Greetings All:
For the last week or so, I have been in a bit of a daze---functioning, living life, enjoying the summer with family and friends, cookouts and summer fests and being productive---but still utterly confused and overwhelmed by Michael Jackson's death. So, bear with me, but I decided to take a few moments to sort some things out in writing.
Here we are, hours away from the global Michael Jackson Memorial and I'm still at a loss somehow. Now---truly odd for me--- I haven't shed any tears since I stood in my living room hearing the reports of his death at about 5:55 on the evening of June 25th. I heard about the hospitalization at about 5:20 pm, then heard the death announcement, then flipped through the channels and local radio stations, then read it on the screen again as Katie Couric stumbled through the report.
When I read it on the screen, I tried to shake it off and went and sat at a table and cried for a few moments on that evening...as my husband looked on clearly concerned about how low I'd go. But I rallied fairly quickly...but that daze has lingered.
Michael Joe Jackson---the subject of my earliest crushes, basement dance practices, school assemblies and letter writing campaigns---died nearly 2 weeks ago...and the astonishing coverage has been filled with endless intrigue, speculation and commentary about his life, death and legacy. And yes---I have consumed more that I ever imagined I would.
But Michael's death has all the ingredients that quicken the 21st century pulse: unprecedented celebrity, family/baby-mama/grand-mama drama, secrecy, deceit and denial, sexual and reproductive ambiguity, racial confusion, white denigration and black reclamation, delusion, madness and possible addictions, hangers-on by the busload claiming insight into MJ, MJ as lamb & lion/innocent & smooth criminal, unthinkable wealth that obscures deep sorrow.
It is indeed uber-spectacle, mega-tragedy, complex/annoying mystery... and the stuff of legend for generations to come.
And then, there is the quieter, simpler reality: the untimely death of YET ANOTHER Black son, Black brother, Black father, Black artist. But this happens all the time: in far too many communities on a daily basis, countless Black men die because they are unable to outrun nagging insecurities and ferocious demons.
So, why has one more Black male dying mattered to the planet? I'm not sure that this extended preoccupation with lil' Michael Jackson from Gary IN and Neverland is only about Michael alone. I think that we live in a global culture that is hungry for some unifying purpose or principle...something or somebody that we can agree to enjoy-- or consume-- or who can distract us from our own darker angels for at least a little while.
As hostilities rise between nations, economies collapse, security in any area becomes a long forgotten luxury, Michael Jackson's demise seems to have given us an opportunity to be on the same page, talk about the same issues, mourn the loss of familiar touchstones and have a shared experience in the midst of these fragmented, media-stimulated, but often isolated, lives that we live. I do believe that we have latched on to this man and this family and hold on tightly--- because his music, his personal mayhem, and his mortality unite us...because like Michael, most of us struggle to find our passions and live creatively, fight to grow beyond excruciating pain from our past hurts and yet we know that we too must face that final hour.
So, ironically, a man who once declared that "We Are The World" seems to be inviting THE PLANET to his biggest celebration EVER. Man, Michael, you do know how to throw a party, Bruh?! And in the midst of celebrating America's first Black president, I am STILL amazed to watch the world grieve with another Black man and Black family in this way.
And yet I believe that this unprecedented outpouring of mourning stems from regret about the harsh words, poor treatment, unfounded allegations or indifference that many had to Michael Jackson during the last years of his life. He became increasingly strange TO many of us and became increasingly estranged FROM many of us. But it didn't matter, because he had money right? Well, fame seems to have compensated him well---but constructing a fantasy island or furnishing mansions or reconstructing a new face (or new race) seemed to be an easier task than reviving a broken spirit and his managing arrested development.
So, as folks gather to pay tribute, many will remember his genius and his art. I too thank him for the music and excitement and innovation he gave us in so many ways. May the Lord provide comfort, protection, clarity, support and wise counsel to the Jackson family as they negotiate this next leg of their journey.
Take wonderful care everyone and do cherish the loves you have---most importantly the love of the Lord that is with you always!
---Nicole Anderson-Cobb, PhD
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
...When Tuesday Comes...Oh, Lawd, When Tuesday Comes...
Greetings everyone on this chilly Saturday afternoon in America!
I hope you and yours are nice and comfy and well this day. I am here in Florida catching up with myself after a frantically busy week, reflecting and listening to a wonderful program "Pray-As-You-Go" available on I-Tunes.
Earlier today, I caught a glimpse of President-Elect Obama's Whistle Stop Tour to Washington (My God today, he does have a flare for the theatrical??? Whistle stops, founding fathers, i'm just telling you now: If I see Bruh-President in a powdered wig, tights and a cape, i'm tellin' yall now: there's no telling what I might do...smile... just jokes, just jokes) .
Anyway, he was finishing his remarks and greeting the crowd, shaking hands, pointing, clowning, waving, laughing in that endlessly energetic and joyous way of his---even on a bitter cold day in Delaware. And, as has been my fairly consistent stance since the evening of November 4, 2008, I STILL MARVEL AT WHAT GOD IS DOING!!!
Over the last few weeks, like many of you, I have been inundated with reminders, images, questions and have even found your own utterances have spoken to the significance of January 20th's events.
A modest display in one of my building's showcases meets me at the door each morning with images of America's 44th president-to-be in a number of interesting poses: standing calmly behind Michelle on his wedding day, actin' crazy in a go-cart with lil' Sasha, somewhere eating a chili dog, giving speeches and standing on the capitol steps. And just when I think I've entered an Obama-free zone, a former student races up to me after class to ask if I'm going to Washington...while another new student of mine/Black Student Union member/editor of the campus newspaper approaches me after class to ask if he can interview me about the significance of the election since I'm a South Sider from Chicago.
Furthermore, every time I open my email, I have received yet ANOTHER invite to an inaugural house party; or service opportunity; or get some request from one of our good liberal do-gooding outfits demanding me to write him and demand that he meet my IMMEDIATE need to be added to the 7,295 things MUST RESOLVE before 5:00 pm on Wednesday January 21st...and all I can do is scowl, wonder where these demands were of other Presidents and press DELETE with vigor. Now, yall probably understand the nature of my relationship with Bruh-President is like that of most relatives: he might wear me out, but I'm not gon' let nobody ELSE mess wit' em (too much)!
And you know, I try to play my own 'Bama-phoria pretty cool on the job...you know this is still "Floriga" (nickname for Jacksonville because it's so close to southern Georgia). But, I'm a history professor so the very nature of my profession provides an amazing platform to help students make the connections. For example, in my classes last week, I showed a segment of the PBS documentary "Africans in America" to supplement a unit on indentured servitude and African slavery. At at the end of Friday's class, I reminded the students---a diverse collection of Colombian, Filipino, Afro-Cuban, Irish, African American Ukrainian, Swedish, Jamaican, Nigerian, Haitian, Polish and Native American students and various mixed ethnicities and extractions---that given our week long exploration of "Slavery and the Making of America", the events of the coming Tuesday should have particular relevance for our discussions. While they were packing their bags and gathering belongings, many stopped and looked up and nodded soberly, understanding my meaning.
