Some black people may consider Barack Obama unworthy of being U.S. president because he talks about hope and has little experience. But have blacks forgotten that it was hope and a vision that carried us through slavery, the Jim Crow Era and countless other trials?
Blacks are so busy working hard to tear down what others have built and prolong the crabs-in-a-bucket mindset. It’s amazing how other ethnicities and races can find common ground and stand behind a common cause in the political and business realms.
Obama has gotten to a point many of us have hoped for our entire lives-the chance at having a black president. Black youth have someone to look up to besides entertainers and athletes.
I wouldn’t dare say support Obama just because he’s black. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran, but many blacks and non-blacks disputed their ability to serve. Obama is a black man with the charisma and vision to take us forward as a people and country.
Some of the more ignorant of our people, say things like “He isn’t even completely black,” or “Ain’t he a radical Muslim – look at his name.” Despite these baseless reasons to be unsupportive of Obama, there are some blacks out there-like those in South Carolina- that do care about putting a man of our community and culture in office.
There is nothing wrong with a little ethnocentrism-let’s be honest, everyone has a bit of it in them-the problem arises when people discriminate, hindering others from progress because of ethnic or racial bias.
If we take a look at the logical arguments that people have against Obama, we should look at history and review leaders that led by example, with charisma, passion and a vision for success.
Take for instance Mahatma Gandhi, a small-time lawyer who took on the entire British Empire through his humble, intellectual and non-violent tactics.
He was able to secure complete independence for India and at the same time quell violence running rampant throughout his country.
We can also look to Abraham Lincoln, who at the youthful age of 25, was elected to the Illinois legislature, became a lawyer and led the Whig party as a staunch opponent of the expansion of slavery.
All of these individuals are known for their large number of followers and the change that occurred because of their desire for a difference – not their long resume of experience.
None of these individuals had training or expertise to carry out their missions and accomplish their goals. They did it with charisma, vision and a passion to make positive and effective change for those they served.
Mark Taylor II is a senior public relations student from Toledo, Ohio. He can be reached at famuanopinions@hotmail.com.