I am not sure exactly what that means), we are obviously more of a free-thinking type and are more apt to make our own decisions and feelings on things regardless of the environment. And, my mom's generation is sort of the bridge between our generation and that of our grandparents. So, in that middle generation I think it goes one of two ways. My mom, for instance, is a Republican but she is not at all as conservative as your typical republican. She actually likes Obama a lot and has very high hopes for him. Where am I going with this? Moving along....
The N-word makes me shudder every time I hear it, no matter who says it. In certain contexts, like music for instance, I can tolerate it. Even monikers like black, African-American and the like bother me. You are not black. You are not African American. You are not White, Chinese, Mexican or Irish. You are Troy or Matt or Annie or whoever. You are American. You are a friend, a relative or a loved one. You are not your heritage. You are who you are. Yes, celebrating your heritage and what made you who you are today are important, but when you stand in front of me you are "you". Unfortunately, most people don't see it that way. But, I sense that with the election of Obama, things are start to sway in that direction. I hope and I pray that it does, I really do. Obama's message, when looked at properly, is "we can" and/or "we will". There is a strong sentiment there, and that sentiment is that he cannot do it alone. We need to work together, regardless of our difference, to right the wrong and put everything in order. Not once did he ever say "I am" or "I will" or any sort of "look at me" type of statement. All along he has used the collective "we" to say that one man cannot do it alone and that is where we have failed in the past, especially the recent past. That is the reason why I think Obama won; he never made it about race or creed or whatever. Yes, of course, I think it is an enormous win for our culture and for breaking down social barriers. It means that we all have a voice, one not louder than another. That is something we have been lacking for so, so long.
I overheard some moron talking the other day, and he said he wasn't going to vote for Obama because he thinks that it will give others (meaning minority groups) a sense of entitlement. I almost spit my coffee all over this guy. Luckily, a like-minded friend of mine was with me and calmly said to the guy "well, what's wrong with a sense of entitlement? Who doesn't deserve to feel entitled? We (meaning white people) have had a sense of entitlement for as far back in history that one can go, often times a false sense of entitlement. What's wrong with giving everyone that opportunity?" I still wanted to punch the guy in his ear, but he sheepishly responded with something like "well.....um...I don't know....I guess...." and we walked away. Then on Wednesday, the same guy approached my friend at the coffee shop and said "I thought about what you said and you were right. I went with my gut and voted for Obama. Thank you." On the one hand, the fact that transpired is incredibly sad and maddening. But on the other hand, it also shows that we are at a point now where change is in the air, and everyone can adapt to it. I look forward to our future.
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wow....that was long and rambling. my bad.
Sooooo...Matty Mac...got shit on your mind? Go ahead. Let it out. Don't hold back. :)
Well, I think just the fact that it only took a few words from your friend to make this guy totally re-evaluate his stance on such an important subject says a lot. It says, he was on the fence already, and just needed some direction. The fact that he said he went with his "gut" (which, to me, translates to "heart") says that he knew he was just holding on to some out-dated beliefs. I'm proud to live in a time where people are tearing down those walls. I personally feel much happier being able to look at a person next to me and think of him as my fellow man, rather than a white man. I see good times ahead.
At the same time, I know it's not over. I know that 48% of American voters voted McCain, and a lot of them voted simply because they couldn't stand the thought of having a black man in the white house. I look at the county maps and see that the major metropolitan areas of states were blue, but everything outside of that was red. I know that we've got a long way to go. But, just knowing that a lot of the people who are holding on to racism are on the fence...they're ready to lay it down and see the world with new eyes...there's hope. It's not just a buzz word. I feel it.
And as far as the "old school" (lol...if that isn't the most PC term I've heard for it...) members of your family, I guess I can't really be mad at them. I mean...we're just a very few generations from slavery. Barely a generation away from the Civil Rights movement. You can't really get mad at what was. There's no point in it. And the way they think, it's just a remnant of what was. You just gotta let it be, and rejoice in the fact that it will pass. Your grandmothers are "old school." Your mother is where she is...we're even further along, and hopefully one day my daughter will look at me and ask, "Daddy, what was racism?" Ya know. All of that will soon be something that's only in history books.
The first President my daughter will remember will be Barack Obama. An entire generation of people will grow up, and their first memories of anything to do with Presidents and elections will be right now. It's going to be hard for any of these children to grow up with even a shred of racism. It's just fading away, man. So, you can't really stand in these times and be mad at what was. It all had to evolve from something. That was then. You just gotta kinda chuckle and think, "Look how far we've come."
See, now you've got me rambling.