I noticed that several of my Black male student did a lot of grunting and groaning during certain segments of the discussion of how labor (depicted with images of young enslaved men) became racialized in America. After class, I asked them what was going on. One of them---of Jamaican and African American background---said that the DVD and the moment was "just to deep, Dr. Anderson, its just too much there". Another young brother of African American and Cuban heritage just shook his head, looked down and walked away. And the truth is that I do believe I understand some of what might be feeling.
Over the last few months leading up to the election, I have heard many of my own 30-something peers and others talk about "how they never thought they would see this day come". However, for me, it is not a day I have even been looking for. The last eight years have been so grueling for a sister, the most I felt I could ask for was that the votes for "whoever" be counted.
My hearts desire was for compassionate, informed, expansive leadership to aid Americans at home (especially in the areas of education, rebuilding urban America, expanded job creation and innovation) and with a global vision of America's role in the world that did not require another war...and my prayer was that America would be receptive to that leader. Now, the notion that that individual would be a Black man NEVER quite made it onto my wish list.
And yet, this moment is personal for each one of us. For me, though, it's not just about a Black man becoming President of the United States, but its more:
For me, it's about the son of a mother who made him rise early in the morning because she had a vision for him more expansive than he could ever imagine on those sleepy mornings in Indonesia.
For me, it's about an industrious, hardworking, ambitious student becoming President (May the Lord multiply them indeed!!!).
For me, it's about another young Black professor becoming President---ha-lle-lu-yer!!!.
For me, it's about a man who CHOSE to come and live and work on Chicago's South Side becoming President.
For me, Obama's victory is about a man who came to visit my mother's South Side church on occasion and smiled as she passed by and gave him a pinch or poke to greet him (...Mama's always good for pinchin' folks and distracting them during service, bless her heart!!!)
For me, it's about having a First Lady from the South Side of Chicago (only God does THAT!!!)---go 'head Mrs. Madame First Lady Michelle, Esquire. Prez-Elect adopted us, but Michelle is Chicago's own. Do ya thing, Sis, do us proud Sis, uh-uh-uh-uh. Right here: this is where you "Wop" or "Cabbage Patch" or "Shuffle/" OR "Slide"---fill in the "hood dance" of your choice!!!
And finally, for me, it's about he and his family deciding to push ALL OF US to do what we have never done before in America trusting that we could handle the shift as a nation. It continues to remind me that each of us that we MUST get out of our own way, throw off the old models/limitations and strive to do new, frightening, daring and courageous things IN OUR OWN LIVES and spheres of influence.
There is so much to do and be done and be repaired and constructed by President Obama. I wouldn't wish this assignment on any President, much less the first Black one. But just as soon as I got anxious at the thought of the assignment, this scripture bubbled forth. And this is my prayer for my future President & Vice President and my nation (and the nations of the world) if we faint not:
1The LORD is OUR shepherd; WE shall not want.
2He maketh US to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth US beside the still waters.
3He restoreth OUR souls: he leadeth US in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though WE walk through the valley of the shadow of death, WE will fear no evil: for thou art with US; thy rod and thy staff they comfort US.
5Thou preparest a table before US in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest OUR heads with oil; OUR cups runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow US all the days of OUR LIVES: and WE will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
With his rod and staff, may the Lord's goodness and mercy be yours, dear reader. God bless you and may the Lord bless our nation and allow our nation to bless others in ways that honor the Lord.
Stay encouraged, take care of each other and walk in the Lord's victory---especially on Tuesday (wink)!
Congratulation and best wishes you, as you celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America.
---Nicole
I hope you and yours are nice and comfy and well this day. I am here in Florida catching up with myself after a frantically busy week, reflecting and listening to a wonderful program "Pray-As-You-Go" available on I-Tunes.
Earlier today, I caught a glimpse of President-Elect Obama's Whistle Stop Tour to Washington (My God today, he does have a flare for the theatrical??? Whistle stops, founding fathers, i'm just telling you now: If I see Bruh-President in a powdered wig, tights and a cape, i'm tellin' yall now: there's no telling what I might do...smile... just jokes, just jokes) .
Anyway, he was finishing his remarks and greeting the crowd, shaking hands, pointing, clowning, waving, laughing in that endlessly energetic and joyous way of his---even on a bitter cold day in Delaware. And, as has been my fairly consistent stance since the evening of November 4, 2008, I STILL MARVEL AT WHAT GOD IS DOING!!!
Over the last few weeks, like many of you, I have been inundated with reminders, images, questions and have even found your own utterances have spoken to the significance of January 20th's events.
A modest display in one of my building's showcases meets me at the door each morning with images of America's 44th president-to-be in a number of interesting poses: standing calmly behind Michelle on his wedding day, actin' crazy in a go-cart with lil' Sasha, somewhere eating a chili dog, giving speeches and standing on the capitol steps. And just when I think I've entered an Obama-free zone, a former student races up to me after class to ask if I'm going to Washington...while another new student of mine/Black Student Union member/editor of the campus newspaper approaches me after class to ask if he can interview me about the significance of the election since I'm a South Sider from Chicago.
Furthermore, every time I open my email, I have received yet ANOTHER invite to an inaugural house party; or service opportunity; or get some request from one of our good liberal do-gooding outfits demanding me to write him and demand that he meet my IMMEDIATE need to be added to the 7,295 things MUST RESOLVE before 5:00 pm on Wednesday January 21st...and all I can do is scowl, wonder where these demands were of other Presidents and press DELETE with vigor. Now, yall probably understand the nature of my relationship with Bruh-President is like that of most relatives: he might wear me out, but I'm not gon' let nobody ELSE mess wit' em (too much)!
And you know, I try to play my own 'Bama-phoria pretty cool on the job...you know this is still "Floriga" (nickname for Jacksonville because it's so close to southern Georgia). But, I'm a history professor so the very nature of my profession provides an amazing platform to help students make the connections. For example, in my classes last week, I showed a segment of the PBS documentary "Africans in America" to supplement a unit on indentured servitude and African slavery. At at the end of Friday's class, I reminded the students---a diverse collection of Colombian, Filipino, Afro-Cuban, Irish, African American Ukrainian, Swedish, Jamaican, Nigerian, Haitian, Polish and Native American students and various mixed ethnicities and extractions---that given our week long exploration of "Slavery and the Making of America", the events of the coming Tuesday should have particular relevance for our discussions. While they were packing their bags and gathering belongings, many stopped and looked up and nodded soberly, understanding my meaning.
I noticed that several of my Black male student did a lot of grunting and groaning during certain segments of the discussion of how labor (depicted with images of young enslaved men) became racialized in America. After class, I asked them what was going on. One of them---of Jamaican and African American background---said that the DVD and the moment was "just to deep, Dr. Anderson, its just too much there". Another young brother of African American and Cuban heritage just shook his head, looked down and walked away. And the truth is that I do believe I understand some of what might be feeling.
Over the last few months leading up to the election, I have heard many of my own 30-something peers and others talk about "how they never thought they would see this day come". However, for me, it is not a day I have even been looking for. The last eight years have been so grueling for a sister, the most I felt I could ask for was that the votes for "whoever" be counted.
My hearts desire was for compassionate, informed, expansive leadership to aid Americans at home (especially in the areas of education, rebuilding urban America, expanded job creation and innovation) and with a global vision of America's role in the world that did not require another war...and my prayer was that America would be receptive to that leader. Now, the notion that that individual would be a Black man NEVER quite made it onto my wish list.
