Fear of a Black President

UPDATE: It seems like a lot of you are reading this and concluding that I'm either an idiot or a racist. I'll cop to being an idiot -- HuffPo probably isn't the best forum for unflattering self-analysis, especially where race is involved. But let me point out two things: one, I believe Senator Obama will be our next president. I've donated to his campaign and phone banked on his behalf, and I believe he's a brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime leader -- not because of the color of his skin, but because of the content of his character, and the quality of his mind. I agree with djarvis: "we are electing a person, not a symbol." Two, what I was trying to do was identify that fear of the unknown (which I believe is the root of all prejudice) and shame it. I failed to make either point. So idiot? Sure. Note to self: less soul-searching, more McCain bashing. Anyway, here's the piece, warts and all. -- SGS

I like being white.

Generally speaking, it's the easiest color in America to be.

It's so easy being white that when someone discriminates against me because I'm white, it's called "reverse" racism. My racism has its own special name -- that's how cool it is to be white. I can walk into any store without being followed; hail the cab of my choice; and there's not a country club that wouldn't welcome me, so long as I was clad in the requisite slacks and collared shirt.

I'm a liberal, college-educated white guy. I think gays should be allowed to marry, I think women deserve equal pay for equal work, and I firmly believe that the more ethnically diverse America becomes, the more perfect and lasting our Union will be.

But there's something about the idea of a black president that scares the shit out of me.

Until now, the notion of a black chief executive has belonged exclusively to Hollywood. I remember seeing Morgan Freeman in Deep Impact, and thinking what a cool, novel choice it was to cast a black man as the president of the United States. Cool, because it hit my progressive sweet spot. "Yes! That's the way the world should work!" Novel, because the idea seemed impossible. And that was scarcely ten years ago.

But the idea is very real now. A black man may well become the leader of the free world. And even for someone who fancies himself a progressive, that's forced me to take a long, hard look at what that would really mean to my white mind. To identify that tiny, obscure part of me that's suddenly afraid, and find out what its problem is.

Here's what I found.

It's been easy believing in equality, because part of me -- the part that's suddenly afraid -- didn't really think we'd ever achieve it.

For as long as I can remember, I've felt secure as a white person. Secure in the unspoken belief that no matter how much social progress we made in America -- no matter how many blacks and Latinos graduated Magna Cum Laude or how many trophies Tiger won -- that we'd always be the ruling class from sea to shining sea.

That belief was so ingrained in my DNA that nothing could shake it loose. Not the first billionaires of color, not the surging growth of the Latino population, not the Congressional Black Caucus...not even Oprah.

For though my better angels usually won the day, and though I was happy with the strides America was making, I was also -- deep down in that DNA -- gratified by the knowledge that mine was still the easiest color in America to be.

But a black president? That's different.

A black president means anything is possible. It means that that last little parcel of earth -- which for 232 years has been solely inhabited by white men -- is now open to people of all colors. That may seem insignificant. After all, there are black CEOs, black movie stars, black Senators...but the "highest office in the land" is just that.

The problem is, I think there are untold numbers of whites who can't bring themselves to pull the lever for Obama because of that fear -- the fear that a black president somehow takes us white folks down a notch.

I have friends and family members who support Obama as I do, but who are "certain" he won't win in November for this very reason. They just don't think white America is ready to pull that lever. Ready to put their vote where their mouth is.

Some of these hypothetical people are simply racists. People who've let that fear consume them, and who would never vote for a black candidate no matter what. Others are like me -- whites who embrace equality, and who've loved people of all colors with all their hearts, but who (somewhere deep down in that DNA) are afraid of what this brave new world will look like. Of what their place in it will -- or won't -- be.

As for me? I don't think we've arrived in a "post-racial" America just yet, but I have faith that more of us white folks are ready to give it a try than ever before.

I guess we'll see how big those better angels have grown.

Comments

[MARTYB]

Seth that was real good, like talking to some of my white buddies in the service who have expressed
similar thoughts and feelings during late night sessions on watch and stuff. Fear not, like someone
else mentioned we are only 12% of the population, there are not gonna be any "give aways". And Paul195 i had a friend in the service, a white guy , and i was always sending him to get the cokes and other sundrys, one day we were all sitting around and i told him to "fly" and he looked at me and pointed to his "white" arm pointed to my darker skin and said:" wait it a minute, something ain't right here" we all laughed because even though it was a joke there was the "assumption" that a darker person should be doing the "fetching". In the DNA even as a joke.

