I am a professor who specializes in the study of culture, ideology and the media. My particular interest and expertise is in the study of "race" and racism as ideological phenomena. I have some advise for Mr. Obama:
You won't be able to "bring people together" around the "race" issue without acknowledging the validity of the experiences of both/all sides- including the side that knows about and can relate to what your Pastor was saying. I'd say this is a defining moment for you... If you choose well you really could help to heal this nation and this world. Isn't that the real reason why you are running for president?
You may or may not win the nomination, but whether you speak your truth and WIN the nomination will depend on your message's level of Divine Truth, which Gandhi defined as the deepeth truth of existence... which is that all Life is One. Gandhi said "To see the universal and all pervasive Spirit of Truth face to face, one must be able to love the meanest of creation as oneself." This is the consciousness that heals and brings people together. Gandhi also said that this kind of true Love and `non-violence' is an impossibility without the possession of unadulterated fearlessness. I am "half black half white" too. We embody people coming together despite the illusion of "race"/separation so central to the history and culture of the US. Do not underestimate the capacity of so-called "white" people to be able to empathize, or their longing for reconciliation. Do not be afraid to express love for ALL people (even, and especially, the ones that the `right wing' claims are not allowed to be truly identified with). Do not let the right wing lead on this. MLK said "I am not going to let my oppressor dictate which path I must choose."
Your destiny is calling: )
Comments are closed for this post.
