What a Tangled Web We Weave
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 10:52AM 
No wonder race and politics lead to uncomfortable discussions. Both are touchy subjects. Both evoke strong, emotional feelings; and both share dark and shameful histories. It, therefore, stands to reason that race meeting politics could potentially be a recipe for disaster.
Despite the attempts of some to walk on egg shells through a presidential race that, at least in the beginning, attempted to keep the main thing the main thing, fear and ignorance inevitably caused the “race card” to raise its ugly head. People can say whatever they want about how progressive our society has become. The numbers have spoken. They are saying we may have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.
Just when the smoke was beginning to clear on the controversy around Barack Obama’s former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the voice of rural Kentucky has chosen to fan the flames again. It was no surprise that Hillary Clinton would win the state of Kentucky in the primaries. The stunner was finding out why. Twenty-one percent blatantly admitted race played a part in their voting decision. As a Kentucky resident, that statistic embarrassed me.
It is not like an African American (or woman for that matter) never ran for president. Shirley Chisholm ran in 1972, Jesse Jackson ran in 1984, and Alfred C. “Al” Sharpton ran in 2004. It is the first time such a candidate has gotten this far. The two remaining democratic nominees will share a moment in history for attempting to change the face of American’s highest office if for nothing else.
In the urban part of Louisville where I live signs of racism are harder to see. A sufficient number of integrated families, business relationships, and friendships clearly indicate that not everyone shares the sentiments of the rural in this state. The polls reported that ninety percent of Jefferson County actually voted for Obama. Again the numbers are telling the story.
Americans know this mindset is deeply embedded in our country’s history. Whoever tries to deny this is simply not being honest. Anyone can see that we are trying to move away from it. Yet, divisive instances like this have me wondering if racism will ever completely go away.
I have learned that no one can change the mind of another. People change when they are ready to change. The solution continues to lie in the eloquent words of the apostle Paul when he said, but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. To bring love to the world, we must continue to show others what it looks like. I will admit it is the high and perhaps longest road, but in the end will also prove to be the lasting and most effective one.
Reader Comments (9)
Karen,
I couldn't have said it more eloquently. I have tried to stay away from the whole racism, sexism and politics debate but it's hard not to stand up for what you believe in. Americans have a chance to move away from the ugliness of our past and move towards a future of "unity" but, sadly, some folks (and this includes the media) just won't let issues be put to rest. Instead of focusing on what's wrong with the world, if everyone tried to look at what's good about it, the picture is sure to get brighter. I applaud you for blogging on this topic.
Karen,
Thank you for this important and thoughtful post about race and politics.I agree, our country does have a long way to go to heal many of our social ills. Nonetheless, there is progress and, as Beverly commented, I am looking towards a brighter future that will be less about our differences and more about the unity of all the people living on the planet.
Karen,
Your comments about race and politics just solidify what the rest of the world thinks about us - THE US. We may be the largest nation in the free world, but we can be the smallest minded (as a group) when it comes to things like race. We consider ourselves progressive and yet, our presidential choices speak for themselves.
In addition to never electing anyone but a white anglo-saxon male (Only one of which was Catholic - I believe), we have never elected a Woman either.
What does that say about our country's lack of foresite and willingness to accept and even embrace a choice that might be a better one in the long-term?
It is a shame that we don't choose the best PERSON for the job, regardless of race, religion, or gender ... maybe one day! I hope to be around when that day happens.
Thanks for sharing,
Heidi
Karen,
I am also a Louisville native and know that the "The Ville" is not the only place racism runs rampant. America has yet to put a lid on their melting pot and let the soup simmer. We want to be the World's Leader yet we often refuse to even speak to someone of a different color, religion or origin.
I applaud you for telling it like it is!
Well said. Amen, Amen, and Amen...
I sat early among some young people and listened to there thoughts regarding this election and this was one point that stood out:
" I don't believe people understand the magnitude of the election process." Race, Gender, does it really matter." I want someone who is going to do the job and do it effectively."
I heard the cry of the heart here...
Strong point, thanks,
Carla
Hello Karen
God bless you for your well written insights. The Bible puts it this way "...when He (Jesus) come he will set it all in order."
Pastor Zora
Your style is admirable!
Well written Karen, as all of your thoughts are.
We are all the same in Jesus' sight. There is no color, no male or female.