How do I handle...

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

the huge amount of racism I'm encountering surrounding Obama's win? I've been positively shocked at some of the things I've heard come out of people's mouths recently. It's not that I naively thought that racism no longer exists, but rather that I didn't realize how widespread it continues to be. The folks I hear spouting this nastiness are often very well educated, kind and moral people. I never would have expected such folks to feel that electing a black man president is a mistake or something to be fearful of.

For me I cannot comprehend why the color of a person's skin has any bearing on their ability or fitness to be president. And before you jump in with a list of reasons Obama is not up to the job, please understand I'm not debating his experience or qualifications. The arguments I've been hearing against him that I'm referencing now were all based on his race.

I'm just wide eyed and slack jawed over this. I thought accepting that we're all human beings and being more or less colorblind was the norm. I guess I just want to know if anyone else is having the same experience and how you are handling it. I don't know why I would have attracted such hateful racism into my life. I'm trying to figure out what purpose it serves?

I may not be able to check back in on the thread right away, but I value everyone's opinion and the time you take to respond. I'm looking forward to opening up a great discussion about the state of race in America. Wanna join me and help me work through it?

[Lara]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

the huge amount of racism I'm encountering surrounding Obama's win? I've been positively shocked at some of the things I've heard come out of people's mouths recently. It's not that I naively thought that racism no longer exists, but rather that I didn't realize how widespread it continues to be. The folks I hear spouting this nastiness are often very well educated, kind and moral people. I never would have expected such folks to feel that electing a black man president is a mistake or something to be fearful of.

For me I cannot comprehend why the color of a person's skin has any bearing on their ability or fitness to be president. And before you jump in with a list of reasons Obama is not up to the job, please understand I'm not debating his experience or qualifications. The arguments I've been hearing against him that I'm referencing now were all based on his race.

I'm just wide eyed and slack jawed over this. I thought accepting that we're all human beings and being more or less colorblind was the norm. I guess I just want to know if anyone else is having the same experience and how you are handling it. I don't know why I would have attracted such hateful racism into my life. I'm trying to figure out what purpose it serves?

I may not be able to check back in on the thread right away, but I value everyone's opinion and the time you take to respond. I'm looking forward to opening up a great discussion about the state of race in America. Wanna join me and help me work through it?

LONDON, 2:00 a.m., Brown Looks Forward To Being Buds
The new editions of the papers are on the streets, and CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar says they are embracing the idea of historic change. The Independent: dignified, full page color photo of a smiling Obama. Headline: "Mr. President". Britain's leaders have been the Bush administrations’ closest allies, committing troops to both Afghanistan and Iraq, against public opposition. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was looking forward to working with the new U.S. President. The global economic crisis is high on his agenda. In a statement, Brown said, "The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to our prosperity and security… Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future… I know Barack Obama and we share many values. We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy. And I look forward to working extremely closely with him in the coming months and years."


Read the world news. Most of the world is behind this decision. We, the American people didn't elect a black man, we elected a man whom we, the American people, believe can lead us during these hard times. Have no fear, be brave. The others will catch up and get on board as we move forward.

Take the high road!
Peace,
Lara

[Elrond]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

I don't know why I would have attracted such hateful racism into my life. I'm trying to figure out what purpose it serves?

Maybe to nudge you into moving away from the South?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Lara

We, the American people didn't elect a black man, we elected a man whom we, the American people, believe can lead us during these hard times.

Here again, I'm torn. To me, Obama is a man, period. However, his election is historically significant for the fact that he's the first African American president of the United States. I don't want to diminish that or how powerful that is for black people in the US.

At the same time, is acknowledging his race at all just a step away from blatant racism? I mean, if race doesn't matter why discuss it at all...even in a positive way? Well, for one, I think it's important for young black people to realize that they can aspire to anything up to and including the presidency. But I'd like to get to a point where there's no reason to mention it at all because we're all equal for real.

I agree with your statement for myself, but I think that many people did elect a black man and many others specifically did not vote for him because he's black.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Elrond

Maybe to nudge you into moving away from the South?

Texas is a great state that I love dearly. If those of us who disagreed with the historically racist positions entrenched in the South all jumped ship, where would we be? I don't want to move, I want to positively affect my home state!

[jawillie]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Here again, I'm torn. To me, Obama is a man, period. However, his election is historically significant for the fact that he's the first African American president of the United States. I don't want to diminish that or how powerful that is for black people in the US.

At the same time, is acknowledging his race at all just a step away from blatant racism? I mean, if race doesn't matter why discuss it at all...even in a positive way? Well, for one, I think it's important for young black people to realize that they can aspire to anything up to and including the presidency. But I'd like to get to a point where there's no reason to mention it at all because we're all equal for real.

