Open Thread: Thanks on November 4th
by Latoya Peterson
Okay, I’ll just be blunt – fuck Thanksgiving. This year, I am all about giving Thanks on Election Day.
Now, I could rattle off a whole list of what I am personally thankful for – the ancestors who took water hoses, beatings, incarceration and dog maulings to afford me my rights, the fact that people are actually excited about this election, the end of those fucking attack ads that make me wish I had TiVo – but I want to hear from y’all.
Though, I’m sure most of y’all are either in line, at work, phone banking, or passed out from the stress.
Ah well – if there’s anyone here, give your thanks, or talk amongst yourselves.
Carmen Van Kerckhove is co-founder and president of
Becky wrote:
I am thankful to finally feel like I have someone I WANT to vote for for President, rather than voting for the person I feel least dislike for. Now if we can just get that way for all the elected offices (namely Senate in MN), that would be awesome.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 12:28 pm ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
Now, I could rattle off a whole list of what I am personally thankful for – the ancestors to took water hoses, beatings, incarceration and dog maulings to afford me my rights…
Complete co-sign, Latoya! I’m thankful for the allies, those who have held and hold out hands, open their mouths, and get their hands dirty in many, many ways to make sure the US lives up to its promises. And I’m thankful for communities, both on- and offline, where we can go home and rest our heads…like Racialicious!:-)
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 12:49 pm ¶
Natalie wrote:
I’m thankful that people finally have a fucking clue! It was so damn inspirational to see the lines at the polls this morning. 6:45am I voted… seeing lines down the block and around the corner brought tears to my eyes.
the hell with yes we can… YES I DID!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 12:53 pm ¶
atlasien wrote:
Thomas Schaller is a professor of political science who wrote a book called “Whistling Past Dixie: How Democrats Can Win Without the South”. His anti-Southern argument became popular and could be found all over the opinion sites in 2006.
Howard Dean and Barack Obama disagreed with him, obviously.
I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the great SWING state of GEORGIA (and the many progressives, GLBTs and POC living here) to give Thomas Schaller the double finger.
..|.. (^_^) ..|..
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 12:55 pm ¶
Penni Brown wrote:
I am thankful that Elisabeth Hasselbeck will not have much to talk about on the view every day.
And because of that, I am thankful that I won’t have to keep throwing shoes at my tv screen when she says ridiculous stuff.
And in related thanks, maybe now I can free up some space on my DVR because I won’t feel the need to record the show and watch it when I get home from work every day.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 12:57 pm ¶
Chandra Kamaria wrote:
I’m thankful for a lot, a whole lot! Oh man, am I ever so thankful. I’m thankful for those who fought so diligently so I could vote. Thankful for all of those who came before me so I can be who I am today. But I am NOT thankful for some of those Black mothers who have spoiled their sons to the point where in order to be with them, you gotta pick up where their mothers left off. Sorry! I’m a bit pissed off at menfolk today.
Otherwise, I am very very happy!!!! By the way, awesome BLOG!!! Just found it!!!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 1:17 pm ¶
Heather Walker wrote:
I’m thankful that I had a mother who took me to vote with her when I was child and enforced in me the value and necessity of voting and being active and aware. As the bi-racial daughter of a black woman who served in the Air Force and loved her country more than I can possibly imagine, despite all the discrimination she endured, and came home to help those less fortunate in our neighborhood in Harlem fight racism and tenant discrimination, I am so appreciative that I had the kind of parent who believed in fighting the good fight. I wish she was here to see this day, but I’m here because of her and I’m thankful that I was able to vote today, with her in my mind. I hope the children I saw with their parents today realize how important this day is and that we keep on fighting the good fight. Please don’t let this be the end, but the beginning! The fight is never over.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 2:40 pm ¶
SarahSimone wrote:
I’m thankful that I was able to participate in this historic moment in America’s history. I’m thankful that the man who is (I hope I hope I hope) about to become the first black president, is also a man who I believe will lead this country into a better future. I’m thankful to feel so connected to this moment in time, and no matter which way it goes, to know that this election has changed who I am. And I will be thankful beyond measure if I get to wake up tomorrow morning and start using the words “President Obama”.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 2:41 pm ¶
Mike wrote:
As someone who has traveled and studied in some of the failed democracies of the world, I can tell you that the only thing that really holds a democracy together is belief and faith in the institution. You need faith the the voting is fair, that each vote is counted, that the future can be better. Once that faith goes, painful revolutions may follow.