Next up: Gays
Oh, don't EVEN get me started on those damn gays! Haahahaha...gay runs in my family so I can't say shit about that! And not that I would, anyway...it don't make me none! ;)
Funny, Matty Mac and I had similar conversations with our mothers last night!! I called my mom to wish her a happy birthday and she had just gotten off the phone with my grandma who is, ahem, "old school". I guess she's in a panic...thinks the world is about to end. *sigh*
Ahh...sounds like Coventry is about how I remember it! I used to be one of those freaks walking around...partying all night and whatnot. It's been a while since I've been there...years ago at a show at The Grog Shoppe. I only went to Shooters once or twice. 6th street...isn't that where Fat Fish Blue and Hilarities was/is? Also, there used to be a club around there YEARS ago called The Nine of Clubs...wasn't even old enough to get in there, but somehow managed to...that was when house music was starting to boom. Fond, fond memories of Cleveland. And it seems I can't get away...I've been told I have a Cleveland accent, whatever that means.
And I almost forgot...
...and I'm proud to be an American/where at least I know I'm free!!
Heehee...
Troy this is a post I have been waiting for you to write.
I got to say I didn't vote for Barack. You know my politics and when I saw the Libertarians had a full card on the ballot I just got giddy. I have to say this though, I almost voted for him BECAUSE he was black and I though it was about time we as a society should put this useless feeling of race hate behind us.
On the other side of the coin I don't see racism subsiding any time soon in Pennsylvania. I live in a hot bed of Repub. activity and when Obama won the election some of the people I thought were cool on race flipped and showed me how hateful they really are. Just being white they think I want in on the jokes and it makes me really uncomfortable.
I have more to say but I'm tired and I don't think I have it in me to write much more.
I do want to say I am happy for you and thanks for bringing the subject up in such a way that it makes me glad to see a crack in that stone heart of yours.
You rock my friend and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Troy, Where do I start. Your post was phenomenal. I Am sent me in your direction and I'm glad. Although I'm just a skinny-assed little white boy freak I know what growing up black in an american society is like. My brother was adopted, and he was around before I was, but he was a built, rather intimidating, black man and we grew up in the farmlands of northwestern New Jersey. As you can imagine it was tough to "get along" with others due to the color of his skin. It took so long for me to wrap my head around why people were so cruel to him. He had the biggest heart and was always there for you, a truely great person. When I think of the things he had to endure and still endure it sickens me. Anger I know is not the answer, but sometimes I really want to snap on these ignorant wastes of space. I hope that with Obama in power America can be cleansed of all this racial nonsense and everyone can come together to make this the best country in the world again.
Went to the polls in my Bears cap... and still the Red clipboard was passed to me on the way in... I just shook my head. I might foot the bill outwardly, but not, nor ever would I consider race to be a deciding factor in my vote.
Woke up to texts on my phone from Europe, "Hi. So, congratulations on the election of a new president. All of Europe was backing Obama, we are so happy and proud." You know, I felt like the kid brother that finally had an epithany about life and my older brother was looking over my shoulder nodding supreme knowledge. I felt like our country has finally taken an evolutionary step - become one of Professor Xavier's X-countries... glad you took an evolutionary step, too.
Peace
May we all see the light and go toward it without hesitation.
Troy I know you hate the sappy shit but I got to tell you these words will be with me for life. You have given me a new definition for black.
I got a story to tell you sometime about my own 'white shame' and what I am trying to do about it. It involves a fist bump and a 'brother' hug gone wrong.
Troy, this is an excellent post. It takes courage to speak this truth to what appears to be a bunch of white guys, and I am honored that you were able to share it with us. If this conversation is the only positive thing to come out of the election it is good. But I am optimistic that there will be more good things. And I too am excited that my son will see Obama as the first president he remembers. (I hope Cooper remembers, since he's not even 2, so hey, Obama better get that 2nd term!)
Chris- looking forward to both Obamageddon and the failed fist bump of shame.
PS
Troy, you need to put this post on Obama's transition website, change.gov.
They want to hear stories from folks about the election. Share it!
Weird, I didn't get a notif. on this. Great post Troy. Thanks for coming out of the racial closet, haha. I need some time to read & digest this post fully before I comment further.
After gays, do Greeks, please.
Wonderful post, Troy. Racism goes all ways, like a multi-headed monster. And it has so many forms. I never bothered with someone's skin colour, but back in Greece, you'd experience racism based on which country people come from, and specifically people from Albania (long story, I won't bore you with it).
Skin colour, sexual preferences, lifestyle choices, religion, its possibilities are frightening, really. But it's good to know that when the time calls for it, we are actually able to fucking put it aside, eliminate and crush it like a bug. It's worth a big fucking smile, at least.
I'm particularly proud to be your friend today. You have even more balls and clarity of mind than I thought you have.
Great post.
