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Matters To Question! Personal Beliefs, Choices & Actions Questioning Racism Why this question at this time? Why address an issue so loaded with negative history, complex emotional scars, and often unacknowledged, unexamined personal and institutional complicities? Why disturb this sleeping elephant in the historical closet? There is a simple initial answer! A tornado of controversy focused on Senator Barack Obama (the first black American to have a realistic chance of becoming President of the US) generated by the remarks / sermons / beliefs of his former UCC pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.-- remarks / sermons / beliefs that some observers say clearly reflect -- and support – reverse racist attitudes and positions. Rev. Wright has forced -- or I prefer to say -- allowed Senator Barack Obama to bring the elephant of racism out of its historical closet of avoidance and neglect -- and place it as a topic for serious examination, discussion and debate on a national stage. Maybe not the most politically correct thing to do as a black man running for president -- but the necessary and right thing to do. And – trying to be “fair and balanced” as one “unfair and unbalanced national network” urges us to be -- Senator Obama's relationship with Rev. Wright is an appropriate and fair target for questions – since those to whom a future president might turn for guidance or advise need to be examined. But beyond the specific relationship with Rev. Wright, this controversy is important because it provides a platform from which to launch a larger national discussion about the ongoing legacies and impact of racism in America today – a discussion that largely disappeared on the national stage with the deaths of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy in the late sixties – a discussion that some pundits view as outdated or unneeded because of a half-century of national changes in American attitudes and actions on race -- backed by many federal laws preventing overt segregation and supposedly protecting basic rights for everyone. Yes – the racial configuration of American society generally has changed in major ways for the better since the sixties. But it is still impossible to deny that our country has significant unfinished business in allowing every American -- especially those of color and certain ethnic identities and social classes -- true equality in gaining access to the Dream of One America. It doesn't take 20/20 vision or a crystal ball to see that some significant divides / separations still remain between the races / classes / ethnic groups in 21st Century America. So I welcome a 21st Century examination of what race really means in America today! I'm more than ready to hear people talk about -- not avoid -- issues of race, class and ethnic identification -- even if the debate occasionally turns somewhat ugly and negative. There is much more to gain than lose by engaging in this discussion. Politically, I'm not sure what the outcome will be and how it ultimately will impact the presidential campaigns of Senator Obama and his opponents. But the issue of race -- and whether it matters today -- was sure to emerge as a topic at some point in the presidential campaign. Better now than later. Back to Rev. Wright -- bless his retired evangelical soul! How did he spawn such a whirlwind of controversy? Well -- as many in America are discovering (thanks to YouTube and other tools of modern communication), Rev. Wright -- longtime pastor of one of Chicago's largest and most influential UCC churches (with a middle to upper class membership by most standards) -- has a dubious and rather extensive history of making public statements that some observers (including Senator Obama) describe as potentially racist, questionably unpatriotic, overly general and negatively stereotypical, too often demeaning – and sometimes relentless in verbal attacks on those with whom he differs or disagrees. One does not have to Google long to find plenty of Rev. Wright's use of language that reflects a view of America almost irreconcilably divided by issues of color and race. Language that seems to reflect considerable intolerance with and mistrust of “the others” who control America (usually meaning white Americans.) Language that -- when used by black activists -- is often described and interpreted by white Americans as the vehicle for supporting reverse racism. Certainly words -- when read or heard by those outside of Rev. Wright's flock of followers, parishioners and admirers -- that appear designed to inflame passions, resentment, division and anger more than to support the positive themes of hope, progressive change and social reconciliation – themes voiced so eloquently in the speeches of Senator Obama. That's the way it seems. But -- as is the case with most complex matters and relationships -- that may not be the way it actually is. And it is possible that the outcomes and actions that have resulted from the words of Rev. Wright may be far less onerous and destructive than the words seem to imply. This is not an excuse for -- or defense of -- blatantly offensive, racist, stereotypical or abusive language. It is a caution to avoid the hasty rush – as many pundits seem inclined to do -- to reach easy conclusions and make convenient (but naive) associations and connections that may not be justified by deeper investigation. The internet avalanche of harsh and quick judgments hurled at both Rev. Wright and Senator Obama by pundits -- and the public at large -- should give those seeking some objectivity on this matter cause to pause -- breath deeply -- and resurvey the complexity of the landscape -- before reaching conclusions or assigning additional blame. Because of the long and very close relationship between Senator Obama and Rev. Wright -- a