The Obama Effect: What does the first black president mean to young black men? November 13, 2008
Posted by Stacey Jordan in 1.trackback
On November 4, 2008, America made an historic and unprecedented decision to make Barack Obama the first African-American President of the United States. Rallying under the mantra “Yes We Can!”, millions of Americans cast their votes as the world watched and celebrated.
There has been an enormous level of excitement and anticipation over President-elect Obama and the change that he could bring to the halls of power in Washington D.C. Perhaps equally as exciting is the change that Obama’s presidency could mean to another group in Washington—the young black men whose lives hang in the balance on the streets of southeast D.C. each day.
Education Week reports that high school dropout rates among black males in urban areas such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore City are near fifty percent. According to a report by Fight Crimes: Invest in Kids, an organization of law enforcement leaders, many of these dropouts are responsible for the high incidences of violent crimes within their communities. This report estimates that 3,000 murders and 175,000 aggravated assaults could be prevented every year in America if the graduation rate were increased by just 10%. With so many young black men being the perpetrators and victims of these crimes, this is definitely the kind of “change we need”.
So what could the first black president do to bring about a change within this next generation of fathers, husbands, and leaders? Many of the examples that are set before young black men are less than adequate. Even those who are viewed as successes by this group are largely limited to being rappers or athletes. If an African-American boy dreams of becoming a professional basketball player he is hailed by many in his community, but if he were to make pledge of becoming president…not so much. This has remained nothing more than a pipe dream for blacks until now.
Through his achievement, Barack Obama has shattered a canopy of stereotypical fears, doubts, and prejudices of what a black man can do in America. And just as many walked through the doors of professional athletics, opened by the likes of Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson, it is possible that the next generation of black men will look at this accomplishment and say, “Yes we can!”.
What do you think the first black president will mean for young black men?
I personally believe that it is absolutely motivating. Whenever a minority makes it to high places in a positive way, whether it’s spiritually or publicly or whatever, it makes others like them not only proud but makes them say, “wow, if he can do it, I can do it too.” Or say, “why am I doing what I’m doing now, when I can make it to the top like him/her?” And it makes a person see things in a different light. Despite all the racism and negative comments that are also coming to light since he’s been elected FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT of the U.S., he is overall inspiring, especially to young black men because he can be a positive role model. Not necessarily a personal role model, but one who went through many trials and tribulations just like many other minorities. He’s still going through them now just because the color of his skin, like many young black men AND women. So what can be more inspiring than a president who actually relates to you in some way? I wasn’t even into politics until now. His speeches are so eloquent and well spoken that they truly grab your attention. He hasn’t really taken over his presidency yet, but something tells me he will do great things.
I am somewhat indifferent about us having our first black president. While his comming into office should spark a ray of hope in the hearts and minds of many of our people. One thing we must clearly remember is that what we are looking for in this affluent young BLACK man is something that should have begun in the homes of those that are on the streets of Washington D.C. and any place else. Yes, I believe that OBAMA can cause our young to see some hope of future happenings in there lives, but when do we who are closest to these individuals begin to encourage them and cause them to do self examination. Recognize the power that is with in them and work to build on that. One man can only do as much as GOD will give him the power to do. Check out the book of Daniel. Yes, it’s great to see our first black President,but let not esteem him above the God who has allowed the change, made it possible,opened the door. God is who we should praise. Man can not do anything without HIM paving the way for him. I pray that he does not disapoint the multitudes. I belive that he will make a difference and he will also make some heads turn in the negative. Let’s boost our president with prayer and lots of it.
I would love for young black youth to look at Mr. Obama and realize that they can truly do and become anything. If Barack Obama had not done that, then where would he be today? I think that his story, especially for those for whom Barack Obama will be the first president in their memory, will be an inspiration. Hopefully, young black men will look at Barack Obama and for the first time, feel like the government has their best interest in mind and that “The Man” is now one of us. We saw it during the entire campaign. A lot of rappers, who were previously anti-government, such as Nas, were coming out and speaking about politics and motivating their peers to get involved. I think the election of Barack Obama will help make young black men feel more connected to society and not as the outcasts many of them feel. It gives me the confidence that I will be able to tell my children that you can be ANYTHING you want to be – and really mean it.
I was wathcing dateline w/my children last night and Obama was being interviewed, one of my sons said, “Dad, why don’t become the president”? I said, “It’s a little too late for me but you could start working towards it”. A simple conversation that would have never been concieved in his mind like it was. With that said, I agree w/Victoria, it has to start in the home and this asperation should not be held lofty above that of raising Godly men and women. Obama is not a righteous man so we shouldn’t crown him savior as the world has. He is not even our hope! (sorry for any misspelling, I have been “dumbed down” by spell check)
I think Barack Obama being the President-elect could have a wonderful influence on the Country if we allow it to be. This event is still very surreal to me and will become more a reality after January 20th. With the new President elect, I think the country is becoming more opened to diversity. As a result of the “new” concept of diversity, people will be more willing to accept things that are different. People will start to realize that the only difference between one or another is the pigmentation in their skin. One might also say that the bar has now been raised for Blacks, more specifically for males. Will the result of the bar being raise mean more success stories or more dreams deferred? Will the new thing be “Barack did so you can/you could” Of course this depends on the intention of the speaker. Though Obama is a personal role model to me, I think there have plenty of others that paved the way before him. There have been teachers, authors, writers, civil rights leaders, to name a few, that have inspired me. There have been everyday men and women who have been out there trying to help our communities. I would hope to say it would result in more inspired young men and women to achieve higher goals. It is known that as Black males we struggle currently to reach the bar that has been set for us. Too many time have we relied on someone else to inspire us. Now we must take what we have and inspire ourselves. Obama has set a precedent for the Black community, now we have to do something.