And yet, this moment is personal for each one of us. For me, though, it's not just about a Black man becoming President of the United States, but its more:
For me, it's about the son of a mother who made him rise early in the morning because she had a vision for him more expansive than he could ever imagine on those sleepy mornings in Indonesia.
For me, it's about an industrious, hardworking, ambitious student becoming President (May the Lord multiply them indeed!!!).
For me, it's about another young Black professor becoming President---ha-lle-lu-yer!!!.
For me, it's about a man who CHOSE to come and live and work on Chicago's South Side becoming President.
For me, it's about a member of Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side is becoming President. Yesterday, Chris Matthews was on Hardball talking crazy as ususal and wondering aloud: "This guy is just amazing. WHERE DID HE LEARN TO SPEAK LIKE THAT??? HOW DID HE LEARN TO DELIVER SUCH GREAT ORATORY??? WHERE DID IT COME FROM??? And his panel of lackluster Blacksperts opined: "Oh, its natural" or "he's just gifted". Only crazy-ass Spike Lee was lucid enough to scream out "THE BLACK CHURCH...YALL...IT'S THE INFLUENCE OF THE BLACK CHRUCH. BRUTHER'S BEEN SITTIN' IN THE BLACK CHURCH FOR 20 YEARS BUT YALL DON'T WANNA DISCUSS THAT". He laughed as I shouted at the TV "COME ON SPIKE, WOULD YOU LET 'EM KNOW!!!
The controversy around Trinity and Reverend Wright might have gripped the nation, but BE CLEAR: the fact that Barack Obama sat in THAT Black Church on Chicago's South Side (and other South Side churches) for yearzzzzzzzz under the preached word that has contributed GREATLY to who he has become--- that's the damn truth and yet another tribute to the importance of the church. I stand at the lectern daily and can bear witness my-own-self that it is ONLY the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit, the preached word undergirding my week, and the prayers of the righteous availing over me DAILY that let's me be of any good to the students I serve. IT'S CHRIST that give me strength to teach in order to liberate, correct, confirm, guide, minister, edify and learn from my students here in the Dirty Dirty South. (And it is warfare to be sure so keep prayin' yall, I beg of thee.)
For me, Obama's victory is about a man who came to visit my mother's South Side church on occasion and smiled as she passed by and gave him a pinch or poke to greet him (...Mama's always good for pinchin' folks and distracting them during service, bless her heart!!!)
For me, it's about having a First Lady from the South Side of Chicago (only God does THAT!!!)---go 'head Mrs. Madame First Lady Michelle, Esquire. Prez-Elect adopted us, but Michelle is Chicago's own. Do ya thing, Sis, do us proud Sis, uh-uh-uh-uh. Right here: this is where you "Wop" or "Cabbage Patch" or "Shuffle/" OR "Slide"---fill in the "hood dance" of your choice!!!
And finally, for me, it's about he and his family deciding to push ALL OF US to do what we have never done before in America trusting that we could handle the shift as a nation. It continues to remind me that each of us that we MUST get out of our own way, throw off the old models/limitations and strive to do new, frightening, daring and courageous things IN OUR OWN LIVES and spheres of influence.
There is so much to do and be done and be repaired and constructed by President Obama. I wouldn't wish this assignment on any President, much less the first Black one. But just as soon as I got anxious at the thought of the assignment, this scripture bubbled forth. And this is my prayer for my future President & Vice President and my nation (and the nations of the world) if we faint not:
1The LORD is OUR shepherd; WE shall not want.
2He maketh US to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth US beside the still waters.
3He restoreth OUR souls: he leadeth US in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though WE walk through the valley of the shadow of death, WE will fear no evil: for thou art with US; thy rod and thy staff they comfort US.
5Thou preparest a table before US in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest OUR heads with oil; OUR cups runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow US all the days of OUR LIVES: and WE will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
With his rod and staff, may the Lord's goodness and mercy be yours, dear reader. God bless you and may the Lord bless our nation and allow our nation to bless others in ways that honor the Lord.
Stay encouraged, take care of each other and walk in the Lord's victory---especially on Tuesday (wink)!
Congratulation and best wishes you, as you celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America.
---Nicole
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Inaugural Ambivalence & Shout Outs For Folks Who Ain't Yet Post-Race
Good Evening and Greetings on the Last Day of 2008....Yeah, Y'all, It Looks, Like We Made It....whew...to God be the Glory!
I hope this message reaches you all in the midst of blessed and relaxing holidays. I send my congrats to all the December 2008 graduates (go head, y'all, go head!!!). However, I also send all my prayers to those experiencing financial reversals (I can soooooooooooooooooo relate!!!) and those who have lost loved ones this year. I send you sincere prayers and good wishes in the absence of all the checks and love offerings I'd love to send, but can't right now.
Living within one's means and being willing to say "I'm sorry I can't come", "I don't have it", "I can't swing that right now", but God bless ya and I'm gon' pray for ya...is excruciating---but feels better, truer, more honest than building up more and more debt.
Alright, enough about that, on to the other juicy subjects.So, I hear some 'uh y'all are headed to DC in a few weeks for the big Obama-tillions and 'Bama-galas and various Barackulous events. One request: pour out a lil' su'in-su'in for the sisters and brothers who ain't there.
It is indeed a time of excitement for many. And yet, as cabinet members have been named, and scandals have popped aloose, and Burris has been "seated" by Guv Blago and spats break out over "appropriate" preachers giving invocations and "Magic Negro" insanity, the Presidential transition is gettin' thick in the Chi yall!
And yet, what really drove me to the keys tonight was all the mess above--- coupled with this journalist I heard discussing the Burris appointment tonight. I heard a young, white, female Politico commentator say that the battle over the Illinois senate seat was "a battle between Civil Rights Era politicians of the Bobby Rush/Roland Burris era and the post-civil rights politicians like Barack Obama".
And my gut reacted violently to that assertion---just the fact that white folks need Barack to be "post-Civil Rights" and not a descendant and BENEFICIARY of the the Civil Rights movement REALLY got next to me.It is just amazing to watch AGAIN AND AGAIN how "beloved" Blacks have to systematically separated from the Black community and the taint of anything "Black". All this Barack worship smacked up against some of my own concerns about the complicated side of the Obama ascendancy.
Candidate Obama was a political genius that took the nation by storm. He deployed amazing political acumen, profound grace under pressure, amazing management of his image and used the double weapons of pedigree and bi-raciality/complexion to his advantage. Yes, I said it COMPLEXION/SKIN TONE/LIGHT-SKIN-DED'NESS--- since complexion is STILL a form of cultural capital in America that impacts people of all races in America and beyond. And let me say that I mean no offense to all of the fair skinned folks in my life who I love deeply, but I'm just tryin' to talk about what's real from where I sit.
FURTHERMORE, FOR MY MONEY, PREZ-BRUH-ELECT OBAMA CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO BE REPRESENTED AS THE ONLY "ACCEPTABLE" BLACK POLITICIAN/THINKER/LEADER OR ROLE MODEL.
For those of us who happen to be too dark, too nappy, too broke, too hurt, sorely undereducated and under-resourced and living here in the hells of North America (as Elijah Muhammad would say)---you not gon' be able to make folks feel comfortable 'cuz you look like them or live like them. So, you still gon' have to figure out how to open up your mouth and say something about your condition.
