Several commentators have mentioned that many black women in America are torn between Obama and Clinton, between their loyalty to blacks and their loyalty to women. And as a black woman with many friends who look like me, I can tell you that this may well be true. But there’s something else going on here that hasn’t been talked about much.
As we all know, black women have been here in America since before it was “America,” yet have never had anyone in their liking–or even partially in their liking–serve in the highest office in the land. White women have had whites serve in the office, black men have had men. And we don’t even need to mention white men. But black women? Neither of their two halves have ever been represented.
If either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama is elected as president of the U.S., for the first time ever, black women will experience what it feels like to have someone in office who looks somewhat like them, someone who has had a similar life experience in America.
You might dismiss this as irrelevant, yet here in America we still often divide society along the lines of race and gender–the candidates themselves have even bickered back and forth about it. I’m no psychologist but I expect that an Obama or a Clinton victory could be big for the psyche of black women and especially for that of young black girls. I think it will do something to the psyche of all Americans but none more so than black women and girls.
I won’t get into the “we shouldn’t decide on a president based on race or gender” debate because I agree with that. I don’t even need to have that discussion because, for me, both of these candidates are qualified for the job. Both candidates are extremely intelligent and able to quickly grasp the issues. Clinton, with her front row seat in the corridors of power and time spent in the Senate, is ready to lead us in these turbulent times.
Obama has had a more moderate amount of experience but he has the ability to move mountains with his oratory–no small matter in my book. I see Obama as a sort of Reagan: someone who has a vision and the ability to inspire many of us and who is wise enough to appoint competent and experienced people to bring that vision to life for us. The difference between Reagan and Obama, at least for me, is that I didn’t always agree with Reagan’s vision for America. I do agree with Obama’s.
So Obama or Clinton–take your pick, hopefully based on the issues and how you think they will deal with them. The election of either will be good for the psyche of black girls and women. The only thing better to my way of thinking will be when one of our young black girls or women, who is probably watching this election unfold now, grows up and becomes president herself.
5 comments ↓
No one candidate represents me on all the issues…and while I’m a female…many folks see my blackness first. That said…I’m a ride or die chick and I’m voting for Barack Obama. ONe day I will be able to tell my grandkids that I witnessed segregation end in the South, the Civil Rights Movement, and hope to add to that line up…the first BLACK president of the United States!
PS And thanks for the b-day wishes
yasmin
Iota Beta/Spring ‘77
University of Southern California
I hear ya, Yasmin. Sometimes I wish I could get them both on the same ticket. But that won’t likely happen.
I often think what Obama’s election would do to inspire confidence in young black boys and men, too, like my son. Awesome!
Connie Briscoe
It is certainly an historic election, perhaps the most important election for Generation X, certainly one of the most important for the Boomers and older Americans. How poetic that this moment occurs as we move into the 21st century, into the future we imagined just a few decades ago. Did we imagine the violence and terror and pain born from racism and sexism and that defines the 20th century would continue, or did we envision reconciliation, healing, and forward momentum to reach that mountaintop? I hope it’s the latter, and I’m glad everyday Americans were turned off by the recent race-baiting that seemed to be coming mostly from the Clinton campaign and the media. I am very hopeful right now, and Obama’s calm elegance is helping me maintain my optimism and balance. I’m thrilled to be part of the discussion on this topic. This presidential election is a good thing.
On another note, I gave Jewels to my aunt for Christmas, and she loved it so much that she’s picking it up for her girlfriends over 50 as their birthdays and other celebrations come up.
Eisa
Eisa, I agree that Obama’s grace under pressure is very helpful. I think it’s why the Clinton campaign decided to back off–Obama wasn’t going to be baited but so much.
I just heard on CNN that many of the black members of Congress are not backing Obama. That’s understandable as they’re older and older blacks generally favor Clinton. We don’t all have to vote the same way. In fact, it’s smart not to put all our eggs in the same basket. If the Clintons win we don’t want to have deserted them completely.
I’m so happy your aunt liked Jewels. It did really well over the Christmas holidays.
Neither one will do for me. I lean towards Romney or Rudy.
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