I am thankful that, despite our history, most Americans still have faith in the USA.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 2:57 pm ¶
cinco wrote:
I’m thankful for people finally wanting to vote and caring about who wins. I’m thankful that I can stop watching all the negative campaign shows. I’m thankful that for a little while Pat Buchanan, Monica Crowley, Rush Linbaugh and any others will find something new to talk about.
I’m thankful that Gov. Palin can return to her great state and govern; hopefully her annoying voice will fade into the snow drifts; I’m thankful that Bristol’s ‘baby’s daddy’ won’t have to marry her and that many women will benefit from her ‘charity’ clothes.
I’m thankful that an opportunity for change has finnally arrived!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 3:10 pm ¶
Niki wrote:
I am thankful for many of our elders that are still around–that they get to live to see a day they thought they would never see!
I am thankful that I got up early and only stood in line for 45 minutes. I have never been so happy to wear my “I Voted” sticker!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 3:15 pm ¶
Paz wrote:
Love this post topic!
I am thankful that there is finally a candidate that I believe in! And that there are millions who feel the same!
I am thankful for the many who have stood hours and hours in line to cast their vote (particularly those in the swing states).
I am thankful for everyone who has worked to make sure that every vote is counted.
When I was exiting the polling place, there was a Chinese man who was getting his picture taken with the flag. It broke my heart.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 3:23 pm ¶
waxghost wrote:
I am thankful to be able to take part in this historical election!
I am thankful that my friends of color have finally been able to point to a top politician and say to their children, “See, you can be president too.”
I am thankful that everyone cared enough to turn out to vote, even in my heavily Republican area (if you want to read about it: http://thewhatifgirl.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/vote/).
I am thankful that I was able to vote for Democrats who were able to put up a good fight and take a big chunk of the electorate away from my awful Republican reps, even if the Democrats probably won’t win.
I will be even more thankful when this whole thing is over and I can finally – hopefully – look forward to the future again.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:01 pm ¶
red wrote:
Just wanted to wish you all good luck from across the Atlantic in Limeyland.
I’m looking forward to the day they said “would never come”!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:04 pm ¶
thesciencegirl wrote:
I am thankful, as a woman and a POC, for the many, many brave, incredible people who came before me. I am thankful for those who braved the hoses and dogs and anger and violence and imprisonment and doubt and murder and threats and the weight of an ugly history to earn me the right to vote. I’m thankful for the election volunteers, Democrat and Republican alike, who manned my polling place this morning. I’m thankful for the guy behind me in line who shared his newspaper to keep me busy while I waited. I’m thankful to Starbucks for my free coffee. I am thankful for my mom for calling to wake me at 5:15am to get to the polls early, and for her personally taking my sisters and their kids to vote together as a family. I am thankful that my original opinion of Obama was wrong, and that he is a politician who I truly believe in, not one whom I merely stand. I’m thankful that my country is giving me a reason to be proud.
I am thankful that I have a ticket to the Obama rally tonight. Ohhhhh yeeeaaaahhhh!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:08 pm ¶
BJ wrote:
I am thankful that my father who served over 30 years in the army and currently in law enforcement, defending the rights of so many white collar criminals, racists and miscreants that would see him as just another “n-word” or want to harm him and his family because of skin color finally gets to see that he was also defending the rights of people who understand that we are ALL americans not just the people in Palin’s amerikkka.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:24 pm ¶
SixFootWoman wrote:
I know this sounds sappy, but I am a history buff especially interested in US race relations so I am thankful I got to be a part of seeing history made.
I am thankful that I live in a time and a place when I am able to have friendships and open conversations with people of other races that I might have otherwise missed had those who came before us not paved the way for this.
I am thankful that my bi-racial niece gets to vote for a bi-racial candidate the very first time she can vote in a presidential election!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:34 pm ¶
aimerrouge wrote:
I am thankful my immigrant, now citizen, parents voted in this election. They have an understandable fear/suspicision of government Never take for granted how peaceful elections are in the U.S. as opposed to other places. I am thankful for the many poll workers with their endless amount of patience towards the U.S. born citizens who are voting today for the first time. I don’t think I could be so nice.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:41 pm ¶
brownstocking wrote:
I’m thankful that the lines weren’t long this morning. I’m thankful that the poll workers were knowledgeable about rules and regulations. I’m thankful that I got to vote.