I do understand that the President-Elect is the political darling of the nation (and with good reason). But let us still make room for a myriad of Black political voices including those like Bobby Rush who was willing to peer into the hallowed halls of the United States Senate, see the racial disparity and figure out how to open up his mouth and SAY SOMETHING about it. The tradition of speaking truth to power---along with prayer and the Black church--- is what has gotten the race this far...so just because we got Bruh Barack in the Big House don't mean that we go blind, deaf and dumb around issues of injustice and inequity or malicious oversight of the under served among us...and it don't mean that we don't challenge HIM when he gets to talkin' and ack'in crazy.
Yeah, he has run a two-year clinic for the nation on how to run for office and get paid: do your homework, play cool, wink at Black folks to keep us sweet while playing footsy with everybody else, make everybody else "at ease with you". So, we now have the formula down: in order to be elected President, you must raise over half-a-billion dollars, run a nearly perfect campaign...and be Black enough, but not too "Black"...and pray you have the fortune of being on the fairer end of the color spectrum. If not, yo' Black tail better be ready to raise billions!!!
However, for my money, we need to be careful not to let any ONE individual---yes, I include myself in the number--- come to define "Black politics, Black perspectives and Blackness" even if that individual was elected President. I raise this only because I fear that folk will become convinced that deploying the Obama playbook is the only way one can be heard or engaged or achieve. We ain't all rollin' like he rolls (and don't have to), but still must continue to innovate and keep it movin.
Toni Morrison offered some of my favorite reflections in a wonderful conversations with Charlie Rose on her new novel, "A Mercy", her reflections on the history of racism in American life and her thoughts about the significance of the Obama election. I love her cautious optimism and yet her reminders about the work WE ALL MUST DO, THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS WE MUST ENGAGE AND GET BETTER AT DOING. Check her out below:
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/9464
I'll end here having given you enough to chew on, but promise to send along the second part of this: my New Year's Wish List for Bruh-Prez-Elect Obama.
May a blessed and beloved New Year's Day be yours!
---Nicole
I hope this message reaches you all in the midst of blessed and relaxing holidays. I send my congrats to all the December 2008 graduates (go head, y'all, go head!!!). However, I also send all my prayers to those experiencing financial reversals (I can soooooooooooooooooo relate!!!) and those who have lost loved ones this year. I send you sincere prayers and good wishes in the absence of all the checks and love offerings I'd love to send, but can't right now.
Living within one's means and being willing to say "I'm sorry I can't come", "I don't have it", "I can't swing that right now", but God bless ya and I'm gon' pray for ya...is excruciating---but feels better, truer, more honest than building up more and more debt.
Alright, enough about that, on to the other juicy subjects.So, I hear some 'uh y'all are headed to DC in a few weeks for the big Obama-tillions and 'Bama-galas and various Barackulous events. One request: pour out a lil' su'in-su'in for the sisters and brothers who ain't there.
It is indeed a time of excitement for many. And yet, as cabinet members have been named, and scandals have popped aloose, and Burris has been "seated" by Guv Blago and spats break out over "appropriate" preachers giving invocations and "Magic Negro" insanity, the Presidential transition is gettin' thick in the Chi yall!
And yet, what really drove me to the keys tonight was all the mess above--- coupled with this journalist I heard discussing the Burris appointment tonight. I heard a young, white, female Politico commentator say that the battle over the Illinois senate seat was "a battle between Civil Rights Era politicians of the Bobby Rush/Roland Burris era and the post-civil rights politicians like Barack Obama".
And my gut reacted violently to that assertion---just the fact that white folks need Barack to be "post-Civil Rights" and not a descendant and BENEFICIARY of the the Civil Rights movement REALLY got next to me.It is just amazing to watch AGAIN AND AGAIN how "beloved" Blacks have to systematically separated from the Black community and the taint of anything "Black". All this Barack worship smacked up against some of my own concerns about the complicated side of the Obama ascendancy.
Candidate Obama was a political genius that took the nation by storm. He deployed amazing political acumen, profound grace under pressure, amazing management of his image and used the double weapons of pedigree and bi-raciality/complexion to his advantage. Yes, I said it COMPLEXION/SKIN TONE/LIGHT-SKIN-DED'NESS--- since complexion is STILL a form of cultural capital in America that impacts people of all races in America and beyond. And let me say that I mean no offense to all of the fair skinned folks in my life who I love deeply, but I'm just tryin' to talk about what's real from where I sit.
FURTHERMORE, FOR MY MONEY, PREZ-BRUH-ELECT OBAMA CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO BE REPRESENTED AS THE ONLY "ACCEPTABLE" BLACK POLITICIAN/THINKER/LEADER OR ROLE MODEL.
For those of us who happen to be too dark, too nappy, too broke, too hurt, sorely undereducated and under-resourced and living here in the hells of North America (as Elijah Muhammad would say)---you not gon' be able to make folks feel comfortable 'cuz you look like them or live like them. So, you still gon' have to figure out how to open up your mouth and say something about your condition.
I do understand that the President-Elect is the political darling of the nation (and with good reason). But let us still make room for a myriad of Black political voices including those like Bobby Rush who was willing to peer into the hallowed halls of the United States Senate, see the racial disparity and figure out how to open up his mouth and SAY SOMETHING about it. The tradition of speaking truth to power---along with prayer and the Black church--- is what has gotten the race this far...so just because we got Bruh Barack in the Big House don't mean that we go blind, deaf and dumb around issues of injustice and inequity or malicious oversight of the under served among us...and it don't mean that we don't challenge HIM when he gets to talkin' and ack'in crazy.
Yeah, he has run a two-year clinic for the nation on how to run for office and get paid: do your homework, play cool, wink at Black folks to keep us sweet while playing footsy with everybody else, make everybody else "at ease with you". So, we now have the formula down: in order to be elected President, you must raise over half-a-billion dollars, run a nearly perfect campaign...and be Black enough, but not too "Black"...and pray you have the fortune of being on the fairer end of the color spectrum. If not, yo' Black tail better be ready to raise billions!!!
However, for my money, we need to be careful not to let any ONE individual---yes, I include myself in the number--- come to define "Black politics, Black perspectives and Blackness" even if that individual was elected President. I raise this only because I fear that folk will become convinced that deploying the Obama playbook is the only way one can be heard or engaged or achieve. We ain't all rollin' like he rolls (and don't have to), but still must continue to innovate and keep it movin.
Toni Morrison offered some of my favorite reflections in a wonderful conversations with Charlie Rose on her new novel, "A Mercy", her reflections on the history of racism in American life and her thoughts about the significance of the Obama election. I love her cautious optimism and yet her reminders about the work WE ALL MUST DO, THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS WE MUST ENGAGE AND GET BETTER AT DOING. Check her out below:
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/9464
I'll end here having given you enough to chew on, but promise to send along the second part of this: my New Year's Wish List for Bruh-Prez-Elect Obama.
May a blessed and beloved New Year's Day be yours!
---Nicole
Friday, November 14, 2008
Election 2008: I Got The Sweetest Hangover...Sigh...
