January 20, 2009

So as we all have experienced, today American made history by inaugurating the first Black president. Ironically, our readings for today focused on race and discrimination. In the article " A Bill of Rights for Racially Mixed People", there was a section about resistance that fits appropriately with today's turn of events. "To resist means that one does not accept the belief system, the data as they are presented, or the rationalizations used to perpetuate the status quo around race relations." President Obama's entire platform has been one of inclusion and not exclusion; to focus on what unites us and not on our differences. He ignored the statistics and rationalizations that America wasn't ready for a non-white president. His "yes we can" motto was one that resonated within every oppressed group around the world. His efforts to unite not only those within the United States, but even those countries in the far reaches of the world will help bring about the change that is so desperately needed in politics and society. As a person of color, this is the second most historical moment that will forever have an impact on my life. The first being the Civil Rights Movement and all that Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for and was able to achieve (with the help of people from all races). While we shouldn't be stuck on race, one cannot push aside the significance it has in this particular situation.