I said this in another post, but it really does feel like were at a point where we can get past finger pointing or blame and just say to each other "Listen, I might say some stupid shit, and maybe even say something offensive. But listen, I assure you that's out of my own ignorance or insenitivity, and I'm working to change that. So call me out on it, as I will you, but let's remember we have acommon goal in the end, and let's get past this point where were afraid to progress together because of what we believe the other person thinks"
I think were naturally biased to people we don't see like ourselves, and this does cause problems, but sometimes I think it's human nature as well. I think (regardless of race) we move to places where there are people like us (socio-economically). We can have black or white or indian or hispanic friends, but their usually at a similar education and income level. By nature we find people we relate with. Is this right? I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure classism will be the next hurdle we need to get over. I like living in cities for this reason. Even if I live around others like me, I am forced to associate with people who are not like me on a daily basis. Life is more interesting having to interact with others with different viewpoints.
First off, I'm thankful for all the positive feedback. With the comments slow to come in, I had feared either you guys just weren't feeling what I had to say, or figured I was a dick for admitting my own racism.
Not that you'd be wrong for thinking I'm a dick. But, I'm sure I've given you much better reasons that THAT over the years. :)
But, thanks for all the great comments. It's cool to hear your experiences and points of view.
Hap: You're an evil, evil woman. I'm glad you stopped by. :)
It's funny, I was reading something about a blog entry Ellen Degeneres made after the election. Apparently the very next day they passed a law in Cali banning same-sex marriage. So, she was basicly saying that right after we take this huge step towards unity and understanding, we take another huge step back.
Personally, I believe gay people are born gay. Therefore, how can it be wrong? You really expect me to believe that people are born "wrong"? And these people aren't entitled to the same types of loving relationships that everyone else is? I guess there's all sorts of old school-ism for us to squash in the years ahead. lol...can't wait until our first gay President. Now THAT'S gonna be a party!!!
I Am: Well, about 50% of voters didn't vote for Obama. But, I respect those who voted for McCain or someone else based on their politics. Joe the Plumber was like, "Hey, I don't think this tax plan works for me." That's beautiful. That's democracy. I'm with it.
As far as racism slipping away...there will always be something. Some reason for some person to say, "I'm better than you." But, I think in the grand scheme of things, it's going to decrease dramaticly. Most people who hate [insert group here], don't KNOW any [insert group here]. Ya know? It's easy to say, "Oh, niggers are stupid. They're all criminals." When you live in a rural area and you have absolutely no contact to black people. But, at least for the next 4 years, those people are going to be FORCED to see what a real black family is like. And I don't think racism can survive long in the face of real exposure to positive examples.
By the way, can't wait to hear your "white shame" story! lol But, I think it's a great day when we can even share stories like that. Ya know?
psuedomacabre: Jersey has farmland? WTF?!!? :D
Takeshi Kovacs: The international response to Barack Obama is what shocks me the most, and gives me the most hope for the world. From my experiences in Europe, racism is much more prevalent there, and much more out in the open. But, in a way it makes sense, because most places overseas have never had their equivalent of a civil rights movement. Most places haven't had that explosive confrontation and "You're going to stare this in the face and DEAL with it" type of experience. But, they're right there with us. When I saw Obama speaking in Berlin to that huge audience I truly thought I was in the twilight zone!
dharmachris: I don't know if I'm ready to go PUBLIC public with my confessions just yet. You guys are kinda my test bed. :)
Augusts1: Yeah, I guess notifications are acting wacky again. I was afraid I had turned myself into a mog outcast. :)
Anna: I dunno. I think Greeks are WAY down on the list of groups to be accepted by society. Personally, I don't think they should EVER be allowed to be President, to wed, or to even pro-create. :p
Oh, and I'm sure I have exactly the number of balls you always thought I had. Unless, of course, for some reason you thought I had less than three. In which case, yes, I've got more balls than you thought.
contrabandwidth: EXACTLY! It's actually a psychological theory that people are somehow wired to naturally help those that they deem as most genetically similar to them. One of those "helping your genes to survive" type of things. So, if you're in a situation where you can save one of two people from dying...if both of them have the same skin and hair color as you, your brain will still somehow examine their features and and say, "Well, that one has a similar nose to mine. That's who we save."
But, like you said, it seems that now we're getting to a point that instead of looking for our differences we're looking for our common ground and trying to find the compromises. That's where it's at, man!
And I don't think racism can survive long in the face of real exposure to positive examples.
