Brother To Brother Hatred

Why is it that some black leaders tighten their lips at the thought of Barack Obama?

I find it quite disappointing in a sense. Here you have these notable leader who are advocating equality and champion the notion of freedom but at the same time - perhaps the product of a double standard - they don't fully support their dream when it's in the flesh. It's as though they want to keep this nebulous ideology as an idea rather than a reality. Here's my prognosis.

Obama, agree with me or not, is cutting into their relevance. With leaders like Cornell West, Tavis Smiley and Jesse Jackson chucking these threatening remarks.

Cornell West in fact is coming to UMKC this week. I'm going to propose a question that has pinged around my mind for the past few months: are black leaders ready for this metaphoric mountaintop, this promised land that they're corralled crowds over for the past 300 years? Are they really ready to out of a job?

There is no doubt, and please don't get me wrong - in fact Tavis Smiley said it best on Meet the Press today - "Obama's presidency is a down payment on equality. That said, we are in absolutely no position in America right now to say that racial tensions are a thing of the past - that would be incredibly naive and just stupid to presume.

We have however, entered into new territory. No longer is there an invisible limit on what a person of color can do, for one is about to be the President of the United States of America. This is a beautiful thing. But with this monumental occurrence, we should embrace the ubiquitous momentum of change.

Tavis Smiley, to again refer to him, made an interesting comment today. He essentially said politically his generic approach to race was brilliant but will not be effective in governing. He further noted that Obama can no longer dodge critical issues.

But is he really dodging them? Or is taking a different approach. It is no secret that Obama wants, as a politician, general consensus and peace. With our history, in America, of racial tension some of the language we engage in to articulate our status and what needs to be done can be seen as effective - especially for those who are not used to these discussions. Obviously, when someone feels they are being attacked a division occurs between the two or more people engaged in the conversation. The end result, although beneficial in creating awareness, strengthens current ideals because of the humans nature to defend itself.

I believe Obama's approach is a pretty effective one actually. People trust him and know that although he is a black man he is not going to attack them with the baggage of the past. When he has this trust, he can guide his agenda in such a direction to make the changes - the thing we REALLY want - and avoid the downfalls of ineffective communication. It's genius. This approach creates community.

It is not my goal to downplay the approaches of our black leaders in America. But I DO think that dismissing Obama's ability to bring racial change should be retreated and abolished.

At what point is the ideological going to become the three-dimensional? I believe we are taking a closer step towards justice and to ignore this is to take one step back.

Bring it Cornell.