The Mirage of Post-Racial Politics
race has merit. racism does not
2008-11-10
By DeAngelo Starnes

Back in September, I wrote a column entitled “Is a Change Gonna Come?”  In a certain respect, we have seen a change.  An African-American won the Presidency in a landslide.  His victory by itself is very significant, but the margin of victory – he lapped McCain - is even more significant.

Obama accomplished what many felt would occur for months: history as the country’s first Black President.  It appears that collectively we have strained our arms patting ourselves on our backs for electing him. 

I believe Obama won because he’s a people person.  He’s cut from the many cloths that comprise America.  And his Horatio Alger arc to the Presidency impresses those who feel like he’s someone they can relate to.  As the first three words in the Constitution are “We the People” and Obama’s speeches seem to embody the essence of our 16th President’s declaration that ours is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” it feels like a “people” victory.

Which, in some ways, is surprising.  As Derrick Bell pointed out in Race, Racism, and American Law, during rough economic times, African Americans usually find themselves scapegoated by middle and working class whites.  There have been some strains of that around the discussion of sub-prime mortgages as the reason underlying the current economic crisis.  Nevertheless, the country turned to a Black man to right the ship.

Is this evidence of what the pundits frequently called “post-racial” politics?   I don’t believe so.  First, the term “post-racial” presupposes race no longer matters or is applicable.  If that were true, why do we continue to harp on Obama’s race when speaking about the significance of his election?  Second, Obama’s election doesn’t mean racism is dead.  A good number of the slings and arrows he received during his campaign contained racist undertones.  Further, we need to remember African Americans still suffer disproportionate unfairness and discrimination in education, finances, incarceration, employment, and housing, among other things.  A vote for Obama doesn’t erase the inequality gap between white and nonwhite -- the gap actually must be erased.  Not saying there’s a need to appeal to white guilt to accomplish that.  But Obama’s election is not absolution or absolvement. 

Post-racial politics is a mirage.  We will never get beyond race.  Indeed, we shouldn’t.  We should continue to become more comfortable with our race and/or color differences.  We should continue to appreciate the unique qualities different cultures contribute to this Melting Pot called America.  We shouldn’t allow racial and color differences to stop us from doing business with each other or hanging out together.  I’m yearning more for us to get beyond racism than I am race.  Elimination of racism is the key to true progress. 

So is a white vote for Obama evidence that society is moving beyond racism?  I guess we’ll see.  I believe that as Obama governs he will be scrutinized as no other President.  Not just because of the enormity of the problems our economy has but because he is an African-American.  And the scrutiny is going to come from both white and nonwhite. 

Nonwhites are going to examine whether Obama “forgets” where he came from and govern in a ‘business as usual’ style.  How many nonwhite people besides him will be in the White House?  How many will occupy significant positions in his Administration?  Will his policies attack racial disparities in society?  More to the point, what’s in his economic stimulus plan for us?

On the other hand, Obama will be looking over his shoulder and reminded he is a brotha every time it appears he is doing anything to benefit Black people or to rectify a wrong we’ve suffered because of our skin color.  The perception that he’s providing racial favors, or as was commented to me during a radio appearance on The Troy Johnson Show, showing “brotherlove,” will pose a major challenge to whether we’ve gone beyond racism. 

I have confidence that Obama will govern evenhandedly.  I have no doubt that he will ensure that the wealth is spread more evenly.  I have every belief that he will meet the challenge posed by our current crossroads.  And just as has been done every time given an opportunity, an African- American will excel at the maximum.  At the Presidential level, we’ve only just begun.

Writer and attorney DeAngelo Starnes lives with his wife and son in Denver, Colorado.