I’m thankful that I didn’t slap the one patronizing woman at my polling site who touched me to get me to move. I’m going to think about whether or not I’m going to go back and get her information to write a formal letter of complaint.
I am not as optimistic as others about the pundits having other things to talk about.
I’m thankful I’ve find like-minded people via the interwebs, so that, if some ill isht goes down, I won’t be the only one in the streets!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 4:55 pm ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:
My boss is making me work today while he gets ready to host a post-election party. No fair!
Oh, well. I’d probably be watching the election results all evening anyway. I can do that while I work.
My thoughts on the election:
Vote for Obama, or…
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/2008/11/vote-for-obama-or.html
Just say no to the racists:
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/2008/11/just-say-no-to-racists.html
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 5:02 pm ¶
aimerrouge wrote:
brownstockinging –>I don’t wish to cast wet blankent on the discussion. “I’m going to think about whether or not I’m going to go back and get her information to write a formal letter of complaint.” What would your letter say besides she was patronizing and she touched you? What resolution would you expect?
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 5:53 pm ¶
Anna Clark wrote:
I’m thankful for the 47-year-old black woman who was in line with me at a Detroit polling station. She said that this is the first time she’s ever voted: she never felt like her vote mattered before, though she respected those who fought for her right, but THIS time she was so excited to vote she couldn’t sleep last night.
Her energy, her hope, her belief that her voice/vote mattered: it got me teary.
I’m thankful for the suffragettes who endured years of ridicule, hate, isolation, arrest, intimidation and far worse, all so I could vote today.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 6:26 pm ¶
Mogs wrote:
I’m thankful that I was able to vote for my candidate of choice today without feeling afraid for myself and my family.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 8:12 pm ¶
Gothic Guera wrote:
I’m thankful that I didn’t have to wait in line!
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 8:54 pm ¶
Kit (Keep It Trill) wrote:
I am thankful for every ordinary person and civil rights activist that made this possible, and I’m sure glad Rosa Parks was tired that day on the bus. Heh-heh.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 10:12 pm ¶
jmn wrote:
I am very thankful for the ability to vote and make my voice heard. I’m thankful for the insightful commentary from Racialicious team and more so from the readers. I’m thankful to be alive during this amazing and exciting time in history. I love you all! =)
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 10:57 pm ¶
DomiX wrote:
I am so thankful for the opportunity to experience this….my grandfather didn’t make it to this historic moment, God rest his soul. He only had a third grade education and worked hard to give for his family and their families.
I am thankful that ignorance did not prevail today.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 11:37 pm ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:
I’m thankful that Obama is gonna win!
I’m thankful that our long national nightmare is finally over.
I’m thankful for all the liberal activists on Racialicious and elsewhere who helped made this victory possible.
As I said in my blog (http://www.bluecorncomics.com/2008/11/obama-wins.html), remember this day. Along with the moon landing, it’ll go down as one of the greatest days in modern US history.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 11:39 pm ¶
Valentina wrote:
Oh my fucking god!!!!!!
He won! He won! He won! He won! He won! He won! He won!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:25 am ¶
jmn wrote:
We did it!!!! Woohoo!!! Yes We Can and Yes We Did!!!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:26 am ¶
blanky wrote:
I’m thankful we just won.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:32 am ¶
Nina wrote:
I’m thankful that though I cannot vote (not a citizen) the country did the right thing and Obama is the President Elect. I cannot stop smiling. This is a historic day!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:33 am ¶
broom wrote:
IM THANKFUL THAT WE WON!!! HALLELUJAH… TOMORROW WILL BE A NEW DAY!!!!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:33 am ¶
PF wrote:
MY PRESIDENT IS BLACK!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:51 am ¶
chicagorose wrote:
My entire day has been something special and now finally the crowning touch. I wish I had something analytical or mind blowing to say but I don’t. For now, it’s just enough to *be*. But what I can state is that people today (it’s still today where I am at 11:47pm) that have encountered have all been beautiful. It was like suddenly every person became your neighbour even in passing. Like being transplanted to a different time. Chicago is my heart, where I was born, and though I couldn’t be there, I was *there*. Contentment has set in.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 12:57 am ¶
kerrita k wrote:
oh. i am living in hope. for the first time in a long time. i am jubilant. and surprised my country did not give into their/its fear and continue to fuel mine with the rampant ugliness. my sister said, “it is remarkable that many people were able to see themselves in him.” the world just got bigger and brighter. *sigh*. oh. i float to bed…
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:03 am ¶
Princess wrote:
There are so many things to be thankful for and this has been a very long and exhausting election process. Since I’ve been voting since the age of 18, I’m thankful for another opportunity to exercise my right to vote.