That's what I'm talking about. Positive examples on both sides ya know.
well I guess you put this up a week ago and I missed it, but I'm glad I came across it today....a wonderful post
there are a lot of people who are extremely tolerant people, but they are also scared to death they might say something that could be construed as racist...and so race stays on the table because in the back of people's minds there is this fear...and on the other hand there is the idea in other people's minds that there is this inherent racism in people that just doesn't show outwardly, as you mentioned...and again there is this fear, and race stays on the table
Obama has a great way of treating race....it's never something in the forefront and when he does have to talk directly about it he does so which such an ease that i think a lot of people are taken aback
...so when, say, he comes out and refers to himself as a "mutt" at his first press conference, some people are almost in shock, but it's that kind of attitude that gets us over racism as a people
the concept of race becomes a non issue when we can all show such a comfort with it that it fades into the background, and eventually oblivion
all easier said than done, i know...but it feels good to see the strides we, as a nation, are making
Whoa..great post Troy. You let it rip..beautiful.
I worked for and voted for Obama, but I have to admit, I felt very little, acceprt numbness, at the end of the ride. then there was the dread thinking about all the work that has to be done...plus I was just so fried by the election season.
Still though, despite the fear and trepidation, I'm willing to follow THE MAN and see what happens. I guess that's what makes a leader great.
I hope you don't mind a Canadian chiming in here. First of all, excellent post. It reveals soul like most posts cannot do. That place where you have to go to in order to really say something amazing. You got it right!
Here in the frozen North, we don't really understand the issue of racism in the U.S. Not that we're squeaky clean. Far from it. Having said that, though, there IS a feeling that our immigration policies should be reviewed as we often feel like we're being overtaken. But then our leader says how proud we are to be a "cultural mosaik."
So I guess we do have a lot to learn after all as my comments are starting to betray me to myself. I just don't like it when the culture around me becomes something other than Canadian, then realizing that I don't really know what a Canadian is anyway. As I se it, in the USA, you're all proud to be American, and you all know what that is.
Anyway, it's very moving to read how the election of your new President has had such an effect like never before. And I imagine it's felt by all, black or white.
I dunno cap'n..one thing we never seem to be able to figure out is what an American is..that's been argued from when the first boats landed here. One thing I know for sure..the Canadian national anthem blows ours away.
Interesting. I see Americans as being very proud of their country overall. If nothing else, that defines you. I find your politics fascinating, and your helpings huge. :-) Yes, there are internal bickerings, but you get that wherever people gather. Overall, though, you stand proud with reason to do so.
I think in the simplest terms, Conservatives think it is good the way it is and we are making fine progress and Liberals think we have a ways to go. But you are right, both are patriotic.
Wow, I dunno what to say! A very honest and thought provoking post!
man... WTF, I NEVER got the email notice about this post and because it's a ghost-town in work today I was just browsing my trusteds pages and found it. Shit, sorry for the delay.
as milkshake said above, very honest & thought-provoking.
I remember when you & I were commenting on some post (couldn't find which) last summer about Hillary Clinton & Obama, and you thought Hillary was to be the next prez, I thought the only thing that could stop Obama was his name. I am glad that America looked beyond both his race and his name and voted him in. He DOES represent hope. Not for his race, though he does represent that of course, but for this country. One can only hope that the enormous expectations that this country has for him will be understood that they won't be overnight changes. I don't expect any major shift in the economy, our school systems, our general outlook to change for a good 2-3 years. But one thing that I know changed immediately was the view of our country by our own citizens that never thought we had it in us to elect someone non-white, as well as the countless nations in the rest of the world with the same sentiment. Barack Obama signifies a shift, a transition. As Nas said "new improved JFK on the way..." and he's right. JFK was an Irish Catholic which was a HUGE change at that time, he came into the Presidential seat at a CRUCIAL time in US History, and now we finally move on and see a black President, in yet another crucial time in US History. I am proud to be an American, and I'm very proud to see Obama in office. I have hope for his success and this country moving forward in a positive way rather than spinning it's wheels and acting as a bully to the rest of the world. It's time for this country to LEAD. And now we have the leader.
Though I am almost a month late in reading I have the same sentiments. But, I know I have been extremely vocal all over the web when it comes to racism and race relations.
My thing is this if people can at least admit their racist thought then maybe we can get to the root of being civil with one another? It is human nature. I know I try to keep an open mind about a lot but then I know I may inhibit racist behavior but only because of my environment of being in predominately white environments and I am the sole black person to defend myself.
I've had the N tossed my way and it can be distressing sometimes when you are in a world and you don't have anyone else to share those thoughts with except others who may understand your complex walk in life. I've had white people tell me they are not sympathetic when they know I am dealing with something racist and the only people who can console me are those who are like me. Does that makes me racist? I think it makes me human.
Now, with President Elect Barack Obama I do feel some changes will be coming but we still need to educate and be open with one another if we want to be honest in accepting those who are different from us.
Excellent and thought provoking post, Troy! I am really proud of you for being this open with us here!
wow. PULITZER. i think this is the second time i have given you the award. this post was insightful.