I agree with your statement for myself, but I think that many people did elect a black man and many others specifically did not vote for him because he's black.

You said exactly what is on my mind, too! Exactly, to a "T"!!

I look forward to the responses to this.

I know, I didn't vote based on skin color. But, I did vote on a reason some have told me is "not a good enough reason" and that was based on his stance on faith... how he wants to bring ALL Americans together. Many of my Republican friends told me that is not a good enough reason to vote for someone. I have a hard time considering them "friends" now to be honest.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Texas is a great state that I love dearly. If those of us who disagreed with the historically racist positions entrenched in the South all jumped ship, where would we be? I don't want to move, I want to positively affect my home state!

Texas has some some very old collective pain, as you notice; not all of it is racism but that's in there, sure. It has been practicing its collective old pain beliefs for a very long time, just like you have, so you might want to notice your compassion for the people who are still being tyrannized by those old pain beliefs, and notice how wonderful it is as others emerge into freedom and choice. Everybody's exactly where they should be, including you.

Who you are is a cell in the whole organism; just by being who you are and expressing your truth, you are spreading health and vitality in the larger organism you are part of. So, do you want to be resistance, like cancer (and the resistance of others is exactly what you're resisting), or do you want to be something that inspires you for the world, like unbridled, viral beauty and vitality?

Whatever you want to see present in your community (and in the world), why not go ahead and take it on in yourself? Why not let go of making them wrong for their beliefs, and go ahead and spread the growth of what you feel would make a positive difference?

I'm practicing the same sort of acceptance as I notice my resistance to people who voted for Prop 8 -- people who would like to make it impossible for gay people to get married.

[Elrond]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

If those of us who disagreed with the historically racist positions entrenched in the South all jumped ship, where would we be?

Didn't many of the blacks vote with their feet and move north while there was slavery and segregation there, effectively weakening the South and making it easier for the yankees to stop slavery in the South (or was that after the Civil War)? I do recognize that you are talking about contemporary times, and I'm not saying this is a good idea, but it's interesting.

[CroMagna]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

The folks I hear spouting this nastiness are often very well educated, kind and moral people. I never would have expected such folks to feel that electing a black man president is a mistake or something to be fearful of.

I guess I just want to know if anyone else is having the same experience and how you are handling it.

I don't know why I would have attracted such hateful racism into my life. I'm trying to figure out what purpose it serves?

The folks you hear are NPCs (non-polarized characters). NPCs are sometimes kind and moral, sometimes nasty and immoral. They are more or less hypocritical, irrational, and inconsistent. These people are probably not highly conscious beings either, or they probably wouldn't be hypocrites. Don't let it upset you, just know who you're dealing with.

Even though I'm black I'm always amused by racist people. I see them as marginalized bumpkins. I know many of them aren't slackjawed yokels. Some are polished and smart. But they're funny too. When asked about the dumber version of the racist, Jared Taylor said "they may be boobs, but they're our boobs." LMAO! I deliberately sought out the reaction of the white nationalist community. They're calling him "Obummer" I also watched an interview with David Duke about this "crisis" Others talk about cancelling their cable There are some rumors about an exodus to Japan (no Japan doesn't want you either)

That's a very noble last sentence. You refused to be the stereotypical person whining about racism. I believe that you DID create a reality in which there is a lot of racism. I believe I created a reality in which there is a lot of sexism. I did that because I like the "dog-eat-dog" setting in which I can be the victor at the end. You have signed a contract with this reality. Your contract is non-binding. Most people are kind and have no time for racist behavior.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Angela

you might want to notice your compassion for the people who are still being tyrannized by those old pain beliefs, and notice how wonderful it is as others emerge into freedom and choice. Everybody's exactly where they should be, including you.

Whatever you want to see present in your community (and in the world), why not go ahead and take in on in yourself? Why not let go of making them wrong for their beliefs, and go ahead and spread the growth of what you feel would make a positive difference?

Thanks for reminding me. You always put things in perspective. Sometimes I forget you don't have to say a word. I was looking for ways to convince or somehow "enlighten" people who I feel have got it backward. How arrogant is that?! I don't separate people out by race, but by their beliefs. I didn't truly notice my elitist behavior in that respect until now. I appreciate it.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

I don't separate people out by race, but by their beliefs.

For me it's more about ways of being. For instance, someone's beliefs might conflict with mine (belief in a personal interventionist god, for instance, or that they are nothing, or that you can make a mistake) but that wouldn't be the determiner for me as to whether or not to invite them over for a meal. But if someone is Being Freedom and another is Being Control, guess who's coming to dinner?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Angela

But if someone is Being Freedom and another is Being Control, guess who's coming to dinner?