I’m thankful that my mother, aunt and uncle were able to vote in this election. As children they all survived The Great Depression with the support of their father, my grandfather who was a man of honor, dignity and strength.
Additionally, I’m thankful for the inspiration that President Obama has rekindled in me. The brilliancy of his strategic campaign is unmatched. He is definitely transformational as Powell so eloquently stated.
Finally, I’m also thankful for the open dialogue across the nation and here online at racialicious.com. Reading and commenting here helped me keep my footing on many days. And although there have been some differences of opinion, the exchange of thoughts are usually very intelligent and respectful. Thank you Latoya, Carmen and other contributors.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:06 am ¶
Bobo wrote:
I am thankful I got to participate in this historical moment and will tell younger generations about it.
I am thankful to witness the tears in so many people’s eyes, across races, genders, ages, and ethnicities.
I am thankful to be a part of a generation that is part of the new future and feeling the love from all over the world.
I am destroyed by Latoya….”fuck Thanksgiving”. ROFL!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:11 am ¶
allheavens wrote:
I can now stop pacing in front of my computer. I have no words, just no words.
GOD BLESS AMERICA and God bless and keep President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:24 am ¶
Daniel wrote:
So much for the doubters…yes we did!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:27 am ¶
Alexandra wrote:
THANK YOU THANK YOU
YES WE DID BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!!!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:36 am ¶
BlowTheTrumpet wrote:
Hey there!
Ladies and gents….
We have elected a Kenyan-American president….Toot’s grandson:
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
44th President of the United States
And we’re movin’ on up!!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:40 am ¶
jmn wrote:
Let me also add that I’m thankful to be able to say the words “United States President Barack Obama!” =)
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:40 am ¶
Rita wrote:
Thank you, Barack Obama, for believing in the dream of the United States. Thank you for the audacity of your hope.
Thank you, United States of America, for taking the higher ground and daring to reach for what you’ve always said you were.
Thank you, to the millions of people who gave their lives for the hope that is realized on this day.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:46 am ¶
merq wrote:
Yes We DID!
Go. ba. ma!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:03 am ¶
TM wrote:
I’m thankful to those who believed it could happen and worked to make it a reality. And I’m very thankful for the people here on Racialicious. What I’ve learned here as I’ve tried to become an ally has made this moment mean all the more to me. I’ve understood the history, I know what it means to me, but you have all helped teach me a great many more lessons about the significance of this moment. So thank you, Racialicious.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:07 am ¶
R. Prince wrote:
yeeeees….
ahem…. that is all.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:08 am ¶
dontmatta wrote:
I’m am now awaiting the people who want to get technical with his racial background now that he is president.
Just because he won, he won’t be seen as black anymore, but biracial.
He is biracial, but it’s just what success does to people of color. Their white side starts becoming more prominent to people.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:18 am ¶
aveteransresolve wrote:
Today, I am glad to see a black man in the white house. I cannot deny the power of such a moment in the history of the african diaspora that will resonate around the world this day. All of our ancestors’ patient suffering and resistance in the face of oppression has begun to pay off, and I am thankful for their sacrifice.
However, I find it hard to take part in the enthusiasm and cathartic outpouring that my fellow americans are enjoying, and I’m not sure why. I think that maybe I am so used to having a worldview that the world is against us that it is hard to imagine a world that is with us. But I am trying to change that.
I admit that the struggle has made me a cynic, a misanthrope, even a nihilist at times, and I find that those habits are hard to break even now. When everyone is joyful, I worry. When everyone is teary-eyed and fist-pumping, I sit back and analyze. That’s just how history has made me.
