Racism is Not an Issue: It is a Problem!

“Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them.”

--Paul Valery--

“Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.”

--Ambrose Bierce--

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy.”

--Ernest Benn--

If I was on Senator Obama’s staff I would tell Senator Obama that he has been presented with a unique opportunity to demonstrate the difference between him and Senator Clinton. I would tell him that he has been presented with an opportunity to demonstrate the difference between the old way of campaigning and the new way. I would tell him that he has an opportunity to demonstrate in concrete terms what change really looks like by dealing with race in the only way that will finally make any real difference in the African-American community. He should embrace the topic of race like any other problem by talking about issues that are the result of race – or to be more accurate racism.

It is about time somebody said (well wrote) the truth. Race is not an issue. It is a problem. I know what most of you Black Folks out there must be saying to yourselves. “What?!!!” “Have you lost your mind?!!!” No. I have not. Let me explain.

There is a big difference between an issue and a problem. The words are used interchangeably but they are very different. Issues are direct, smaller, and identifiable. Problems are amorphous, large, and difficult to get a handle on. Race is not a problem. Racism is the real problem. Police brutality is an issue. Job discrimination based on race is an issue. Predatory lending that targets African-Americans for sub-prime loans is an issue. Protecting Affirmative Action programs that help African-American small businesses to get started or have an opportunity to break into markets where they have been historically shut out is an issue. Those are just a few examples of issues that can be addressed, by various means, by the government.

In the past, politicians acted as if whatever office they are running for is the panacea of any and all ills that the community that they are pandering for votes face everyday. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Our community does not need any more fairytale promises. We need solutions. In regards to the problem of racism, however, the government can make a difference, but the one thing that government will never be able to do is to force people to change what they feel in their hearts. That task should be left to the churches, temples, mosques, and reason. However, the government can force people to change how they treat “us.” And that is the sum total of any issue that is directly linked to the problem of racism.

That is why Senator Obama should not allow himself to be baited into talking about the problem of racism. He should instead take the opportunity to change the standard of debate in politics as it pertains to our community. He should raise the bar of rhetoric that can finally lead to action by discussing race through issues. This is the only way that race, like any other problem, should ever be discussed in politics. This is way that race has yet to be discussed in a presidential campaign.

Talking about issues will also allow him to shine a light on an inconvenient truth that our community should have addressed over twenty years ago. Our community has been way too dependent on preachers and politicians for leadership. And much of our alleged leadership has sold “us” out for money, fame, and access to political office or power. Many of the preachers and politicians in our community are more loyal to the Democratic Party or to building wealth for themselves through the electoral process than they are to our community. See the article written by William Jelani Cobb on January 13, 2008 for the discussion about the old guard versus the new guard in the African-American community.

Our leaderships' priorities are obvious. It is about them. It is about their careers. It is about providing for their families. However, it is not about addressing issues in our community. I am not making this up. Look at the endorsements of Hillary Clinton by African-American politicians, celebrities, and prominent business people. None of them that I have read about endorsed Hillary Clinton because of her stance on the Iraq War as compared to Barack Obama’s or her stance on Affirmative Action as compared to Barack Obama’s or her legitimate civil rights achievements as compared to Barack Obama’s. No. It is all about paying back an old debt, a misguided sense of loyalty, or a desire to have access to power.

A debate that is centered on issues will remove the myths that our alleged leaders are looking out for “our” best interests instead of looking out for their own. I would tell Senator Obama to continue with his Campaign of Change by changing the standard of debate in our community from image to substance. I would beseech him to continue to talk about issues, even if it includes race.

Comments

[Jenny Barbour]

Bart,

Your commentary is central, crucial, and accurate. I agree completely. Please forward this to Obama and his team via his website. He has to hear from his supporters and the view we have of what is occuring.

Jenny