Have We Overcome?

Isn't it ironic that as we're congratulating ourselves on our ability to elect a black president while we are simultaneously lamenting the passage of Proposition 8? We Americans have been quite pleased with ourselves because we were able to elect a black man to the highest office in the land. I would argue that we may have overcome something, but it is not bigotry. The day we will really know we have overcome bigotry is the day we elect a black, Atheist, lesbian -- that would be a feat.

Inherent in the post-election discussions of race and politics is the conclusion that because large segments of our population have moved away from open racism, we are beyond bigotry. Nothing could be further from the truth; we have simply traded one for another, or several others, as the case may be. And these latest forms of intolerance and discrimination are often made more palatable through religion, as open racism against blacks used to be.

Because of religion and its ever-encroaching move into the political spectrum, Americans were forced to live through an administration that would not allow medical research on single cells to help find cures for diseases in people who are alive right now. Because of religion, pro-life politicians gain support from citizens whose actual interests are ignored in favor of policies that benefit the extremely wealthy. Because of religion, all over the country laws like Proposition 8 proliferate.

In spite of Obama's election, what America has not given up and seems loathe to give up, regardless how far backward we move socially, morally, and legally, is religion. Why should it? Religion allows people to vilify those they don't understand. Simply claim that anything different from you is against your religion and you are protected by your God-given, inalienable right to believe.

It is truly a significant step in the right direction that a black man will be our president. It is evidence that progress is possible and that society is able to make changes that seemed impossible only decades earlier. Yet is seems to me that if we are ever able to really end bigotry, if we are ever able to end all forms of discrimination, we are going to have to take a cold, hard, honest look at religion and its role in the promulgation of hate and intolerance. Only then will we truly overcome.

Read more reaction from HuffPost bloggers to Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 presidential election

Comments

[Zanti]

Yes, we hear it all the time from this site. Religion is bad. It's responsible, at least in part, for every evil. It needs to be eliminated.

The front-for-bigotry theme could be applied, with equal logic, to such institutions as patriotism, love of sports, and love of profit. But religion is the easiest target to scapegoat, since religion (unlike the other traditions I just mentioned) isn't too popular with the journalistic left.

Not believing in God will get you a medal these days. Not believing in the flag, in business, or kicking a ball around a field--well, those are WAY riskier stances, are they not? Hence, no one blames our worship of profit, athletics, or the American Way for the evil in our midst--it's all the fault of churches.

In other words, when given a choice, we scapegoat the safest targets. That's because cowardice is a good part of the mix we call human nature.

[MagisterLudi]

"The day we will really know we have overcome bigotry is the day we elect a black, Atheist, lesbian -- that would be a feat."
Hmmm, I always thought the the REAL feat would be to elect a really intelligent and wise person... mea culpa...

Identity politics is NEVER a good thing.

[CEKChuck]

hmmmm..... while I agree with your final argument, ", we are going to have to take a cold, hard, honest look at religion and its role in the promulgation of hate and intolerance...only then will we truly overcome", your overall tenor smacks of throwing out the baby with the bath water. Yes, religious zealotry is a bane of modern American society, but not all religions and all religious people are biblical, talmudic, koranic, you name it thumping literalists. There are thoughtful, compassionate, progressive people of all faiths, and thoughtful, compassionate progressive faiths form an invaluable part of our society.

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

who ultimately pretend to commune with an imaginary omnipotent being... some people have no modesty.

[kobio]

I could not agree more! The scary thing is trying to have a debate or even a conversation with evangelicals. It is nearly impossible. I'm afraid the mindless jellyfish will just keep breeding more of the same. How does modern society deal with a group of people who want and pray for the world to end? Perhaps pumping $$$$ into education will help.

[Berettasskeeter]

Which evangelicals have you debated, or had conversations with that turned impossible? Could it be that it was you who were impossible, demanding that they give in just as much as they?
Semper fi

[RitaLouise]

I agree with Ms. Gardner with respect to religion. In America, which professes to be 'democratic' with liberty and justice for all, it is hypocritical to inject religion into any aspect of politics or public schools. We should be free from those who cling to "Christianity" as being the only way, and impose their dogma into our personal lives. I am non religious, and my spiritual path is between me and what I perceive as my creator. I neither kill, steal, or do damage to others, but follow a moral path to be a citizen of hurt nor harm to anyone else. Each person has a right to follow their own path, to form their own beliefs and truths as they seek their way. If those on the religious right would stick to helping the sick, the homeless the hungry, and the disadvantaged, they would be more in line with many passages of the bible they so strictly quote when trying to control others. If they would spend as much time, money and energy in charitable activities as they spend on fighting abortion, gays, etc, and proselytizing this world would be more centered in equality and compassion for all. We have all seen the results of a political machine that has embraced this segment, and failed miserably, and it is now time for this country to mature and get over allowing religion to creep into our public life.

[Berettasskeeter]

Why would you demand that the religious stick to what YOU think of as their arena? What about what they think? Oh yeah, you don't care what they think, do you? Ahhhh, the "tolerance" of the Left!
Semper fi