a race that just won't end

In Mississippi, we are well aware of our history concerning race. State history tests require an extensive knowledge of the civil rights movement because much of it took place here. Junior high students memorize names like Emmett Till, James Meredith, and Medgar Evers right along with the names of the eighty-two counties. The racial issues of Mississippi’s past will always be recognized. Yet, since the 1950’s, America has fought an uphill battle to right its wrongs, and now it is a place where a state with Mississippi’s record has the most black elected officials in the country.

However, not everyone is impressed with the nation’s progress.

Reverend Jeremiah Wright, presidential candidate Barak Obama’s pastor and mentor, goes so far as to openly denounce America for the white supremacy that she currently allows and the lies that she consistently tells (one of which is that the government actually created the HIV virus to kill black people). He passionately condemns the control of “rich whites,” and proclaims that “God damn America” is a much more appropriate expression than “God bless America.” Obama has had a surprisingly carefree campaign until now, but easy times for the black candidate who claims to transcend racial issues are over. The recent discovery of Reverend Wright’s divisive commentary on America during sermons has made Obama’s campaign known for more than just fervent college students and big signs announcing, “CHANGE.”

For America, Reverend Wright’s comments have been the freezing water that your parents always threatened to use to wake you up in the morning. It is shocking, rather bewildering, and it forces you to open your eyes to reality. His comments show a willingness to foster hatred and bitterness, and the setting is no less than a universal symbol for the opposite of all of that: the church.

So far, Obama has only definitively separated himself from the damaging remarks themselves, otherwise making excuses for his continued closeness with the reverend. This almost dismissive attitude shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the ideologies at play here. Obama is trying to pat America on the head and change the subject, but this subject cannot and should not be changed if the unity and prosperity of the nation carry any weight with its citizens.

Whether he wanted to or not, Obama has become a potential catalyst for change, although I don’t think this scenario was what he had in mind when the signs were made. But enough about Obama…this is about you.

The problem that suddenly looms before us is not one that can be solved with a few soothing, vaguely apologetic words. This challenge is one that must be faced by each one of us – white and black. If we come to the table together, the first step towards reconciliation is complete. We have a duty to each other to remove any obstacles that hinder us from presenting a strong, united front as a nation, and showing a respectful and open attitude to our fellow Americans can only help us achieve that. Also, it is only right for people to acknowledge the progress of the past decades to the amazing transformation of today. Affirmative action has helped the black community to integrate fully into educational institutions and the workplace. Neighborhoods and churches welcome all races, and the American dream is available to all of its inhabitants that choose to pursue it. This is a positive change – one that should be applauded rather than condemned. Why should wounds that were and are being dressed be forced to fester instead? That would be irrational, and Reverend Wright’s blameshifting and opinionated bitterness are just that.

Pandora’s box is now open, and it remains to be seen whether or not Americans have learned their lesson. Will we face the challenge that presents itself…or will we simply put the lid back on and nail it shut?

March 26, 2008
(article for The Review, Laurel, MS, newspaper)