Greetings All:
Ok, yeah, I know. I've been awful quiet since November 4, 2008. Understand me well: I have just been gobsmacked, overwhelmed, amazed, dumbfounded, in a fog of disbelief regarding the momentous Obama election victory. As of today, it has been little over a week and I still don't know what to think, how to feel or how to move in the moment. However, I will share some of what I've been chewing on these last few days.
Since the election, I have traveled to Illinois the next afternoon to participate in an All-Class Black Alumni Reunion at my alma mater at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. While in Illinois, I had a chance to celebrate with hundreds of Black Illini, my husband and my mama briefly on a quick drive to Chicago. Yet, consistent with the life I live betwixt and between worlds, I missed out on post-election celebrations with fellow poll workers and campaign workers here in Jacksonville. So, for me, this has been a fragmented, disjointed post-election moment of travel mixed with worship, joy, disbelief, CAUTIOUS optimism and relief.
However, a sweet sorrow has settled in attached to this monumental achievement. The campaign journey is over and the presidency now begins. Consequently, for me, a shift in consciousness is required as Obama moves from my home state's junior Senator to presidential candidate, from underdog to front runner and to President-Elect. This must be what parents feel when they send children off to college---the joy and pride in the child's achievement coupled with the sorrow and uncertainty of the child's growth, change, mistakes, desicions that you disagree with all in the process of pursuing their passions and find their life path. Thus, we must now send our candidate forward---proudly and prayerfully--- to govern us ALL.
So, though there are still races to be settled in Georgia, Minnesota and Alaska, Election 2008 is over...and I miss it. I miss the calls, texts, emails, that I received from the campaign--- and that I made for the campaign--- encouraging voters to support the campaign and get out the vote. I miss the ground game, the rallies, the community organizing, the opportunity to meet neighbors and work with strangers on a common goal of making history and electing Obama.
So, in the afterglow of victory, there is a twinge of sadness as the scrappy energetic trailblazer now moves on to the hallowed halls of the White House and becomes "presidential" with the requisite gray hair and heavy brow and bears the strain of hourly overlapping dilemmas associated with managing this nation. It was mesmerizing to see Barack and Michelle at the White House on Monday. Yet, as they were welcomed by President and Mrs. Bush, it was also a sobering reminder that they prepare to take on the VERY HEAVY mantle of President & First Lady during this volatile, complicated moment in American life.
And yet, what is real for me about the Obama campaign is that it was so much bigger than the man. It was a epic struggle over the future of the nation. The victory was confirmation from millions of nameless, faceless Americans who sought a different path for the nation. It was as if Americans were voting for the opportunity to breath fresh air again, imagine new possibilities again, and decided to cast off the shroud of fear and war and isolation and confusion and economic collapse that has constrained us for the last eight years. The vote for Obama seemed to be a citizen mandate urging America to re-enter the world and our national life in new ways.
However, the victory also triggered something else in my gut: Now that this election is over, what about ME? After spending so much time investing, thinking about, fighting about, writing about, and finally working on the campaign and working the polls to aid voters, I can't shake the question: What about me? Have you worked as hard to pursue YOUR OWN dreams and passions as you have to track and participate in this campaign? What are you doing to make YOUR OWN ambitions realities? And what of all the other volunteers and supporters ---where does all of that collective fervor, passion and intensity go now? Are we willing to fight for our local communities and personal concerns as we were willing to support the Obama campaign?
Interestingly, every day this week, I've driven past the former Obama office in the Arlington neighborhood in Jacksonville where I worked. The office has gone dark. The posters in windows and rooftops gone. The building and surroundings barren. That corner is now emptied of chaotically parked cars, yard signs, the steady stream of visitors, cars honking as they sailed by the office, people's energy and excitement spilling over into traffic along University Boulevard. As I pass the office, I get a bit misty and whimsical remembering how much that space meant to so many working together to "turn Florida blue". Since that victorious night, we have all returned to our former lives, families, occupations and commitments. Yet, I will never forget that lil' bright yellow and salmon- colored rehabbed Jamaican restaurant that became one of the thousands of outposts for change across this nation.
Be well until we speak again!
---Nicole
Ok, yeah, I know. I've been awful quiet since November 4, 2008. Understand me well: I have just been gobsmacked, overwhelmed, amazed, dumbfounded, in a fog of disbelief regarding the momentous Obama election victory. As of today, it has been little over a week and I still don't know what to think, how to feel or how to move in the moment. However, I will share some of what I've been chewing on these last few days.
Since the election, I have traveled to Illinois the next afternoon to participate in an All-Class Black Alumni Reunion at my alma mater at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. While in Illinois, I had a chance to celebrate with hundreds of Black Illini, my husband and my mama briefly on a quick drive to Chicago. Yet, consistent with the life I live betwixt and between worlds, I missed out on post-election celebrations with fellow poll workers and campaign workers here in Jacksonville. So, for me, this has been a fragmented, disjointed post-election moment of travel mixed with worship, joy, disbelief, CAUTIOUS optimism and relief.
However, a sweet sorrow has settled in attached to this monumental achievement. The campaign journey is over and the presidency now begins. Consequently, for me, a shift in consciousness is required as Obama moves from my home state's junior Senator to presidential candidate, from underdog to front runner and to President-Elect. This must be what parents feel when they send children off to college---the joy and pride in the child's achievement coupled with the sorrow and uncertainty of the child's growth, change, mistakes, desicions that you disagree with all in the process of pursuing their passions and find their life path. Thus, we must now send our candidate forward---proudly and prayerfully--- to govern us ALL.
So, though there are still races to be settled in Georgia, Minnesota and Alaska, Election 2008 is over...and I miss it. I miss the calls, texts, emails, that I received from the campaign--- and that I made for the campaign--- encouraging voters to support the campaign and get out the vote. I miss the ground game, the rallies, the community organizing, the opportunity to meet neighbors and work with strangers on a common goal of making history and electing Obama.
So, in the afterglow of victory, there is a twinge of sadness as the scrappy energetic trailblazer now moves on to the hallowed halls of the White House and becomes "presidential" with the requisite gray hair and heavy brow and bears the strain of hourly overlapping dilemmas associated with managing this nation. It was mesmerizing to see Barack and Michelle at the White House on Monday. Yet, as they were welcomed by President and Mrs. Bush, it was also a sobering reminder that they prepare to take on the VERY HEAVY mantle of President & First Lady during this volatile, complicated moment in American life.
And yet, what is real for me about the Obama campaign is that it was so much bigger than the man. It was a epic struggle over the future of the nation. The victory was confirmation from millions of nameless, faceless Americans who sought a different path for the nation. It was as if Americans were voting for the opportunity to breath fresh air again, imagine new possibilities again, and decided to cast off the shroud of fear and war and isolation and confusion and economic collapse that has constrained us for the last eight years. The vote for Obama seemed to be a citizen mandate urging America to re-enter the world and our national life in new ways.
However, the victory also triggered something else in my gut: Now that this election is over, what about ME? After spending so much time investing, thinking about, fighting about, writing about, and finally working on the campaign and working the polls to aid voters, I can't shake the question: What about me? Have you worked as hard to pursue YOUR OWN dreams and passions as you have to track and participate in this campaign? What are you doing to make YOUR OWN ambitions realities? And what of all the other volunteers and supporters ---where does all of that collective fervor, passion and intensity go now? Are we willing to fight for our local communities and personal concerns as we were willing to support the Obama campaign?
