I thought it was replaced a long time ago. When I speak even to liberal family members about some of the depraved details of white racism perpetrated against black Americans, they can hardly believe it, though they do, because none of it was in history books. There really is any black history in school and strip out the little that remains is horrible.
What’s more depressing is the details on the opposition Obama faced. Hillary Clintons comments were pure racism about “I appeal to white middle class Americans.” Those comments aged really poorly. But one thing does stand out that gives me great hope, even in these dark times of this forth wave, that Obama won Iowa, a state largely white, because of his own oration skills and promise of hope and change that filled the room. At that point in the race, the white racist attacks hadn’t yet fully emerged, and enough people heard his words and voice that they voted him the top in that caucus. What’s more ‘crazy’ to think about is the structure of the caucus where people sit around in small groups chatting about who to vote for. That means many white people had sat around discussing Obama and choosing him. Sure, it probably was like 10 percent of the total population, but that was a big step forward.
The vast white racism that emerged continually afterwards was truly astounding and honestly I hadn’t realized the depth of it, which is still unfolding. Maybe Iowa went a bit backwards since. And indeed it does feel like dark times ahead…..
Well, great to see your picture with Obama and I feel nothing but jealous at seeing you meet him. Very historic and moving. Thank you for sharing.