It’s possible that Obama understands what we now see more clearly; those who have parents with different phenotypic traits, can benefit socially from adopting the identity of “blackness.” To identify as “mixed-race” suggests to many that a person is confused or indecisive. Race creates an identity quandary. Obama is wise enough to know which one benefits him most.
The benefit is a relative one. In America, Obama would have only a few acceptable racial identity options. He wouldn’t have been taken seriously if he said he was “white.” He would have been viewed as being ashamed of his heritage if he claimed to be “mixed.” This leaves the most socially beneficial option as “black.”
Kamala had more options. Had she assumed a middle eastern and Indian identity, she would have been accept as such. She grew up in a household that celebrated and practiced much Indian culture. I’m not sure how many people in Canada would have pressed her on the heritage of her Jamaican father.
Thank you for your measured thoughts. Of course Trump is not a fascist or, indeed a racist. He believes in the 20th century tradition of distributing rewards on the basis of aptitude, talent, price and effort. Putting people into the right jobs according to those factors, not the color of their skin. That does not mean he is a hero or a villain. He just gets hotels built and filled. Musk is the same on a more spectacular and innovative level. Let them get on with it and stop making heroes of people who do nothing but tear down the work of others.
"I pray that one day we can see all the different colors, and celebrate the beauty of God’s creation, without prejudice against anyone. Just like the autumn trees draped in all their splendor, so are the shades of humanity."
Wanted to highlight this beautiful vision. Colorblindness is advocating oppressive homogeneity. Diversity from immigration makes us great. It's the US secret sauce for world leadership, by being a societal microcosm of the world's diverse peoples.
If you want to do something concrete, join me in demanding that the US Census remove the word “race” from all documents, and remove the categories that assign race. Start the conversation where it hits everyone in their pockets. Make everyone think more deeply about their identity at a more human level rather than through the lens of caste.
Adrian, this is great work. 1. Love your word “racelessness.” Mind if I use it too? 2. Since you are enlightened enough to see that there is only one race, human, might it not be more precise to define racism as the belief that humanity is divided into racial groups/races?
The term racelessness was invented, as far as we know, by Sheena Mason. Click on the link on the term racelessness in the article and it'll take you to her piece for us!
I hope these views gain momentum, but I fear they may be too wise for the many. At least we’re talking about it and there are some clear voices articulating these truths. Thanks for playing a part in that. :)
I agree with the idea of we cannot, with any honesty, classify persons as being of one race or another because race is a lie. There are no white persons, only a people convinced that by being so, they will do better than those not seen so. And that brings us to acceptable immigrants and unacceptable immigrants. And that brings us to the descendants of the African slave trade. And that brings us to the social class constructs placed on gender. American politics is not yet prepared to embrace your version of racelessness, because those who are racialized as “white” still hold onto the myth that there is something inherently more valuable about the culture that comes from the label.
You mentioned a century ago her being called a negro, rather I think she would have been called an octoroon, don't remember the specifics but there were categories of freedom and status for mixed folks with defined categories of miscenagation which up until my childhood was against the law in many states.
I'm 58 and until the Obama years hadn't heard much of the race defined grievance culture. Kids were kids we didn't see color, we had black friends and some had lovers...
I had a black girlfriend in 83 and none of my friends or family ever mentioned it to me.
Well said
Brilliant, Adrian. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I felt your words in my bones Adrian, I agree deeply!
I share your point of view - I think it would have been better if Obama had identified himself as "of mixed race." Better and more honest.
It’s possible that Obama understands what we now see more clearly; those who have parents with different phenotypic traits, can benefit socially from adopting the identity of “blackness.” To identify as “mixed-race” suggests to many that a person is confused or indecisive. Race creates an identity quandary. Obama is wise enough to know which one benefits him most.
Why do you think he actually benefited from that? I'm not sure he did.
Glad that Kamala didn't try to thread the needle with her "identity."
The benefit is a relative one. In America, Obama would have only a few acceptable racial identity options. He wouldn’t have been taken seriously if he said he was “white.” He would have been viewed as being ashamed of his heritage if he claimed to be “mixed.” This leaves the most socially beneficial option as “black.”
Kamala had more options. Had she assumed a middle eastern and Indian identity, she would have been accept as such. She grew up in a household that celebrated and practiced much Indian culture. I’m not sure how many people in Canada would have pressed her on the heritage of her Jamaican father.
Thank you for your measured thoughts. Of course Trump is not a fascist or, indeed a racist. He believes in the 20th century tradition of distributing rewards on the basis of aptitude, talent, price and effort. Putting people into the right jobs according to those factors, not the color of their skin. That does not mean he is a hero or a villain. He just gets hotels built and filled. Musk is the same on a more spectacular and innovative level. Let them get on with it and stop making heroes of people who do nothing but tear down the work of others.
"I pray that one day we can see all the different colors, and celebrate the beauty of God’s creation, without prejudice against anyone. Just like the autumn trees draped in all their splendor, so are the shades of humanity."
Wanted to highlight this beautiful vision. Colorblindness is advocating oppressive homogeneity. Diversity from immigration makes us great. It's the US secret sauce for world leadership, by being a societal microcosm of the world's diverse peoples.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
If you want to do something concrete, join me in demanding that the US Census remove the word “race” from all documents, and remove the categories that assign race. Start the conversation where it hits everyone in their pockets. Make everyone think more deeply about their identity at a more human level rather than through the lens of caste.
Done already! Here's the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-2030-census-approach-to-race-data-collection
https://apnews.com/article/race-ethnicity-census-mena-hispanic-jewish-black-d25d02d3ec3e5f75aaa3ad8e6da331fe
Thanks for that!
Adrian, this is great work. 1. Love your word “racelessness.” Mind if I use it too? 2. Since you are enlightened enough to see that there is only one race, human, might it not be more precise to define racism as the belief that humanity is divided into racial groups/races?
The term racelessness was invented, as far as we know, by Sheena Mason. Click on the link on the term racelessness in the article and it'll take you to her piece for us!
Ok. Will do!
And behavior based on that belief. Forgot to add that.
💪💪💪💪
Man, this is good. I hope I can articulate this as well when I next face the same absurd arguments in my own life. Bookmarked.
This is the most insightful piece I’ve read regarding the entire election. Thank you, Adrian!
If only we could return to a time where dialogue included nuanced perspectives. Thanks for reading the article.
". . . we all recognize deep down inside just how obtuse and evil the concept of race is at its core."
Totally agree; one of the most evil concepts ever created.
I hope these views gain momentum, but I fear they may be too wise for the many. At least we’re talking about it and there are some clear voices articulating these truths. Thanks for playing a part in that. :)
I agree with the idea of we cannot, with any honesty, classify persons as being of one race or another because race is a lie. There are no white persons, only a people convinced that by being so, they will do better than those not seen so. And that brings us to acceptable immigrants and unacceptable immigrants. And that brings us to the descendants of the African slave trade. And that brings us to the social class constructs placed on gender. American politics is not yet prepared to embrace your version of racelessness, because those who are racialized as “white” still hold onto the myth that there is something inherently more valuable about the culture that comes from the label.
Adrian, thanks for sharing your reflections of the movement that so many don't notice.
Excellent succinct summation.
You mentioned a century ago her being called a negro, rather I think she would have been called an octoroon, don't remember the specifics but there were categories of freedom and status for mixed folks with defined categories of miscenagation which up until my childhood was against the law in many states.
I'm 58 and until the Obama years hadn't heard much of the race defined grievance culture. Kids were kids we didn't see color, we had black friends and some had lovers...
I had a black girlfriend in 83 and none of my friends or family ever mentioned it to me.