Interestingly, every day this week, I've driven past the former Obama office in the Arlington neighborhood in Jacksonville where I worked. The office has gone dark. The posters in windows and rooftops gone. The building and surroundings barren. That corner is now emptied of chaotically parked cars, yard signs, the steady stream of visitors, cars honking as they sailed by the office, people's energy and excitement spilling over into traffic along University Boulevard. As I pass the office, I get a bit misty and whimsical remembering how much that space meant to so many working together to "turn Florida blue". Since that victorious night, we have all returned to our former lives, families, occupations and commitments. Yet, I will never forget that lil' bright yellow and salmon- colored rehabbed Jamaican restaurant that became one of the thousands of outposts for change across this nation.
The Obama victory was a symbol of what can happen when a confident young family with talent and intellect and courage and guts and judgement crosses paths with a nation that is hungry, tired, angry, afraid and desperate for CHANGE. So now, as the business of constructing the Obama government is underway, I can't help but ask myself: What is next FOR THE REST OF US? What dreams stir restlessly in the hearts of each of us and how can we reinvest our Election 2008 passions into our own aspirations. It is a profoundly difficult question for all of us to consider, but a question that I MUST answer for myself.
Be well until we speak again!
---Nicole
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Obama Visits Doooooooooooo-vall County (Jacksonville, FL) 9/20/2008!
Greetings Everyone!
I pray you all have had great weeks of late. Mine have been kinda "janky" (i.e. filled with ups and downs, hits and misses, missteps, frustrations and openings filled with grace from our Lord), but i'm still here. Last week, I spent time recovering from a number of things---including the Obama visit to Jacksonville... or as one of my students reminded me "um, Dr. Anderson, we kinda "ghetto" here in Jacksonville so you might here people say i'm from Dooooooooooooo-valllll" (meaning Duval county)---and he was a white student helping me get oriented on the first day of class...God bless him...
Lest I digress...back to the Obama visit.
Now I wasn't exactly familiar with the location, but made my way to Metropolitan Park after a morning SAT/ACT tutoring session at a local church. Traffic was astonishingly crowded near the park so I drove around until I found parking on a side street...and just prayed I would not be towed. Then, I just walked over to the gathering as the exercise would surely do me some good and help me clear my head for the event.
It had rained for a a good portion of the morning so I had no sense of the turnout given the weather. But, after finding my parking space, I was just glad to be in the number and curious about the turnout with so much talk about Duval county being a blood-red Republican county forever and ever historically.
However, as I walked toward the park, I overheard a woman behind me on the phone with her uncle. She and her girlfriend were probably in her early 30s, sassy, full of attitude, with plenty of urban glamour. We greeted one another as I passed them in my very understated orange and blue Illinois t-shirt, jeans and open-toed shoes (an unwise choice that would haunt me later).
As I walked ahead of them, I noted one of the women were talking on the phone to her uncle. She said "Now Uncle, you know I wasn't even gon' come to this thing, but you know I decided to come to this event for grandmama who didn't live to see this day... but would have been so proud". She said "Uncle, you wouldn't believe it, even the thugs IS here." I laughed at the latter remark, but her comment about her grandmother nearly stopped me in my tracks. Her desire to be there for her grandmother hit me in my core as I crossed the street and just humbled me inside. It was then that I knew this might indeed be a special event for Jacksonville.
I pray you all have had great weeks of late. Mine have been kinda "janky" (i.e. filled with ups and downs, hits and misses, missteps, frustrations and openings filled with grace from our Lord), but i'm still here. Last week, I spent time recovering from a number of things---including the Obama visit to Jacksonville... or as one of my students reminded me "um, Dr. Anderson, we kinda "ghetto" here in Jacksonville so you might here people say i'm from Dooooooooooooo-valllll" (meaning Duval county)---and he was a white student helping me get oriented on the first day of class...God bless him...
Lest I digress...back to the Obama visit.
Now I wasn't exactly familiar with the location, but made my way to Metropolitan Park after a morning SAT/ACT tutoring session at a local church. Traffic was astonishingly crowded near the park so I drove around until I found parking on a side street...and just prayed I would not be towed. Then, I just walked over to the gathering as the exercise would surely do me some good and help me clear my head for the event.
It had rained for a a good portion of the morning so I had no sense of the turnout given the weather. But, after finding my parking space, I was just glad to be in the number and curious about the turnout with so much talk about Duval county being a blood-red Republican county forever and ever historically.
However, as I walked toward the park, I overheard a woman behind me on the phone with her uncle. She and her girlfriend were probably in her early 30s, sassy, full of attitude, with plenty of urban glamour. We greeted one another as I passed them in my very understated orange and blue Illinois t-shirt, jeans and open-toed shoes (an unwise choice that would haunt me later).
As I walked ahead of them, I noted one of the women were talking on the phone to her uncle. She said "Now Uncle, you know I wasn't even gon' come to this thing, but you know I decided to come to this event for grandmama who didn't live to see this day... but would have been so proud". She said "Uncle, you wouldn't believe it, even the thugs IS here." I laughed at the latter remark, but her comment about her grandmother nearly stopped me in my tracks. Her desire to be there for her grandmother hit me in my core as I crossed the street and just humbled me inside. It was then that I knew this might indeed be a special event for Jacksonville.
As I found my way into the park, I met a line that wrapped around the facility with folks of every stripe awaiting entry with vendors selling all matter of shirts, visors, caps, buttons, etc.,. I went alone and at first wished I was there with someone else---but eventually felt quite at ease among the crowd.
A 50ish white couple in front of me shared with me how good it was to be there. "I feel less alone now to see so much support especially in Duval county, a Republican stronghold." It was as if the event itself gave them permission to support Obama publically without fear. Another older 70ish white couple behind me beamed with anticipation cracking jokes while doing magic tricks for little black kids in line. The spry senior then cackled "I wish we could all vote today since we're all here anyway."
A coolly elegant Black man with his family chatted with me marvelling at how amazing it was to see so many folks out, but he observed "Now, the trick is to get all these folks to vote." I added that getting to the polls is indeed an issue, but making sure the votes ACTUALLY COUNT AND ARE ACTUALLY C-O-U-N-T-E-D is my greater concern. He paused and gazed down at me saying "You right about it. But isn't it funny that our system of voting is so antiquated when our technology allows folk to find me whenever they want me" as he waved his cell phone in the air. He continued "statistics show that on any given day, we pass by at least 15 cameras, but there is something WRONG when I can't trust that the same system will do all it can to count my vote". I said "Well, come on church...preach that thing, my brother!" and we all fell out laughin'.
Periodically, as I made small talk and socialized with the crowd, I would hear the high-pitched squeal of "Dr. Anderson, Dr. Anderson" and I laughed inside as I knew that a student of mine must be nearby. Many of my current and former students were attending the rally or working as volunteers and were just brimming with enthusiam about the chance to be there. We hugged and chatted and told them how proud I was to see them there and working in the community on this very special effort.
Once inside the park, I continued to mix and mingle with folks and took pictures. However, there was a downside to the event. There were private planes flying overhead with signs that said "Florida is McCain and Palin country" and "Raising Taxes is Not Patriotic". The crowd would then explode with "boos", but their motors unfortunately drowned out the speakers on the podium. I went cold inside and grew frustrated as the scene was a reminder of how early voter intimidation begins in these parts.
