Guest Blog from Dan
While things worked out differently from a political standpoint than I had hoped, a great moment in American history took place on November 4th, 2008. The United States of America elected an African-American as it’s 44th President. It is a very historical moment and it’s long over due. Here are a few things, in my opinion, this election has to help us recognize:
- We have elected a black man as President, but we have to look past the fact that he is black, and recognize him as being “just another man”. In the days to come, it is important to recognize who Barack Obama is and the ground he has broken. But it shouldn’t be something that we dwell on. When we dwell on the fact that he is a black man and the first black president, I believe we actually take away from his ability to lead and his credibility.
- We have to quit recognizing people by their race or ethnic background. While it is an important part of whom we are and what we are, it also acts as a way to separate us and distinguish us as different. We aren’t just white, black, yellow, red, green or purple. When it comes down to it, we are American. While we are all different, we are all still people. We are ALL guilty of this recognition, myself included.
- Just because we have a black president, it doesn’t mean everything is okay. Centuries of inequality and injustice are not erased in one night. We have to continue to recognize what we consider “minorities” as part of the “majority” because we all believe in America and we believe in one another.
- Barack Obama has gone to show that you can accomplish anything as long as you desire it. In America anything is possible. You have to want it and believe in yourself for it to be possible though. Take nothing for granted and take nothing because you “deserve it”. Earn it.
- While I may not agree on all of his ideals, it is important to recognize that this is the decision that we as Americans made. I will support my president at times when I agree. I will voice my displeasure at times I disagree. This is my right as an American. That is what makes this country great. This is the same right that every American has.
America has definitely taken a step in the right direction when it comes to race and equality. We are however far from where we need to be. We need to continue to work hard to unite all people no matter their skin color or beliefs. We may not always agree and we are all entitled to live our lives in any way we want. We need to be more accepting if we are going to move forward and take steps in the right direction.
