Obama, James, Kevin, Joe the plumber, and sagging
Posted: Friday, November 14, 2008
by James Bond
http://www.jamesandjanka.com/
November 4, 2008 did indeed mean something to me. It meant a lot to me personally, and, through my conversations with others I have learned what it meant to them. The conversations I've had with a variety of individuals has allowed me to challenge some of my beliefs about them, myself, and the country in which I live. I have enjoyed those conversation and some of the things I learned about myself and others. The one thing I consistently have not enjoyed are the implications of what Obama's victory should mean to any group of people. I more intensely dislike someone telling me what it should mean to me personally. Since I do not like having that done to me, I am going to attempt really hard not to do that here. Instead, I would like to share what it has meant to me and give some insight into my rationale, identity, and world view.
The process that shaped me is very different than the process that shaped one of my closest mentors. This mentor looks very similar to me, talks very similar, and to someone glancing in at our resumes, or having a discussion with us they would think we were very much alike. While we share a great friendship, thirst for knowledge, and sincere desire to help others, our world views are very different. We are not comfortable in the same situations nor do we read people the same way. I think what I love most about Kevin and the reason he is a mentor to me is he is willing to both listen and express. We can disagree without judging one another. Occasionally my world view changes because of something he said that caused me to seek an experience I would otherwise not consider. I feel that new experiences have contributed more to my growth than any passed down "wisdom" or "doctrine".
I notice now that in my life I tend to be the only African-American in most places I frequent, jobs I obtain, and even many of the social situations I chose freely to participate in. While I am learning to be ok with being comfortable with what I am use to, I am also challenging things I believe or situations I am uncomfortable with. I intentionally seek out opportunities to work with other African-Americans, I also seek out African-Americans I respect and have honest conversations with them. I have a multi-cultural group of mentors that I call the wise ones and I cherish their opinions though I rarely agree with them completely on anything.
President-Elect Obama's victory exposed a lot of beliefs I have and I wish to share them here. I do not believe all African-Americans are the same or treated the same. While I agree 60 years ago it wouldn't have mattered whether Obama was half white or not, he wouldn't' have been able to seriously consider winning the presidency. I also believe, If Obama looked like me, William Sapp, or my dear friend Kevin I don't think we would be celebrating right now. The fact that he made it today means people are more open to race not that race isn't a factor.
Another factor at play here is familarity, Obama has lived abroad and experienced many things. His experiences allow him to relate to and effectively communicate with a wide range of perspectives. To expect a child growing up in under funded schools, to a family with limited resources, to magically be able to accomplish that feat is unfair. I developed this attitude from my work with so called "at-risk" youth. These youth are living through things that I never imagined and overcoming challenges and situations that I never knew existed. They show me intelligence in a ways I was never taught socially of formally to look for. To focus on how high or low their pants are is outrageous to me. I will admit this was not always the case. I began this work with my whole, confirm to "normal society" attitude. I pray it wasn't as apparent to them then, as it was to me now.
The lack of familiarity with these students environment and culture coupled with the internalized messages from pop culture, church, family, and work environments allowed me to judge these kids. Those messages also allowed me to judge their parents and say what they should "just do". The sad truth of my worldview is we are not who we are, it is not what it is, we are unfortunately what others believe us to be. I can act, look, smell, and talk exactly the same, and, can be an inspiration, a sellout, and a regular guy to three different people. All too often our identity is limited by the experience of the person we interact with, at no fault of their own. This is only a problem because we do not share equal influence in our environment. Those in power get to force their worldview on others. They accomplish this through economic means, they make their reality a reality for our society.
We as a society have some serious challenges. The most efficient way to address these challenges is as a society putting less value on comfort and familiarity and more value in growth and community.
No person of any race should aspire to be any other person. We all have a unique potential within us and that should guide us to our ultimate destiny. We should not try to force others to fit into the boxes we deem acceptable, as long as they aren't intruding on our freedom. I have the choice not to stare at someone's backside or underwear if I see it exposed. Just as I have a choice not to stare at any other object that I don't appreciate. If Joe the plumber was ever a real plumber I am sure he has sagged on more than one occasion and I imagine it would be acceptable. That's job related I am sure many of us think, every thing is related to something, my argument is, just because I don't agree or understand does not invalidate the experience or belief.
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Well written and inspiring, James. It is refreshing to have someone separate and standup for their own individual beliefs--don't allow others to group you into their version of what you should think, say, believe.Great article, and welcome to SearchWarp.SandraThank you so much Sandra, I am loving searchwarp so far. I am hoping to both share my views and listen to the views of others. It is very important in my line of work to be able to hear, and comprehend so many varying views. Thanks for taking the time to read this piece and for the good advice.James
hi james,this was excellently written, and intriguing what your thoughts have been.i think everyone is shocked at the turn of events in obama being elected, a black man. i say, it's about time, but who am i :) i'm thrilled that he not only gets a chance to help us out, but that the world has to moving forward, not backward, and maybe more people should listen to the laid back hippies, who tell it like it is, and can see compassion in obama's eyes. i saw it.thanks for a great article,my best regards,sue thomThanks so much so Sue, I am really enjoying it here. I am now going to try to work on my pre-writing process. I want lay out my ideas better so I can write more precise pieces. I am reading the articles that address that here and am open to any suggestions you may have.Jamesjames,i think you're doing just fine.i have been with searchwarp for over 2 years, and i love it. it is a great site, with great people, and we get a chance to write what we think about things. keep writing. i have gotten much better at writing since the beginning, it just takes time, and lots of articles under your belt. keep moving forward, it only gets better.all my best,sue
All people of African decent should be proud. It was a day of achievement and attainment. It was also a day that race, can no longer be used as an excuse to achievement. It has been removed. Sadly, it was many times over but not recognized. Now it is cemented as no longer viable. It should be an inspiration to all black children. Good job.Thanks for sharing and commenting Robert. I am also open to any writing tips you may have.
