Who could not be moved at the sight of a major political party naming Barack Obama, an African American, as its presidential candidate? To me, there could not be a better sign that America has left behind its racist past. We are now approaching what may be termed "the end of racism." The End of Racism was the title of my 1995 bestseller, hugely controversial when it was published, but now it seems to have been a decade ahead of its time. If we appreciate the significance of our current moment, we are driven to an ironic but rational conclusion: perhaps the best way to recognize Obama's historic achievement is to vote for John McCain this November.
Consider this: for the past several years we have been hearing liberal Democrats emphasize how racism still defines America, how things haven't really changed all that much, how racism has gone underground and is now more covert and more dangerous than ever. It may seem strange that a racist country would adopt legal policies that discriminate against the majority and in favor of minorities. Even so, liberal activists and civil rights activists continue to browbeat white America in the schools, in the universities, in politics and in the media if there is the slightest dissent from civil rights orthodoxy.
Well, I don't know how many people have been drinking the liberal Kool-Aid, but these people must be utterly shocked at the success of Barack Obama. Here is a guy who could not possibly have made it as far as he has with only black votes. He has attracted not only white votes but the votes of some of the most affluent and successful segments of the white community. Obama, not Hillary, is the pillar of the white establishment. Moreover, Obama's own campaign is based on the premise that America is no longer racist. Far from making race-based appeals, to blacks on the basis of solidarity, and to whites on the basis of guilt, Obama campaigns on the expectation that whites share his economic values and foreign policy positions and view of America. In other words, Obama's public message is that race doesn't matter and that transracial alliances should be built on shared political and cultural values. It's a good message, and how it must dismay professional civil rights activists to hear it. I wouldn't be surprised if Jesse Jackson is telling family members, "If race relations keep improving like this, I may have to get a real job."
Clearly there are many in the liberal Democratic camp who are made profoundly uncomfortable by the recognition that racism is no more a defining feature of American life or even African American life. Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying that racism does not exist. This is a big country, and surely one can find several examples of it. But racism, which used to be systematic, is now only episodic. In fact, when I ask young blacks on the campus today whether America is racist, many say yes. But if I ask them to give me examples of how that racism affects their lives, they are hard pressed to give a single one. The best they can do is to mention "Rodney King" or provide some well-known, recycled horror story. Recently someone told me that McCain is still winning the white vote by a substantial majority and that shows "we have a long way to go" in overcoming white bigotry. By this logic, blacks are have even longer way to go in overcoming their bigotry since Obama is winning almost 98 percent of the black vote. When your logic leads to an absurd conclusion, go back and re-examine the premise.
Even though Obama's candidacy signals that America is overcoming its racial past, neither Obama nor his wife recognize that. Their personal statements, as seen for example in Obama's books, are suffused with race-consciousness, race-obsession and even racial resentment. The more privileges they have received on the basis of race, the more embittered they seem to become. The source of these pathologies is the very liberalism that the Obamas have embraced: a liberalism that declares them equal while treating them as inferiors who need preferential treatment. (Liberals hate to have this pointed out; hence the irrational invective of the early responses to this post.) The solutions are obvious. If you want to get rid of racial obsession, stop talking and thinking about race so much. If you want to remove race as the basis of decision-making in America, let's eliminate America's policies that make race the basis of decision-making. And if you want a party that stands for color-blindess and equal opportunity, you might consider voting for the Republicans.
Reader Comments ( Page 4 of 44)
46. Perhaps DD DOES read these comments after all: I recently mentioned that he got through an entire posting without once using the word liberal. In this one, he manages to squeeze in seven. Perhaps hit-whore D'Souza didn't score so big with his last diatribe.
"The End of Racism was the title of my 1995 bestseller, hugely controversial when it was published, but now it seems to have been a decade ahead of its time."
Anybody else think that, when DD is away from Dixie, he pleasures himself while staring at his on visage on the dust-jackets of his books?
"Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying that racism does not exist. This is a big country, and surely one can find several examples of it. But racism, which used to be systematic, is now only episodic."
This one makes me puke a little. The idea that racism is less of a threat and, therefore, more acceptable since bigoted right-wingers (which make up the bulk of the Republican Party) have had their official policies dismantled is one of the most offensive ideas DD has ever put forward.
"The solutions are obvious. If you want to get rid of racial obsession, stop talking and thinking about race so much."
Good idea. Why don't you start us off by removing this offensive post (and all applicable ones, particularly your recent postings on black athletes) from your "blog" and getting Free Press to remove The End of Racism from circulation?
"If you want to remove race as the basis of decision-making in America, let's eliminate America's policies that make race the basis of decision-making."
Another GREAT idea... as soon as you can assure us that your entire party and the powers that be have erased all vestiges racism from their minds; otherwise, let's hold off on dismantling policies that have actually managed to help some people.
"And if you want a party that stands for color-blindess and equal opportunity, you might consider voting for the Republicans."
I can only echo Jude: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Talk about drinking the Kool-Aid.....
Ian X. Christian at 10:53AM on Aug 28th 2008
47. It is in the nature of the white bigot to see a black man attempting to be treated equally, as a black racist. It's because the bigot thinks that real equality is not fair or equal in the first place and is against the 'natural order of things' and that the white man should always be in control of everything, so of course they see any attempt to make the situation fair, as bigotry directed against them.
Saint Brian the Godless at 10:53AM on Aug 28th 2008
48. Saint Brian the Godless
I don't want people to be blind to my color. I want to be treated the way Jesus said to treat others, do unto others as you would have them do unto you"! Opportunities are available to everyone, but you must have the desire to take advantage of them. You decide the quality of your life. No longer can anyone say that they have been denied the ability to lead a fulfilling life.
janesophie1 at 10:54AM on Aug 28th 2008
49. When are scientists going to be able to capture a demon in a bottle so we can study it? I'm actually seriously asking.
Mokele Mbembe at 10:57AM on Aug 28th 2008
50. Jane,
I agree about your education view of racism. I too believe that education is key. What is also key is having our children grow up around other races. Kids now are growing up around different ethnicities and sexual orientation. As they are getting older, they are not aware of the differences that the older generations carried with them
Your spirit views though are fundamentally flawed. Your view is that humans are not responsible for their actions. I can beat my head on the wall as much as I want to, I doubt that you will see my point of view.
Hypothetically speaking, if people have free will, then how can a demon make us do anything? I would think that the "demon" isnt a spirit or malevolent creature taking over our bodies, but our own dark subconscience. Its the side of us that we know is there but sometimes cant control. "Jesus's" qoute from Mark is like meditation. Fast and pray so that you can see into yourself and confront your dark side. Only that way can you become better than yourself. You are taking this literally that a physical or spiritual demon, that exists seperate from humanity, makes us do things.
Cackodemon at 11:18AM on Aug 28th 2008
51. I don't want people to be blind to my color.
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You should. If you want to be treated as Jesus said, that would necessarily involve the other people not being a racist, not "seeing" your color.
You're not smart enough to know what you're doing. You'll vote for the man that will make things worse for you and for all people of color, because your religio-political masters tell you to and you're just too dumbed-down to know what you're doing anymore. A black person voting for a republican is like a slave asking for fifty more lashes, please massa.
Saint Brian the Godless at 11:05AM on Aug 28th 2008
52. "You're suggesting racial guilt here. For which the proper response is, go f*** yourself".
