The Potential of the Moment

Posted on November 20, 2008
Filed Under Uncategorized, Fulfillment, Resilience, Freedom, Community |

Warning: Political Post!

Yesterday MSM reported that al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s #2 guy, called Obama a “house negro.” I’ve been sitting with this trying to figure out where I am with it, and I think I’ve found a place to land.

The fact is that America’s historic racism has not only profoundly affected our own country, but apparently has a global reputation. What does a cave-dwelling terrorist know about the term “house negro?” Clearly lots, to use it so accurately and with such punch.

Here’s a true story: When my oldest son Ry was probably 2, the sun shone directly in his eyes as he rode in the backseat of my sister’s car. To the surprise of my sister and me, Ry said “sh*t” in his frustration as he tried to shield his face. Having, unfortunately, heard the word in his 2-year-old innocence, he used it comfortably, effectively, and accurately to describe his predicament. Sigh.

I’m in no way ascribing innocence to al Qaeda and its minions, I am however attempting to make a parallel . . . exposure means familiarity. I think that in many ways, the world is familiar with our unique and home-grown racism; familiar enough to embrace it as its own and use it as a tool against us, its original propagators. Oh, the irony.

But all is not lost here people. While there are several talking heads who are weirdly salivating delightfully and “patriotically” celebrating with al Qeada and its unsurprising racism (after all hate makes all things dark possible), I see Obama’s election as an opportunity to turn the tide and present, literally, a new face for America.

The beauty of our country electing our first Black president for the ashes of the embarrassing enslavement of Blacks in its foundation is not lost on me. It’s a full circle moment, really.