[DieHardObamaSupporter]

Very insightful. I applaud you for your honesty, a rarity in today's world especially when discussing race in America. This is the type of open dialogue we should be having in this country regarding race. Open and honest. Calling it like it is or how one truly feels. Then only can we began to heal as a nation from our ugly past of slavery, segregation and institutional racism. Hopefully, one day we will be able to face and address the elephant in the room as opposed to ignoring it or sweeping it under the rug. Once we have done that, then we can leave our children a more beautiful world to live it. My hope for them is that they will be the generation discussing a different race, the human race. Wow, what a day that will be!

OBAMA 08

[CFAmick]

To *think* of losing status as a white man is one thing; to *fear* it is quite another.

I have also discovered through my thirty years on earth that being a white male gets you a foot in the door everytime, whereas someone else might have to knock on several doors, first. We still have to work once inside (usually), but we usually have first crack at getting there. A lot of conservatives who think they're oppressed b/c of their white skin and gender, in reality, think that getting their foot in the door is the end of the game, when it's only the beginning.

[doctordoubt]

The truth of the matter is, we have no problem with anyone who can afford to live here, but their relatives? I have heard this all my life. Seth, not sure I want to go so deep into my physche, but I applaud you for it. And for my wholey white upbringing, Chicago north suburbs, nearly totally white high school, etc., I have learned in spite of that. My shame is in hanging on to some of the old fears. Trust me when I say, not only am I, but everyone I know, will be voting for Obama. Right reasons, wrong reasons, any reason. They respect me, and what I have learned, and they are willing to take a recomendation. Besides, what can the nay sayers say later, but 'I told you so'?

[BEHM777]

Seth, I don't think you are an idiot. You sound like a few of my non-black friends. Don't worry, should Senator Obama become President Obama, you will still occupy the societal position that you do now, I promise. You will most likely find out that all of the progressive stuff that you say you believe needs a little tweaking/r­einforcing­, but that is not a bad thing. You will be fine. I promise.

[tbone99]

,The physical components that make up fear also create excitement, thrill, and confusion.. We get to decide how to interprate. iWhen we realize that perhaps life is not what we thought it was, there is that moment when we can freeze and shrink back or let go,curiousity and interest fully awakenened toward a larger life.We all need to practice this daily in our habitual patterns.

I understand the hesitancy on the part of white people , who somehow imagine hordes of brown people taking over, but the truth is African Americans are only 12 % of the population, so it really is an unjustfiable fear.However our country will not remain majority white at the rate it's going and the best way to ease into the situation is to start getting used to it ahead of time so we can begin to practice what it truly means to live in a multi-cultural society.

Personally I see it as if a huge oppressive burden lifted .

[Nommo]

Seth, the current corps of decision/policy making white folks are not doing such a bang up job. You can't be the head species in charge if no one is around to be in charge or in charge of. So it is only fair game that another gets an opportunity. So, if it is Obama and he doesn't pull it off, on that last moment of the handbasket's descent, you get to say collectively, we told you so!

No one will be the wiser as for your essay.

[Political Know How]

Seth,

You are not an indiot. You are insightful and courageous for posting this commentary.

It's true that white privilege exists and some whites are complicit in the unfair, biased treatment of all people of color in this country by government policies that allows and encourages discrimination. I see in my profession as a lawywer all the time.

In my experience, when ever race is discussed some whites get uncomfortable and dismissive. You didn't do that. You decided to tackle the issue dead on by being honest about your feelings. That's how we can create a more unified America by simply talking openly and honestly with one another about this very real ailment that sickens us all.

Yeah, whites don't want to compete with people of color for resources -jobs, access to education, etc. That's why segregation existed and poor folks of color are concentrated in urban areas. It's a cycle of poverty, violence, apathy, criminality, ignorance ...et. al.

But, when Barack is elected I pray that he will begin to lead the effort to enact policies that will hold employers, academic institutions and government agencies accountable for discriminatory practices and provide ALL Americans with access to the American Dream. The playing field has been unfair and unbalanced for far too long, and Oprah, Michaal Jordan and Will Smith (all entertainers by the way) and Condi and Colin are the exception, not the rule.