I see what you mean. I think that I'm longing for connection and that I see racism as separation and division. When I come across a racist person, I feel like that connection is broken. But it's up to me to decide to be connection rather than expect everyone else to.

Edit: I took out the "just kidding" at the beginning because it referred to a sentence I deleted before posting. Gotta proof read!

[jawillie]

Thanks for posting this thread, ATC. I needed to hear this, too.

[crescive]

I'm Chinese and have been subjected to racism in my younger days. I really have a problem with this too. If it is a waste of time to argue with these people then how do I stop this overwhelming feeling that I must stand up for what is right? I don't hate racists I'm just sad that they have never experienced powerful tremendous moments of love and compassion that shows them the error of their bigotry. I'm sad that many people have never read slave narrative especially Frederick Douglass "Narrative of the Life" and Harriet Jacobs "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" so they cannot possibly understand or fathom the truths about their history. (P.S. I really recommend reading these! Fascinating, powerful read for all human beings!)
I want to, I guess, "enlighten" people, an arrogant statement, but at the very least, I don't want them to think that their way of thinking is the popular belief.

[dali]

Someone said to me today that they would like Britain to follow your example and have a black queen!! Thing is our queens are not elected. Its a very tight job. She cant be Athiest, Agnostic, Humanist,Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish,Buddhist, Scottish, Welsh or Irish either and she certainly couldnt marry another queen. We have got a long way to go before we catch up with you. Everybody I have met today is really happy that you have elected Barak Obama as your President and all seem to be looking forward to his leadership. He seems to be the first President since Kennedy that there is real excitement about.Many over here are looking to him as their leader because if he is anything he is proof that democracy works.Chosen by the people and showing clearly a massive turnaround in Western thought. Of course there is going to be an outpouring of racism as a result. Maybe the boil has to errupt before it can be lanced. Its safe under white supremacy to deceive ourselves and believe we have racism under control.On this historic occasion the American people have asserted themselves and shown the rest of us it can be done. That is no small feat. The smaller minded among you at least are being invited to see the light. Thats entirely up to them but being angry at them is not going to help them move on. Look at your history and the resultant ingrained conditioning. For some change comes at a price. Obama is not afraid and he for one is already reaching out to them. What leadership. Meanwhile we have to get on with a German family that pretends to be English ruling us and ,not wanting to show anger or bitterness all I can do is try to enjoy her jewellery and strange mannerisms and count my blessings shes not a Martian.Well done America!!

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

I guess I just want to know if anyone else is having the same experience and how you are handling it. I don't know why I would have attracted such hateful racism into my life. I'm trying to figure out what purpose it serves?

The world is a reflection of you. You are many things and the expression of racism is coming out of parts of yourself. Is that a problem?

Only if you make it a problem.

You can easily see that they're being unconscious. If you resist what they're doing or saying, saying it's wrong, judging, etc.... you are now being unconscious. It's responding to unconsciousness with unconsciousness.

How do I handle it? I catch myself in reaction, and remember what I said above. Oh, they're being unconscious and I'm reacting to it. Let me pause, open some space inside.... can I receive the moment as it is? Am I still playing with polarity (right/wrong) right now? Am I forgetting that this is all me?

And I remind myself that none of this is real anyway. Try not to take it so seriously.

[Dan.Linehan]

I'd ask them if they are racist, why they are so scared of black people, and avoid hanging around them anymore.

But that's just me.

[ZHereford]

Obama has been elected by one of the largest margins of victory in decades. For those few who see him as anything but someone who has re-energized the country, been a symbol of hope and freedom, an arbiter of new, fresh thinking are not only misguided, but missing out on the wave of an exiting new direction.

I think you should feel sorry for those who see him as anything but an intelligent, unifying and progressive leader. They're nothing but sad people who are missing the boat and will get left behind.

[wachusettgirl]

Originally Posted by ZHereford

Obama has been elected by one of the largest margins of victory in decades. For those few who see him as anything but someone who has re-energized the country, been a symbol of hope and freedom, an arbiter of new, fresh thinking are not only misguided, but missing out on the wave of an exiting new direction.

I think you should feel sorry for those who see him as anything but an intelligent, unifying and progressive leader. They're nothing but sad people who are missing the boat and will get left behind.

Very well put. I'm very hopeful that many, if not most that aren't on the boat now will get on it as Obama proves his capabilities as a great leader.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I really appreciate everyone's perspectives. It is really interesting to see how other people look at this, such as dali's take from across the ocean. I hadn't really thought of that.

Dharma, you gave me a good reminder of what I can do in such a situation to avoid joining in on the unconsiousness. Thank you.

And of course, Dan, that is what I love about you. You are unabashedly principled. I may be a couple of months older than you, but I wanna be like you when I grow up.