Saint Brian the Godless
I have no idea what you are talking about. I said nothing about white guilt. I said that racism is also a spiritual problem for which repentance, prayer and fasting is necessary to defeat. The entire nation needs to do this not just white people. You sound deranged!
janesophie1 at 11:05AM on Aug 28th 2008
53. Call up your Xtian scientists. When someone is possessed (any homo will do), perform an exercism on them. The daemon will have to find another host to stay in this world, so this gives you an opportunity to trap it in a lab mouse. Present the lab mouse with a same-gendered mouse to determine whether the daemonic transplant has been successful. From here a joint panel of scientists from multiple disciplines can come up with an ambitious battery of tests to study the daemon. Comparative spectroscopies, Kirlian auras, Skinner boxes, analysis of brain activity in response to religious stimuli...
Mokele Mbembe at 11:08AM on Aug 28th 2008
54. I strongly believe that every sin is represented by a demon. These spirits can attach themselves to individuals, families, generations and whole nations. Repentance, prayer and fasting must be undertaken to defeat some spirits; they are that powerful!
-JS
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It seemed that you were suggesting that the entire black race has it's demon to deal with through prayer and fasting. Perhsps you weren't saying that. If not, ignore my f*** you from previous post. Or save it. I'm sure you'll deserve it at some point. You can't help yourself.
Saint Brian the Godless at 11:09AM on Aug 28th 2008
55. SBG,
You can come down from the dizzy heights of drama now.
Mokele Mbembe at 11:10AM on Aug 28th 2008
56. Jerry and Linda, I never said that racism did not exist; sadly it does exist. What I expressed is my belief that is has a spiritual component. Racism is the deification of the creature above the creator. It will remain a problem, until we all practice humility. I believe in God and view everything through that lens. Asking me to not consult my Christian faith is like asking an atheist to have faith!
Gone to lunch! Signing off!
janesophie1 at 11:14AM on Aug 28th 2008
57. You know what amuses me?
The hypochrist assholes that wanted to pray for rain tonight so Obama wouldn't be able to deliver his speech. (What spiritually bereft, shallow people!)
It's sunny and fair today in Denver. Guess the Big Guy wasn't listening???
Nope, He was. Apparently a hurricane will hit the US (around New Orleans no less) at just about the exact point that the *Republican* convention gets going next week, thereby utterly destroying the press coverage of said event.....
Apparently God's a big Obama fan.
Saint Brian the Godless at 11:21AM on Aug 28th 2008
58. as a Conservative Christian Republican i urge everyone to NOT vote for McCain, but to vote FOR Barak Obama. he doesn't at all promote family values as he is an adulterer. Jesus says that any man who divorces his wife and then remarries on grounds other than her unfaitffullness is guilty of committing adultery. John McCain divorced his first wife who was faithful to him even after he had an affair (Luke 16:18, Mark 10:2-12, Matt 19:3-10). Obama has been faithful and married to the same woman. ONLY SOMEONE WHO PRACTICES TRUE FAMILY VALUES SHOULD PROMOTE FAMILY VALUES. vote democratic and promote family values.
btw i was just kidding about being conservative christian republican. i am a christian, however, and wrote this to just illustrate how f*cked up fundies truely are. they have no freaking clue what is in the bible or what Jesus actually taught/promotes. how about forgiveness, compassion, understanding, love-just to name a few.
Jay at 11:22AM on Aug 28th 2008
59. Saint Brian the Godless
There is nothing wrong with seeing someone's color. It is wrong to judge the humanity of a person by their color. God created the colors of humanity to be enjoyed. We are like flowers in a garden. Yes, African-Americans, as well as white people must also pray to be freed from the chains of racism. It affects all of us. We are all victims. Diminishment of the humanity of one is a diminishment of all!
By the way, this statement, “A black person voting for a republican is like a slave asking for fifty more lashes, please massa” is the most ignorant, racist comment I have ever heard!
janesophie1 at 11:22AM on Aug 28th 2008
60. 53. SBG,
You can come down from the dizzy heights of drama now.
Mokele Mbembe at 11:10AM on Aug 28th 2008
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And you can dismount your elevated equine and blow me.
Oops, still being dramatic, I guess! Silly me! :-)
Saint Brian the Godless at 11:24AM on Aug 28th 2008