Speak Out!
Who Are We?
Mon, 09/01/2008 - 10:53 | Tavis Talks
A New York Times article asks the question, "Who Are We?" in addressing a new dialogue on mixed race—a subject that has been debated more frequently as a result of Sen. Obama's political rise:
Many people still stick to a one-race label, even if they are of mixed descent, researchers say, sometimes because of strong identification with one racial group, and occasionally because of a conscious effort not to dilute the numbers of the group they most identify with. While many mixed-race people say they see their heritage as a plus, they also say they often face pressure from others who want to pigeonhole them.Why is or isn't it necessary for mixed race people to label themselves as one particular race?
Messages for Life Cards
Comments
I think Obama is not labeling
I think Obama is not labeling himself as black and is not making his blackness an issue because I think he realizes that since he is just about to be elected President, we are well past the time where race shouldn't matter.
Resources are allocated to
Resources are allocated to certain races based the needs of that race and there communities. If you have any black in you yet claim multi-race, the funds are not allocated to the place the system identifies you as, which is as being 1/8 black, which only sees you as black like Obama!
I am extremely disappointed
I am extremely disappointed in the commentary on Obama’s acceptance speech by my fraternity Brother Dr. Cornell West and Dr. Julianne Malveaux. I find it insulting that in a time of great triumph and progress we cannot get beyond our sensitive egos to relish in this refreshing moment of great progress. To state that he "dropped the baton" which was passed to him by the likes of Jessie Jackson and others is insulting. None of these quasi-leaders had a hand in the rise of Obama and none of them will play a major role in his election. I have been thoroughly disgusted in the bickering amongst the black elite about his lack of homage to our history.
Mr. Obama has acknowledged the greatness of this moment on many occasions and yet we cannot get beyond our "monkey in a cage" mentality to allow this brother to achieve his own greatness. We all are in a better place because of the works of our forefathers and we thank God for them every day, but is it necessary for us to speak of them as if they are going to be forgotten tomorrow? This is not about Black America; this is about the change needed to move our country forward and get us out of the deep abyss we have been dragged into by a blind majority.
On this occasion let us be then men and women of honor, valor, and dignity we are meant to be. Let us stay away from the mentality that has plagued our community. I pray that Mr. Obama succeeds on his journey and if we must critique, let it be on the issues of his presidency not his ability to respect the dead.