And true to form, this was indeed a diverse crowd of the young, the brown, the white, the old, the Muslim, the Indian, the Asian, babies in strollers, folks in wheelchairs and on canes, adorned with all manner of official, bootleg, and homemade Obama gear. Again, I wore an Illinois t-shirt just to represent Illinois up in there (smile). In an interesting exchange a group of college students came to stand beside myself and two retired educators that I met there. When one of the women commented that she didn't know if she would be able to see past these college students, a biracial Asian/African American young man said "Uh-uh, don't worry mama I got you, I got you. He said "We'll lift you up on our shoulders if we have to." We screamed and he continued "Yes We Can! Yes We Can!" And it was just that kind of good natured foolishness that was apart of so many encounters between folks that day. Folks were chill, friendly, helpful and glad to be in the space together for just a lil' while.
And sure of enough, in my effort to "represent" I got clowned by an "eccentric" (bless her heart) Black woman carrying a fur in upper 80 degree heat whose arms, hair and clothing were covered in grass as she claimed Chicago roots. From about 20 feet she yelled out "Hey, you from Illinois, me too. Guuuu-uuuh (girl), where you from?" Embarrassed, I said "Chicago" smiling weakly cursing this Illinois shirt as the crowd enjoyed the spectacle. She said "Chicago? Me, too. Me, you and Barack." She then said "You my angel. I'm gon' call you "Angel" because you my angel." And she then came over and hugged me and we fellowshipped a bit as the crowd howled with delight.
She then asked a lady standing next to me if she could borrow her binoculars "Cuz, chile, mama can't see to good." Interestingly, she turned around and said "Look at those boys up in the trees". And I turned to see young men who had climbed trees for a better glimpse of the stage. I didn't know at the time, but the city authorities turned away 8000+ people from attending the event because of regulations allowing for only 20,000 people in the space. Papers would later report that between 20,000 -40,000 attended the event.
Soon after, however, we began to note helicopters overhead and a big black tour bus pulled into view and the crowd went wild. Scores of folks poured off the bus as we awaited a glimpse of Barack. "Oh, look, there he...then nope, that wasn't him" said a fellow supporter. "Here he...no, that's somebody else"...again the crowd would get excited and then have hopes dashed just as quickly. As the crowd expanded, the overhead aerial intimidation intensified with two planes flying even lower overhead in their campaign of discouragement.
And then, the crowd on the platform went wild. One plus-size Black woman on the podium jumped and danced in her best Price-As-Right victory dance (yall know that dance!!!). In an instant, Barack jogged up on stage with his typical energetic zeal wearing a white shirt unbuttoned and tie-less, blue slacks, endless grin with generous greetings for the crowd.
He marvelled at the size of the crowd thanking us for attending--- especially considering there was plenty of football on TV that day. He then launched into his talking points concerning the Wall Street Bailout, health care for every American, new education and energy standards, affordable college for all who want it, better pay for teachers, an end to the war, etc.,.. He was really loose and funny and a bit "hood" in that he had a real "street" word and demeanor for the people.
From saying, "listen yall, my opponent has been telling lies on me, so I need to go on and tell the truth about him; to talking about McCain's accusations that it was Barack's fault that the markets are suffering as Barack declared defiantly "There is only one candidate who has argued that the fundamentals of the economy are sound and it ain't me, yall, that candidate ain't me". In another humerous passage, the candidate promised that he was fighting for the dreams of all Americans---your dreams, my dreams, my children's dreams...and even Pooky's dreams. Yeah, yall, i'm fighting for Pooky's. Pooky's got dreams too" and the crowd roared with delight. At various points he reminded us not to be "hoodwinked" or "bamboozled" by his opponent...or let the Republicans pull "the oke-doke" on us.
After his formal remarks, he signed autographs and shook hands with folks. I headed up closer to the podium to take some better photos and just drank in the atmosphere of excitement and positivity in the crowd. The sun was beginning to depart and clouds rolled back in as volunteers gathered empty water bottles, took photos and stragglers just stood around the park smiling and reflecting in silence as the sun disappeared. It was a historic visit in a historic election and I think many were grateful to have attended and been apart of it.
After standing for five hours in less than ideal shoes, I then began the arduous journey of heading to my car praying that I hadn't parked in an illegal zone. As the crowd moved lazily out of the gates, there was a congested area where folks had stopped to get a glimpse of the motorcade as they departed. I, however, could see the clouds gathering and really wanted to get to my car more than see the buses off. So, I kept it moving, though, I do admit: I did stop by a t-shirt table and picked us a couple of great t-shirts for me and mama for posterity...and was then was busted by yet another student squealing "Dr. Anderson, what you gon' buy me?"
Finally, outside of the stadium, I strolled along with a group of four of five Black and Latino youth who had attended the event and were walking in my direction. Suddenly, we heard the blare of sirens and turned to see a fleet of motorcycles speeding past us. We looked at each other--- eyes wide with delight---and knew instantly: the buses were coming our way. Then, we all ran back to the curb as the three buses turned the corner. We spread out along the curb jumping, waving, shouting "Good bye! Bye Barack! Good Luck! God bless you!" I could see Barack inside the bus as we offered up our exuberant send-off. The following two buses were filled with staff and reporters that smiled, honked, waved and grinned wildly at us as the 2nd and 3rd buses pulled past us.
There were just a few of us on that corner that got to see buses depart and I was indeed glad that I had worn my orange and blue Illinois shirt (after all) to let folk know that we Illinoisans are supporting the campaign even in Northeast Florida.
When I finally reached my car, I sat and nibbled on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that I had left in the car and wiggled my weary toes. While I snacked on my sa'mich, two lil' chocolate Black children shiny and beautiful--- an older sister and littler brother---skipped past the car donning their Barack Obama t-shirts with "Yes We Can" on the backs of their shirts as they disappeared around the corner. And in that moment, I was reminded of just how much this campaign has meant to all of us---the young, the young at heart and everyone in between.
36 Days and Counting...Yes We Can! ...Have a great week!
---Nicole Anderson
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Final Leg of Election 2008: Keeping Our Wits About Us
Evening all! Greetings from Nicole.
I know it's been too long since we've talked and I do hope you are well. And I know I promised to comment on the McCain VP selection several weeks ago and have not yet done so. And there has been a reason for this.
I have been just dumbfounded by the swirl of activity, media, coverage, email traffic, focus on this Republican VP choice...However, to God be the glory, apartment repairs resulting in no cable has spared me much of the spectacle---though dear friends have kept my in-box filled with articles swirling about the nation...sigh...
The interesting thing is that I did here her speech at the Republican convention. And in my own assessment, her remarks reflected an individual that was so partisan and narrow and inaccessible to folks like me. I was willing to hear her out, but clearly she wasn't trying to holler at your girl.
Rather than being compelling, her remarks felt so dated, so old school in all the wrong ways, so isolationist. The remarks felt like a plea to her base--- instead of reaching out to the ENTIRE nation that she would be helping to govern as VP. Her focus on war, fear, insults and foreign threats communicated a desire to keep Americans in conflict with each other and the rest of the world---instead of creating a climate of cooperation between Americans themselves and the global community.