I worry because I know the things that make this country what it is, good and bad. I know that what is hidden from us is worse than we want to believe, and I know that the hidden things are the hardest to change. I have lived through big promises, I have been a token, a sacrificial lamb, ignorant of forces that have used me to meet their ends as a poc in a place of power. I have been a model minority, and it took me a long time to realize what that meant. I have been on the streets, facing police brutality and hypocrisy, I have been in the neighborhood, the schools and seen the tragedies therein. I know the cruelty of the law, and I know the business of oppression. These things have not changed today, and maybe that’s why I find it hard to celebrate. Something inside me says “this is too good to be true.” And maybe it is…
Tomorrow, maybe next week or so, when we all sober up and the buzz wears off, I hope we think about this, and just for a moment imagine what it means to be in charge of a house that was built on the backs of your people, on their blood and tears. Efforts of generations have been fulfilled today, and I am glad for that. I just hope that when (if) Barack is handed the key to that cellar door, he opens it. I hope that when he smells the foul burst of air that hits him in the face, he is prepared to go down those dark steps and turn on the lights and dares to look at the things that even we are not permitted to know. Merely the act of turning on those lights to expose the historical baggage and its current manifestations would be enough for me, because that takes more courage than just running the house as if you were descended from its former masters. However, I have also been around long enough to know that one man cannot bear this burden alone, or perfectly undertake such a task. God forbid, if he fails to do what we need him to do, what he hopes to do, we will not be defeated, and we will not stop fighting for peace, justice, equality, and progress. Maybe it has been our disbelief, our cynicism, and our doubt that started all this, and maybe that’s the veteran’s value: to know that failure is not defeat, and that there can be power in disillusionment.
But these are thoughts for when we are hopeless, when we have no trust in power, so save this thought for when you need it most, when (god forbid) your hope may falter. Know that it is not the only fuel for change, and keep on going.
In the meantime, today is a great day, and we are right to celebrate! The toughest battle is over, and we have a seat at the table of power. For those of us who have been fighting so long that we can’t imagine such a victory, (and believe me, there are many of us) it is time for us to congratulate ourselves for the things we have done and the sacrifices we have made to get here, but begin to look forward and renew our spirits, to allow ourselves to feel empowered to do all the things that we have hoped to accomplish for all these years. This time is a great time to be alive, so let’s make the most of it and bring our ancestors’ legacy to fruition!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:37 am ¶
Leigh-Anne wrote:
I’m not even American but I am so proud of all of you today…
In South Africa we’ll be having our next general election next year and, like Becky used to, I’ll probably end up having to vote for the person I least dislike.
I can only hope that one day we’ll have a leader who inspires us the way Barack Obama inspires the world…
YES WE CAN!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:40 am ¶
Cecelia wrote:
I am thankful that I was in South Dakota with Jessica Yee helping with reproductive rights, mobilizing Native women in this state and mobilizing Native rural communities to vote. I am thankful I was able to phone bank on Measure 11 in SD. I am thankful that I was able to go door to door in rural Native communities and take them to vote.
I am thankful that the times are a’changing!
I am thankful for the City of Detroit voting 97% (this is what I hear) for Obama! Damn, thats awesome!!! Correct me if I am wrong on here or my blog.
I am thankful for Gitchi Manitou (Great Spirit) in this process.
I am thankful my Dad who never voted in an election in his life (he is 55 years old) finally VOTED!!
I am thankful for the tears, joy, phone calls, text messages, high fives, facebook, my blog and communications that were shared in such wonder during this great time we are all experiencing.
I am thankful to be a proud Native women in this time and change in our country!
Finally, I am so thankful I can’t fall asleep! Ha!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:44 am ¶
LaurynX wrote:
YES!!! Screw Thanksgiving!
This was it right here baby, this was the holiday in November! I just thank everyone who helped make this happen. It’s truly historic.
I REALLY thank that McCain/Palin are NOT going to be in the White House! …it was really scaring me.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:47 am ¶
Sewere wrote:
I am thankful that change has come.
