Following Decision, Jubilation Erupts on Campus by Peter Hironaka, The Spartan Daily; November 5, 2008
Two years ago, an article was published following the election of Barack Obama as our nation's president. This indeed a moment that represents a paradign shift of our nation's open-mindedness. However, this article is a depicts our society's ignorance.
The article discusses the response of many black students at San Jose State University proceeding this election. A group of these individuals were observed gathering around the Tommie Smith and John Carlos statue on campus, chanting and praising this historic event.
Students were quoted saying "no disrespect to other races, but this is for all the black people who went through everything", or how they "were happy for relatives who endured racism."
Quite frankly, from the moment I began reading this article I was pissed. I was irritated at the fact that everything circulates around race. At the moment, why couldn't student's just be appreciative of the fact that a more worthy candidate was elected? Why did it automatically have to become yet another race issue?
It irritates me that we continue to feed into the racial/ethnic bullshit. This election was not about the black community, nor was it about racism. This election was about acknowledging the individual that will lead our country for the next few years.
The labeling of such events as a victory for one particular race is only further resulting in society's current racial separateness.
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I understand their exuberance, but it can be frustrating that so many things are viewed through the lens of black and white.
ReplyDelete* why couldn't students (not student's)
14/15