My questions remain: Does patriotism only exist outside of the city limits? Can people of color love this country and live in an urban environment? Where is it written that love of country is only possible for folks in small towns or who are working class? Can't educated middle class, upper middle class city dwellers love this country, too? Or is it mandatory that I shoot something (or someone) in war or sport to be deemed an American patriot? And why is it that the most valued brand patriotism so often defined in terms of shipping our folks off to war to fight, kill, die or be maimed abroad---as opposed to giving them something to live for and work for in this country?
Furthermore, it is more profound to watch the Obama campaign defend itself against these old school Republicans masquerading as "mavericks". There was little "new" about their remarks...it felt (wearily) like the political priorities that have informed the last eight years. But, it has been fascinating to observe people's willingness to believe that something "different" is being presented to them--- when it's just the same old message just delivered in a shiny, more provocative package.
As I have been traveling from Florida to Illinois and find myself in and out of airports, restaurants and other public venues, and I always happen to overhear groups of gentlemen of varying ages (most often white men) discussing the election. And their final assessment are often that Barack Obama was nothing more than "a good speech" as they took comfort in their resistance to Obama. Now, it seems to me that all the candidates are making speeches and promises at this juncture so I haven't understood why they don't describe McCain's offerings in a similar fashion? And then recently, it struck me: The McCain/Palin ticket is a source of comfort for them.
With the emergence of the McCain/Palin ticket, its as if the nation was waiting for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to eclipse the coverage of the Obama campaign. And I understand---with the exception of the Cosby show and subsequent well-to-do Black comedian-centered sitcoms---we are a nation accustomed to African American families "stretchin' and suh-vi-vin" and entertaining the nation while we war against each other on court TV, reality shows, dramadies and Tyler Perry offerings. Thus, many of our fellow Americans are accustomed to African Americans as a source of entertainment, humor, curiosity or disdain. So, they reject outright the idea of accomplished, talented, educated, thoughtful, loving, African American family at the helm of the political, intellectual and economic life of the nation. It's just too much to bear for some. So, instead, they would rather vilify them as aloof, elitist and out of touch while celebrating those who claim to champion working class and small town values.
And yet it is a reminder that the bar for African American acceptability is a narrow tightrope that is ALWAYS shifting despite our best efforts---and even when you thought education, grooming, political savvy, connections, coalition building, innovative campaign strategies that harness the best of human and technological talent might just be enough to finally bridge the racial divide...sigh...
Folks, we have a few more days until election 2008 will end---and God knows I'm ready for it to be over. What will Americans do on election day? It is PROFOUNDLY unclear to me. However, if you can be convinced that the election is a close one, the return of the ghosts of elections 2000 and 2004 are likely.
I know it's been too long since we've talked and I do hope you are well. And I know I promised to comment on the McCain VP selection several weeks ago and have not yet done so. And there has been a reason for this.
I have been just dumbfounded by the swirl of activity, media, coverage, email traffic, focus on this Republican VP choice...However, to God be the glory, apartment repairs resulting in no cable has spared me much of the spectacle---though dear friends have kept my in-box filled with articles swirling about the nation...sigh...
The interesting thing is that I did here her speech at the Republican convention. And in my own assessment, her remarks reflected an individual that was so partisan and narrow and inaccessible to folks like me. I was willing to hear her out, but clearly she wasn't trying to holler at your girl.
Rather than being compelling, her remarks felt so dated, so old school in all the wrong ways, so isolationist. The remarks felt like a plea to her base--- instead of reaching out to the ENTIRE nation that she would be helping to govern as VP. Her focus on war, fear, insults and foreign threats communicated a desire to keep Americans in conflict with each other and the rest of the world---instead of creating a climate of cooperation between Americans themselves and the global community.
My questions remain: Does patriotism only exist outside of the city limits? Can people of color love this country and live in an urban environment? Where is it written that love of country is only possible for folks in small towns or who are working class? Can't educated middle class, upper middle class city dwellers love this country, too? Or is it mandatory that I shoot something (or someone) in war or sport to be deemed an American patriot? And why is it that the most valued brand patriotism so often defined in terms of shipping our folks off to war to fight, kill, die or be maimed abroad---as opposed to giving them something to live for and work for in this country?
Furthermore, it is more profound to watch the Obama campaign defend itself against these old school Republicans masquerading as "mavericks". There was little "new" about their remarks...it felt (wearily) like the political priorities that have informed the last eight years. But, it has been fascinating to observe people's willingness to believe that something "different" is being presented to them--- when it's just the same old message just delivered in a shiny, more provocative package.
As I have been traveling from Florida to Illinois and find myself in and out of airports, restaurants and other public venues, and I always happen to overhear groups of gentlemen of varying ages (most often white men) discussing the election. And their final assessment are often that Barack Obama was nothing more than "a good speech" as they took comfort in their resistance to Obama. Now, it seems to me that all the candidates are making speeches and promises at this juncture so I haven't understood why they don't describe McCain's offerings in a similar fashion? And then recently, it struck me: The McCain/Palin ticket is a source of comfort for them.
With the emergence of the McCain/Palin ticket, its as if the nation was waiting for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to eclipse the coverage of the Obama campaign. And I understand---with the exception of the Cosby show and subsequent well-to-do Black comedian-centered sitcoms---we are a nation accustomed to African American families "stretchin' and suh-vi-vin" and entertaining the nation while we war against each other on court TV, reality shows, dramadies and Tyler Perry offerings. Thus, many of our fellow Americans are accustomed to African Americans as a source of entertainment, humor, curiosity or disdain. So, they reject outright the idea of accomplished, talented, educated, thoughtful, loving, African American family at the helm of the political, intellectual and economic life of the nation. It's just too much to bear for some. So, instead, they would rather vilify them as aloof, elitist and out of touch while celebrating those who claim to champion working class and small town values.
And yet it is a reminder that the bar for African American acceptability is a narrow tightrope that is ALWAYS shifting despite our best efforts---and even when you thought education, grooming, political savvy, connections, coalition building, innovative campaign strategies that harness the best of human and technological talent might just be enough to finally bridge the racial divide...sigh...
Folks, we have a few more days until election 2008 will end---and God knows I'm ready for it to be over. What will Americans do on election day? It is PROFOUNDLY unclear to me. However, if you can be convinced that the election is a close one, the return of the ghosts of elections 2000 and 2004 are likely.
So, I ask you the following?
---Are YOU registered to vote?
---Do you know where your local polling location is? Has it changed? If so, why exactly?
---Are folks that you encounter---your new neighbors, new church members, new co-workers, new clients and college students away from home---registered locally or voting absentee in the home communities they left?
---What are the voting methods being used at your polling site?
---If you do make an error in voting, receive the wrong ballot, spoil your ballot etc.,. what will YOU do? Who do you talk to at your polling place if such an error occurs?
---Once all the ballots are cast and the polls close, what happens at your polling place? What happens to the ballots and related documentation? Where are the ballots taken? What then happens to them?
---Will your candidate of choice make sure every vote is counted? Will they prolong the proceedings, spend the money, go to court, call for recounts when and where ever necessary to protect the votes they are working so hard to make sure are cast in their favor?
For more information on voter protection, check out The Advancement project at:
http://www.justvote08.org/readytovote.php
Be well, y'all, keep the faith---but get ready!
---Nicole
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