Much love to Latoya and Carmen for holding this safe haven down, to the writers who give us room to think and to all of the commenters who make it possible to see a way forward.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 3:09 am ¶
nola wrote:
Overjoyed !! Si se puede !!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 3:20 am ¶
Arturo wrote:
I am thankful, but I am also angry. Sure, it’s an electoral ass-kicking, but the fact remains that 47 percent of America voted for fear-mongering. For race-baiting. For naked class discrimination. For electoral fraud and robo-calls and “I ain’t votin’ for no HOO-SEIN” and “Osama Bin Biden” sales. For the single least qualified candidate and the single most disastrous campaign in recent history. For Joe The Plumber and Fear Of ACORN and Fear Of That One. I am happy, but angry — it should never have even been in doubt to begin with once that petty, destructive rash of shit politics began. And the fact that it was only brought closer to the light some truths that you’d think we had moved past. I am happy but I am also angry, and a little sad, because it almost worked again. And I have faith in this President, and in the fact that we’re here. But with it comes vigilance, ’cause you can bet anything that the Karl Roves and Steve Schmidts and Michelle Bachmanns of the world are already plotting to take it all back.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 3:25 am ¶
Free wrote:
Yesterday I was thankful that election day had arrived and that Barack was on the ballot for President. Now, I am thankful, tearful and overjoyed that I can now say: President Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President of the United States. I am thankful for that spot on the wall in the White House for the 44th Presidential portrait. I am thankful that Michelle will assume the role of First Lady and that Malia and Sasha will (I hope) get to play in the Rose Garden with their new puppy. For the first time in decades I am proud of my country.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 3:43 am ¶
Tariq Nelson wrote:
Only in America. Only in America!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 8:09 am ¶
Chris wrote:
@Arturo: Cosign. I was REALLY nervous about this election, and from the things I heard at my Air Force Reserve unit as well as my civilian job (I work for a military contractor), an overwhelming majority of my co-workers bought into that crap, as well.
I’m still in disbelief as well, but I’m thankful that he won, and I’m ready to see a shift in this country from corporate welfare and “preemptive” imperialism and the me-first-screw-the-rest-of-you attitudes a lot of Americans have to a more socially, economically, and globally just society.
This isn’t the end, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Although this is a landmark event in America’s history, the playing field isn’t exactly level just yet.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 9:33 am ¶
Jane wrote:
Arturo,
95% of Blacks voted for Obama.
70% of all minorities voted for Obama.
55% of Whites voted for Obama.
5% of Blacks voted for McCain.
30% of all minorities voted for McCain.
45% of Whites voted for McCain.
According to these statistics, who are the real racists here?
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 9:36 am ¶
Dana wrote:
That breakdown doesn’t say anything. It just says that people voted and they thought of themselves and their best interests. Voting for McCain was not in my best interest… he didn’t represent my beliefs.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 9:56 am ¶
merq wrote:
Jane,
Seriously?
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 10:02 am ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:
@Jane –
That argument is pathetic, and has been roundly debunked in a great many places – including in my latest article over at prospect.org. It’s time to give up the ghost on that one.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 10:04 am ¶
Chris wrote:
@Jane: With all the racist rhetoric thrown around in the McCain campaign, is it not a surprise that the majority of blacks and minorities in general were swayed towards Obama’s side?
Given that McCain’s ecomonic policies would benefit upper class whites as opposed to middle and lower class minorities, is it not a surprise that the majority of blacks and minorities in general were swayed towards Obama’s side?
Given that McCain and Palin’s constant invoking of images of Joe Sixpack and Joe the Plumber and Soccer and Hockey moms didn’t speak to — and, by extension, effectively excluded — minorities that didn’t fit the white, working class image, is it not a surprise that the majority of blacks and minorities in general were swayed towards Obama’s side?
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 10:24 am ¶
bdsista wrote:
I am thankful that my 81 year old Father and 78 year old Mother lived long enough to see this happen. They never thought it could really happen, and my Dad cried for over 30 minutes last night and my Mom just beamed!
I am thankful that I got to come to work at the middle school I work at with its diverse population and play Obama’s victory speech throughout the entire school building so that ALL the students in my school can believe that they can be President!
I am thankful for the teachers, and the school nurse and the building service workers and the paras who are walking around smiling, for the guidance counselors who are emailing pictures of the first family on the Presidential seal to everyone on staff.
I am thankful to be in education where I can see our young people see a new day dawn and I can be a part of guiding them through the process.
I am thankful for Black Radio and the Internet and my steady diet of Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden who sustained me on my one hour commute each way to and from work.
I am thankful for the year I spent working for SCLC in Atlanta and the time I spent living and working in the south and knowing what this means to all those folk in the Black Belt who still need our civil rights organizations more than ever.
I am thankful for the woman who had a heart attack in line and would not leave until she voted using a paper ballot while in the ambulance.
I am thankful for the two first time voters in my bellydance class whom I gave them the fist bump and to their Moms who made sure they voted.
I am thankful that I can be on Racialicious and read all your comments and be connected to all of you who care about making this a better world!