[debonair06]

It is refreshing and a bit scary to think that people truly feel this way. I, for one appreciate the man’s honesty, I’m sure there are plenty of Americans that have the same sentiment as he does but refuse to admit it. I am an African American male who would LOVE to see a black president in my life time, but in my heart of hearts I don’t think that I will see that happen. And, the reason why I say this is because of what exactly this article states. All people are xenophobic (afraid of the unknown) and anyone who states other wise is a little delusional. While I will agree that we as a Nation have a myriad of other issues to be concerned with (war, debt, education, getting rid of Bush), I truly feel as though this country isn’t ready for a President of color. God I hope that I’m wrong and that people can see past the color of someone’s skin and vote openly and honestly about the ISSUES. ISSUES like leading America through the good times and the bad, protecting America, ensuring a positive and bright future for America. Not issues like a “terrorist fist bump”, whether he’s Muslim or Christian, or if his mother was white, black, yellow, or orange or even how old a candidate is. Who really cares about those very insignificant and trivial things? Judge on the contents of someone’s character and his/her stance on the big ISSUES!!!!

[doctordoubt]

Please keep the faith. I am a 62 year old white man, and yes, I have my moments. Earned, not easily. However, for maybe 40 years, I have waited for someone to come along that made me feel good about this country again. Not since JFK have I been excited, enthralled, in awe, of what I see as a real possiblity. Keep the faith. It can happen. Life is about believing. That's all it takes. There are enough of us out here to see that it will happen. Don't judge us all by what you see in the Carolinas. Keep the faith.

[WorkingClass]

There has got to be a first time for everything debonair. I'm a working class white guy in Louisiana. Born in 1944. I can see that Obama is the real deal. When a guy like that comes along you don't ask what color he is. Only the most hard core dead enders will vote for McCain. Obama has brains, balls and charisma. He has a ton of money and his campaign is gaining strength everyday. Obama moves big, fast and often. Its not just Democrats. People are coming from left, right and nowhere to follow him. Obama is gonna win in a landslide.

[ObamaProud]

I'm glad to say that I don't share your fears... maybe it's because I'm a little younger than you but I grew up with the notion that black people are in a lot of way superior to whites and I was never given any rational reason to think otherwise. All of my favorite musicians and athletes were black. I see Obama as a distinctive, inspiring leader and an intellectual, not as a black man. Smart people have privilege in this world, and that is easily proven by the position that Obama is in. THAT is what we're seeing here... not the triumph of race, or history or any other garbage that the media is attempting to shove down our throats. I hate that people make it out as a race thing, when really it has nothing to do with his race, just that he's intelligent and has a vision for our country's future. If what you bemoan here in your blog is true, I would happily accept less privilege in a country where Obama was the leader than be continually raped by republicans. But then, I'm smart so I have privilege either way :)

[Killer]

Well stated. The color of one's skin has nothing to do with one's achievements.

[LouisPutzel]

Well said, ObamaProud, though I'm not sure quality among humans breaks down along racial lines. Certainly, people of different cultures cultivate different skills, so if you are talking about hip-hop culture generating many great poets and musicians, or urban cultures generating good basketball players, I understand. But culture is very place and time specific, and only sometimes associated with race. I know you understand this, but since you are obviously enlightened, I thought I would take the liberty of critiquing your wording.

I found Seth's article very disturbing, and wonder if he wasn't trying (unsuccessfully) to play devil's advocate or, alternatively, if he was up much too late at night. I hope and expect that most Americans will vote for Obama, but just as much, I hope that we are getting closer to transcending the completely baseless racial categories of our past. I don't, as some apparently do, admire Seth for his "honesty": for someone who is writing political books, he seems to me to have a seriously inadequate worldview, a lack of education regarding American issues of race, or a need for attention that supercedes his desire to see Obama in the White House. I don't think his article is at all helpful at this time.

[lvdragonlady]

I find this article extremely amusing. For 'all' the liberal beliefs, if the status quo changes all of a sudden the rules change........lol
I think it is totally off the hook that a black person is the nominee for the democrats and to tell you the truth, I never thought I would be alive to see this happen and I think it is awesome.
GO BARACK....

p.s. white, over 50 and female.