relationship that is rich and varied -- a relationship that Senator Obama has never denied and has not totally rejected -- a relationship that produced the trademark phrase of much of Senator Obama's current campaign for the presidency, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE -- questions emerge regarding how Senator Obama feels about Rev. Wright's views and (most importantly) does he embrace or repudiate them? To be fair to Rev. Wright -- he is a very complex individual -- a product of a generation of black Americans who fought -- courageously and relentlessly with great sacrifice -- against a powerful and often vicious system of discrimination to end the overt segregation that defined much of America's racial landscape in the early and mid-20th century. Rev. Wright -- and most of his generation of black Americans -- suffered through experiences of personal indignity, insult and discrimination most white Americans only read about in history books. Not a reality they experienced or with which they can associate personally. Again, not an excuse for Rev. Wright's well-documented cases of bad judgment, inaccurate information and angry rhetoric -- but a reminder to place the individual within the larger social context, timeframe and experiences that shape his or her life and actions. Promoting an aggressive social gospel expressed within a movement that is known as Black Liberation Theology – Rev. Wright’s view of the world took shape and expression. His dedication to the total liberation of black Americans from the bondages of segregation and discrimination was the driving focus of his life – his willingness to sacrifice his own security and wellbeing unquestioned. Joining the other giants of the civil rights movement, he helped bring an end to many of the overt manifestations of the sin of American racism. And while others in the civil rights movement moved on to pursue more moderate, pragmatic, politically-correct approaches to social change -- leaving behind some of the harsher rhetoric and condemnations of the past -- Rev. Wright retained much of his earlier “edge” – often demonizing certain groups or people he distrusted or feared – as a way to remind his parishioners that it is both naïve and dangerous to believe the struggle against racial oppression and inequality is over – that new oppressors are still oppressing the poor and helpless – and the community of the oppressed must remain united. To those who want to transfer by association Rev. Wright’s views and beliefs on race, patriotism, animosity and distrust of certain people or groups directly onto the shoulders of Senator Obama – my advise is – don’t waste your time going there. While Rev. Wright might have a few dedicated followers who share his political views, there is NO EVIDENCE that Senator Barack Obama is a member of such groups. Rev. Wright – if anything – expresses outwardly and adamantly the residual, subliminal anger and frustration that is certainly part of the legacy of many oppressed people – in America and around the world. And those who would deny that black Americans were not “a tragically oppressed people – many of whom still experience the side-effects of centuries of that oppression” are historically disconnected from the reality of American history and the modern lives of many black Americans. From my perspective – it is simply amazing that such a legacy of overt oppression has not produced more angry disciples for Rev. Wright – more descendents of segregation and slavery whose forgiveness for such oppression is less than forgiving. Once again, there is no viable evidence to support accusations that Senator Obama is racist, unpatriotic, historically naïve or radically ideological. To the contrary, his record of non-discrimination on racial, ethnic and cultural matters is exemplary -- clearly documented in any number of books, speeches, interviews and essays. His life experience has lead him to focus on reconciliation and unity grounded in core American and broadly human values – and his words are supported by a record of actions embedded in a career of public service to Americans of all races and classes. Senator Obama's America includes all Americans – Americans of all colors, creeds, cultures, doctrines, classes. He is the living example of someone produced through a biracial union – raised and taught in a dynamic multicultural environment -- a person better able than any living American leader with whom I am familiar to succeed in helping his fellow Americans weave together the many human threads that make our national experience so richly diverse and dynamic – and envied by much of the world. Yes – in an ideal world -- it probably would have been “politically better” for Senator Obama to dissociate himself sooner and more completely from the incendiary views of Rev. Wright. But given that most of his relationship with Rev. Wright was not political -- but deeply spiritual, personal and grounded in events as significant as his conversion to Christianity, his marriage, the baptism of his daughters, the extensive social ministry of his church in his community – it is – to me – understandable and even admirable that he clearly distanced himself from Rev. Wright’s political views, while at the same time, he retained his personal, spiritual and family friendship with Rev. Wright – a personal relationship that a lifetime of significant non-political encounters produced. For me, there is no long-term issue of guilt by association with Rev. Wright. Unlike some leaders who actually hold – or have held – the office of the presidency – Obama seems more than willing to admit his personal failures, mistakes, and less than perfect judgment on all matters and relationships -- and move forward – a very refreshing difference from leaders who seem adept at finding ways to sidestep the truth – or arrogantly continue to