Bless You ALL!
Go Obama!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 10:30 am ¶
Witchsistah wrote:
I admit that the struggle has made me a cynic, a misanthrope, even a nihilist at times, and I find that those habits are hard to break even now. When everyone is joyful, I worry. When everyone is teary-eyed and fist-pumping, I sit back and analyze. That’s just how history has made me.
I’m with you, aveteransresolve, in your apprehension over celebrating too soon, too intensely over this election and mostly for the reasons you and Arturo gave. These past eight years, America really showed its ass as did various aspects of the American populace. It was like a giant family fight where everyone says exactly what they really feel about the other members. You may be able to go on in some fashion as a family, but those admissions cannot be erased, ignored or forgotten.
I still feel we are two countries. There’s us who believed intensely in and hoped fervently for an Obama win (especially those who worked on the ground, pounding pavement for him) and there’s that 47% Arturo spoke of. I know Barack extended an olive branch to them (though I doubt the reverse would have occurred), but I just cannot. I’m exhausted with them. If any of you wish to try and reach out to them, blessed be. I wish mountains of strength and patience upon you, for you will need it. But understand if the rest of us pass on that.
See, I’m giving up on the Janes of this nation because there isn’t a damn thing I or any other PoC can do to satisfy them outside of return to 1930s America, and that damn sure ain’t gonna happen. It doesn’t matter to her that Black folk have been voting for and electing White folk in the short time we’ve been able to cast a ballot in this country. Doesn’t matter that we’ve fought with this country in every war it’s been in even as it treated us like dirt (and treated our enemies better than us) . We didn’t elect HER guy this time, so we’re now a bunch of racists.
As far as I’m concerned, she and her ilk can suck it because I’m sick and tired of worrying about catering to their delicate sensibilities while they run roughshod over my human dignity. If they want to take their bat and ball and pout-stomp home because they didn’t get their way all I got to say is “let the doorknob hitcha where the Good Lord splitcha!” The rest of us will work on pulling this country into the 21st century. You and yours can stay in the 19th if you wish as long as your regression doesn’t affect the rest of us, doesn’t affect me and mine, I don’t give a sh&t.
Some folk’d rather be White than happy. I say let ‘em be White. If they want to have no decent jobs in their regions because they’d rather vent against them darkie foreigner stealing their jobs instead of the rich, White guys that sent them oversees to folk they could pay pittance, fine! The rest of us will be trying to develop new industries and employment where we are. If they don’t want their women to have decent reproductive health care because they ran off all the ob/gyns in their regions because they also provided abortions services and the Morning After Pill, then let them deal with the drunken mistake they made after one too many at the local bar or travel hundreds of miles to an evil blue state or city where women have such options if they choose. You’ll be broke with a kid you don’t want, but you’ll still be good and White! Have fun with that!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 10:48 am ¶
Lisa J wrote:
@ Jane
Blacks have always voted overwhelmingly for Democrats since the realignment of the Republican party and the politics of George Wallace and the flight of Southern Democrats from the party to the Republicans once Northern Democrats started stepping up on supporting civil rights. Over 90% of blacks voted for John Kerry and at the beginning of the primary Hillary Clinton had the majority of the black vote.
You are just attempting to stir up trouble and either you know you are wrong but want to make people angry, are truly misguided or are rather short-sighted and unable to intelligently process this information. Who are the real racists you ask? Look in the mirror!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 11:30 am ¶
Lisa J wrote:
Oh and Jane made me so mad I forgot what I was originally going to say. aveteransresolve, thank you for your wise measured words. You make excellent points and though I am happy today, and will enjoy it while it lasts, I worry too.
@Witchsistah I co-sign with you sister. You always have something wise and interesting to say. I have a few friends who are bent out of shape and I’m trying to bite my lip and not be nasty. I at least tried to give W the benefit of the doubt at first, he blew it in short order, but I wish I’d see more from McCain folks on that score too.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 11:36 am ¶
butchrebel wrote:
Wholeheartedly agree!!! Thank you for sayin’ it so well!!
And WELCOME President Barack Obama!!!!
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 11:37 am ¶
BJ wrote:
Some (and when I say some I mean exactly that…some) people of European ancestry were unpleasant some simply because the candidate they backed lost, these people I could deal with…it is something I can understand, your guy loses much like if your football team loses you will feel a little put out. I can commiserate…I felt the same way when Kerry lost, upset at the results. That’s within the range of decent human nature.