[Andrew Brunelle]

I'm glad Obama got in. He has that "it factor" that famous leaders like John Kennedy and Martin Luther King had. He seems like he has an ability to bring people together, so it surprises me that some people still can't get past the fact that he is 1/2 black. He was raised by all white people for most of his life anyway. He is a Harvard Law graduate and was president of the Harvard Law Revue. This man is very intelligent and his race should have no bearing on his qualifications for being a good president.

Being racist is a shortcut many ignorant people use because they don't want to look at Obama as an individual, but just as a race so they can stereotype him. It takes less work to be racist than it does to look at the man and what he stands for.

[CroMagna]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

I'd ask them if they are racist, why they are so scared of black people, and avoid hanging around them anymore.

But that's just me.

Yup. Tolerance is resistance to love.

I think she was trying to seek out the racists because of the saying "what you resist, persists."

I guess to reconcile the two statements you could feel, "these people are entitled to their opinions, and I'm entitled to remove myself from them."

[jawillie]

I have an acquaintenance whose remarks still make me crazy after three days. She is a conservative republican and she admitted to being very upset when Obama was elected. After I told her how beautiful I thought the crowd at Grant Park was (all skin tones cheering together) she said, "yeah, but I wonder if they all know what policies he has and what kind of man they REALLy elected to office."

I found that statement to be so upsetting. She was basically saying we were all blinded by his color and that we are all stupid, right?

I just told her, "Sorry you feel that way. YOUR issues are not MY issues. I voted for him precisely based on his policies and agenda and I am sure most others did, too."

I find it so demeaning when someone "picks" on your reasons for voting the way you do. I guess that is why my Mom always said, "I don't talk politics" ~ I was her child and I never knew who she voted for, much less why.

[wachusettgirl]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

Yup. Tolerance is resistance to love.

I think she was trying to seek out the racists because of the saying "what you resist, persists."

I guess to reconcile the two statements you could feel, "these people are entitled to their opinions, and I'm entitled to remove myself from them."

I don't think that she was necessarily trying to seek out racists, because they were already there in her environment. She's just been observing them with distaste, and perhaps some fear. I do firmly believe in Beckwith's "what you resist, persists," and in the idea of allowing others to carry on with their own reality while I carry on with mine.

[Brutha]

I think she was trying to seek out the racists because of the saying "what you resist, persists."

Seeking is a process that involves energy and giving something attention.
Resiting is another way that involves energy and gives attention.

Dan talks about not giving those people attention.

[Lauxa]

Hm, that's interesting, because with everyone I talk to being black is one of the things on Obama's "good list". I'll admit I haven't talked to that many people (let's see... 5 or 6 maybe) but NONE of them like Obama (and neither do I) but his race is, if anything, a plus. And I'm in Texas too, talking with people from Austin and Houston.

In case you're interested, here's my short "things I like about Obama" list:
1) He's black.
2) He's eloquent.
3) He's young.
4) He takes good care of himself.
5) He has a good temperment.
6) He's pro-science.

As a libertarian-leaning lady, I had to dig deep.

Oh god, I'm so depressed...

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

As a libertarian-leaning lady, I had to dig deep.

Oh god, I'm so depressed...

Heh. As a libertarian-leaning guy, I understand where you're coming from! The main reason I like Obama is that he's not associated with George Bush and he was against the Iraq war from the start!

I do however, have a white friend who said several times that he voted for Obama for one reason: Because he's black. When Obama won, my friend said he felt it was the greatest day of his life.

[funchy]

I'd like to think the racists are in a really small minority. Obama's win is proof racism is almost dead. But with something big happening such as Obama's win, the few remaining racists will come out of the woodwork and make noise.

I was concerned about the overt racial comments made about middle easterners by some pro-war republicans. Just because someone is from the middle east or doesn't practice Christianity doesn't make them a terrorist.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by funchy

I'd like to think the racists are in a really small minority.

I suspect that Aspiring feels about that statistic the same way she does about the minority of suicide bombers -- even one is too many.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

Hm, that's interesting, because with everyone I talk to being black is one of the things on Obama's "good list". I'll admit I haven't talked to that many people (let's see... 5 or 6 maybe) but NONE of them like Obama (and neither do I) but his race is, if anything, a plus. And I'm in Texas too, talking with people from Austin and Houston.

In case you're interested, here's my short "things I like about Obama" list:
1) He's black.
2) He's eloquent.
3) He's young.
4) He takes good care of himself.
5) He has a good temperment.
6) He's pro-science.

As a libertarian-leaning lady, I had to dig deep.

Oh god, I'm so depressed...

I'm sorry your depressed!

Some of the people I've talked to are from Iowa, some are from smaller towns in Texas and some are from San Antonio. Maybe I'm just associating with the wrong people!