follow deeply flawed advise and policies. Obama is human like the rest of us – but special in that he seems to acknowledge and learn from his mistakes and failures. Hopefully, the public’s long term assessment of the Rev. Wright issue will be that Senator Obama accurately addressed his relationship to Rev. Wright – admitted personal disappointment with aspects of that relationship – and demonstrated thoughtful leadership in using the controversy to focus a national conversation on the unspoken reality of the many ways race – the elephant in America’s historical closet -- still divides and separates Americans from each other – whether we admit it or not. Separation by race, ethnicity, class and culture in so many areas of American life IS REAL – not imaginary. So many neighborhoods, social clubs, religious gatherings, workplaces – especially public schools – are places of separation – not integration. Exclusion – not inclusion. And – as stated by both Martin Luther King in the 60s and Barack Obama today – the “church hour” on Sunday (when our deepest values are supposedly most on display) remains one of the most segregated weekly hours in American social life. The lesson is clear that it is much harder to undo racism of the mind, heart, soul and voluntary social association than racism of the law. In too many ways, America remains – more than half a century after the end of legal segregation – a society that is still dramatically separated socially, economically – institutionally -- by something as superficial as skin color. And in our separation – we continue not to make the human connections with that could allow us to understand, appreciate – have real compassion for each other – regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or class. And for Senator Barack Obama – whose primary political message is about positive change and expanded hope – a vision of an America that is “one out of many not many afraid to be one” – the issues of de-facto, de-cardio racial separation, mistrust and misunderstanding need to be faced, discussed and positively embraced as a national strength – not a glaring national weakness. So I end this essay by thanking Senator Obama for asking us – as fellow Americans -- to address positively, frankly and openly some troubling, semi-hidden racial, ethnic, cultural and class realities. To talk with – not just about – each other. To gather closer together in dialogue – not wander further apart in isolation. To move the discussion of these matters far beyond Rev. Wright – discovering what we can do individually and collectively as a nation to connect together in support of The One America Senator Barack Obama challenges us to embrace. Back To Top Links to further develop QUESTIONING RACISM: Most info below from March 19, 2008 -- day after Obama Race Speech -- and subsequent commentary and analysis. YouTube Reports Obama Speech on Race reached "Most Viewed Status" in 24 hour period after given on March 18. Over 4 million hits on Obama's YouTube Channel and growing. Seems to indicate some interest in this topic! Mr. Obama's Profile In Courage (NYTimes Editorial) Barack Obama's Speech On Race -- Transcript (NYTimes) Obama Chooses Reconciliation Over Rancor: News Analysis (NYTimes) An Effort To Bridge A Divide (NYTimes) In Chicago, More Talk About Race After Speech (NYTimes) Seeking Unity, Obama Feels Racial Divide (NYTimes) Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (NYTimes) Two Questions For Senator Obama (The Hill) Moment of Truth (WP Editorial) Obama's Roadmap On Race (WP) Tackling a Sensitive Topic at a Sensitive Moment (WP) A Speech That Failed (WP) Obama's Courageous Speech On Race & Religion (IntHerTribune) Rev's Rants Shake Obama Voters (NYPost) Obama's Pastor Problem (WP) Black Liberation Theology (CNN Video) A Closer Look: Race, Religion and Politics (NPR) Reports Misrepresent Obama's Church (NPR) A Closer Look At Black Liberation Theology (NPR) Obama Speech Brings Wide Reactions (USAToday) Buried In Eloquence, Obama Contradictions (ABC) YouTube: Example of Jeremiah Wright's controversial statements and sermon (difficult to watch -- with comments of YouTube author over-written) Google News Summary Site: Obama & Race Issue Articles and Responses (March 19) Obama And Race (NYTimes) Black, White & Gray (NYTimes) Beyond America's Original Sin (NYTimes) Groups Respond To Call For National Discussion (NYTimes) Thoughts On Race From Beyond The Pulpit (WP) Unequal Perspectives On Racial Equality (WP) A Vote of Allegiance? (WP) Black Liberation Theology, In Its Founder's Words (NPR) Expect Obama To Walk Out On Wright? Spare Me! (NPR) Understanding Racial Baggage (NPR) Understanding Rev. Jeremiah Wright (NPR) Obama Speech a Major Topic at Easter Services (NPR) UnCovering America: Why Talking About Race Is Difficult (CNN) Commentary: Negative Press Distracts Churches From Mission (CNN) Glenn Beck: Obama's Odd Timing On Wright (CNN) Obama-Wright rift reveals divided loyalties in black church (AP) The Rev. Wright has a right to defend his reputation (MercuryNews) Transcript: Rev. Jeremiah Wright speech to National Press Club (Chicago Tribune) Rev. Wright National Press Club Speech Video National Press Club Blog on Rev. Wright's Speech Transcript of Rev. Wright's Speech To NAACP Video of Rev. Wright's Speech To NAACP Something Wasn't Wright (Oprah Winfrey's Reasons For Leaving Wright's Church) (Newsweek) Reverend Wright Interview on Bill Moyers Journal (PBS) Bill Moyers -- Essay On Reverend Wright Commentary: Wright Issue Will Haunt Conservative Media Elite (CNN) Commentary: How Obama Can Get Beyond Rev. Wright (CNN) Commentary: Race, Faith and Politics (CNN) Fair Play For False Prophets (WP) The All-White Elephant In the Room (NYTimes) An interesting video essay on the topic of "viewing race in America" follows..... GOD BLESS AMERICA -- Another Perspective...... |