[gemcando06]

I am also female and believe the writer left out - how pleased that he is male.

I remember when the main question to Obama was that he was not black enough!

I am voting for Obama even if he is male.

p.s. I am white, over 59 and Jewish.

[HopscotchGirl]

I can't believe someone actually admitted this. It is both gratifying and scary all at the same time.

On the one hand, I do agree with you. I think that most white people will not vote for Obama when it comes time to pull the lever. In this country, white people have always looked out for their own and maintaining the status quo is part of their philosophy. I think Obama's rise is floated in part by people like you, who believe that when the time comes, they may be able to really pull it off by voting for him. They (whites) seem to want that opportunity. Now it's just a question of how many of them will actually be able to do it. Only time will tell.

As far as everything changing for white people overnight. That is just not realistic. I don't believe it will take whites down a few notches, they already run the entire power structure. It would take at least 20 years to make big changes. On the other hand, I think there is potential to show the rest of the world that we are not a country full of racist cowboys and that we are open to change. God knows we need some change right now. Hopefully your honesty will be the first step.

[beachbob]

I beg to disagree. I am white. I supported Hillary Clinton, although I almost voted for Obama in the NC primary because of her gas-tax pandering.

I' m a Yellow-Dog Democrat. But that's not why i"m supporting Obama. Basically, we Dems had the luxury of picking the best of two "goods" rather than the lesser of two evils. (Actually, we had a wealth of good candidates to choose from.)

During the primary season, I seemed to change my mind on a daily basis, but I particularly resented those who suggested that if I voted for Hillary I was a racist or that if I voted for Obama I was a sexist. What BS!

I really do believe that when push comes to shove, the vast majority of the people who would vote against either of these candidates in November ARE NOT REALLY DEMOCRATS and wouldn't have voted for Edwards, Richardson, Biden, etc., either.

The Republican Party has been the party of racism since at least 1968. They are also the party of sexism, directed against both gays and women in general. We all know this.

"White America" IS ready for a change. Certainly we Democrats proved this by nominating Barack Obama. And we WILL elect him. Just watch us!

[yankee452]

Whether you are a liberal or Conservative and happen to be white and have this fear of the "unknown", please please please, don't abandon common sense and human decency at this crucial time. If you truly love your country, you will overcome your fears. Just as there are soldiers and Marines who do not necessarily support the administration that sent them to war, they still serve honorably and bravely. The fact that you have fears is not in my opinion wrong or anything to be ashamed of. But it is in fact fear that must be transcended. No society has ever endured without the courage to change with the times. Despite tradition and cultural sensitivities peoples around the world have found the courage to confront their fears. This is another one of those moments. It took courage to stand up to the British Crown, to end bondage in this country....courage to give women the right to vote, courage to recognise the civil rights of all Americans.
The possibility of Barack Obama being president has thrust another historical moment on our laps. I urge you and everyone else who supports the candidate and his issues but remain weary about a black man at the helm in the White House, to find the courage to do what you know is right.

I commend you on your honesty. If we were all this honest about how we feel, it would bode well for us all.

Obama '08!!!

[yankee452]

Although this is a glaringly candid article, it still leaves me with questions that I don't think will be ever be answered with as much transparency. If a fear of a Black President is so rife in this country, and that its similar in some way to a fear of the unknown, would the same be true for minority Americans for the previous 230 years? Lets be honest here....ALL minorities possess a less than stellar legacy when it comes to their treatment by a Cauacasian American political system. But until recent years Latinos, Asian, African and Native Americans have always (once afforded the right to participate) been left with choices that do not reflect their ethnicities. Until the last 50 years minority Americans were not represented in ANY way in the political arena. Surely minorities had a more legitimate case to be fearful of white governors, Congressmen or Presidents. My point is despite all this, once securing the right to vote, minorities took it and ran with it. Minorities voted anyways and the country has moved on.

[southernsepia]

You are right on with this post.

I am Black and it is very refreshing to hear you admit to the reality that we live every day.
White skin privilege is real. People know this to be true but they can not admit it to themselves.

Honesty is the first step toward dealing with these issues. The reason that America has moved forward and actually reached the point of a potential Black president is that from time to time we have been forced to take the issue of racial bias out of the closet and hold it up to the light of day.

As for November 4th - I hope that the best man for the job actually wins - despite the fear of many.