If I understand what you're saying, our potential is more challenged by the environment we were raised in and the opportunities we were afforded, then colour alone. I'm sure there are many whites that are also being educated in under-funded schools and living in low income families, possibly with only one parent.I'm trying to understand and absorb what I have been reading on this subject, but it is not that easy for me. I am white, was raised in a very white environment (only one black family in my childhood neighbourhood). I still remember the talk I heard and it still bothers me.Fortunately for me, my family is not that 'white' anymore. My daughter-in-law is half Canadian native (First Nations). My niece is full Canadian native. I also have a nephew who is part African-American.White is so bland; colours make life much more interesting.Hey Dave, thanks for commenting and sharing some of your background with me. I would say I think what greatly influences our success or potential is how similar we are to those in the field or arena we are competing in.
In my field of education it is surprising how many of my colleagues come from 2 parent, middle income homes, and at least one parent had a colleague degree. Yes are demographics for tenured faculty is 70% white. I remember the school of mathematics was the most ethnically diverse department but I don't recall the breakdown.
Anyway, I suggest that with out even knowing a persons background our mannerisms, belief systems, and worldview being shaped by similar circumstances will make us more comfortable with one another. When trying to hire solely on merit ignoring that gut feeling of (this person just feels more right to me) can be a difficult thing.
I think race plays a part, I think the way we were disciplined plays a part, so on and so on.
Hope that didn't just confuse you more.
:o)
James
A very interesting and informative article, James. I sincerely agree with a few of your points and find no fault with any of them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.Thanks a lot Joel I appreciate you taking the time to read my article. I am really enjoying reading all the the articles on so many topics. This is a great community.
James
A complicated subject, one I have always found will throw a monkeywrench in my expectations. Racism is alive and well among white culture, to be sure. Black culture is also a reality in our country, 400 years strong, with all the beauty and grace as would accrue for any people making a land their own. I'm not sure where race ends and personal character begins sometimes when I see anyone discuss lofty, worthwhile ambitions, and then sabotage their own potential by wasting time on fruitless pursuits. I think people of any color hope their children break out of the negative behavior patterns that plague their own generation (I know I do). Time does seem to show incremental results, though, favoring the positive efforts of any who bother to make them.and, as a p.s., these discussion in and of themselves go a long way to breaking down barriers and dispelling ignorance. I think intelligent discussion of race relation issues was one of the things that attracted me to searchwarp. James shows just how difficult it is to paint with a broad brush.-GGregory thanks for adding to this discussion and for taking the time to read my article.James
James, you've expressed yourself very well. Take a look at the second paragraph, this sentence:
Being raised in chesapeake virginia added adimensionto that perspective.
It should be written:
Being raised in Chesapeake, Virginia added a dimension to that perspective.
(Cities and states should always be capitalized and separated by a comma and I think you just forgot to hit the space bar with the other corrections.)
I do not consider myself an editor or a good writer even because I simply do not remember all the rules about grammar. I do recall a few and work at it.
I liked your article and could relate to your experiences. I do want guys to pull up their pants, though. It's called underwear with good reason.
You are a beacon of light to the at risk kids you help. I'm wishing you the best. They are blessed to have a positive example.Thanks for reading Avis and the corrections.James
Excellent article, JB. I agree with everything you’ve written. I am very proud of what Barack Obama has been able to achieve -- and no one will deny that he is an inspiration to many people -- black, white and brown. I hope and pray that more doors will open for many black people in America and worldwide, and that black people will take it upon themselves to walk through those doors and even “shatter” some more ceilings.
But I also think that it is unrealistic (even condescending) to try to set a single "acceptable" standard for black people -- for all of the reasons you stated.
There is so much to admire and respect in the black culture in America. It’d be a good thing though, for the brothers to pull up the pants -- but keep the swagger and the bounce. Just like Barack Obama...:-))I feel you Christine, thanks for taking the time to read and share.James
James, Welcome to SearchWarp and what an entrance you've made! Great article with lots of insight that will surely enrichen the discussions here. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work. Warmly, BarbaraHi Barbara thinks for the encouraging comments! I got a little adernaline rush when I saw your name. I have a really close friend that shares your name and I thought you were her. I look forward to reading your work as well.JamesGreat beginning, JB, with your article. Obama is a great inspiration and motivation to many. And I for one will use his example to uplift the brothers and sisters that I work with in the prison system every week. Of course, we have many examples to work with, but he's one of the best role models right now, and we'll be missing an opportunity of a lifetime not to use Obama as a beacon of hope and a reason for encouragement for those who are down right now. Thanks for your article, and keep it coming. I enjoyed the read. ~mogama~
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