However the people who are upset, not because McCain lost but because someone who did not look like them WON…those people need to stop and take a reality check…how often in this country have the non-caucasian populations voted (cheerfully and happily in my case) for a white candidate that represented their beliefs? I never felt outrage at voting for any number of white candidates so long as I felt they represented my personal spiritual, economic and security viewpoints.
I usually vote for an independent party candidate in fact…but if these people outraged at someone who does not look like them winning the election removed the pictures and compared life achievements and took a good hard look at what the country has been through the last four years, they would see that over the half of the country voted for the candidate that offered the most hope for the future. Period. If McCain were black, asian or hispanic and had the same political views and life history, these same hypocrites would have likely written in a candidate or not bothered voting at all.
The racist always projects their racist views on the groups of people they dislike so as to justify (in their mind) their mistreatment of others in their twisted minds.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:22 pm ¶
chicagorose wrote:
I am thankful for a roof over my head that my grandmother left to me. Paid. In. Full. There has not been one day since the mortgage crisis that I have not worked my stomach into a twist just hearing about someone else’s nightmare.
I am thankful for heat in my home, being able to take a hot shower, have running water to wash clothing, dishes, myself. You see I’ve done without a few times in my life. And I’ll never underestimate the potential for it to happen again. We treat these as rights -but for far too many of us it became, or always was, a luxury.
I am thankful to have a job, to be able to pay certain bills, taxes, set at least a small amount of funds aside.
I am thankful for the starting out essentials of life that too many of us take for grated: a checking/savings account, being a registered voter, having some possible lifeline in the form of a line of credit. Credit I wont be treating like Monopoly money.
Hell even a state ID, a birth certificate, a social security card, a frigging bus pass to get to and from work or where ever I can go, need to go, want to go.
The amazing thing in this life to me is not what I can do without. We’ve all had to make do at some point, no matter how trivial the sacrifice. But what you discover you don’t miss or need, in order to be happy, fulfilled.
I am thankful that I voted yesterday!! I walked out of the voting place with a spring in my step and good will towards man as I headed off to work. I was happy. I smiled. People smiled back! There were nodding of heads in salutation, strangers hugging after long conversation, bits of old school jive talk amongst *my people* -a phrase I love, because it is fluid, it encompasses all sorts of emotion both negative (”My people my people my people!”) and positive -as in this day, that my elders never got to see, but that swells my heart with pride on their behalf.
I am thankful for a spirit of genuine openness that existed yesterday.We were a community. Regardless of our race, age, sex. We were what we should have been since the civil rights movement. But never managed to maintain. Perhaps it is because not much since has been asked of us as a country in so long. Well. Now we have a season and a reason.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 1:26 pm ¶
waxghost wrote:
Jane, that proves nothing. There are a lot of (white) Obama voters who are racists, like my husband’s barber who said he was voting for the n***** or my father-in-law whose racism is more subtle but still real or even (I admit grudgingly) myself, who is constantly struggling to stop myself from buying into the stereotypes about black people.
Which is why I agree with aveteransresolve. I’m overjoyed but cautious at the same time. This morning, I read this article with chagrin, because the reality is that race does matter in America still. So even those of us who are celebrating carry that same cynicism as well.
Also, Witchsistah, I completely agree with you. And I hope that I’ve become a good enough ally in the short time that I’ve tried to become one to take up the slack and let you have the rest you need. I haven’t had to fight as hard as you and I am even more energized than I was before. I hope there are other allies out there like me who can use our voices to help you, and I hope that we actually do help, and use our privilege for your benefit.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 2:09 pm ¶
Kaonashi wrote:
As far as I’m concerned, she and her ilk can suck it because I’m sick and tired of worrying about catering to their delicate sensibilities while they run roughshod over my human dignity. If they want to take their bat and ball and pout-stomp home because they didn’t get their way all I got to say is “let the doorknob hitcha where the Good Lord splitcha!” The rest of us will work on pulling this country into the 21st century. You and yours can stay in the 19th if you wish as long as your regression doesn’t affect the rest of us, doesn’t affect me and mine, I don’t give a sh&t.
Exactly. That’s why I don’t let people like that get to me or rent space in my head. It’s a waste of time and expends energy that can be going to positive people.
And you were right on point about your comment about some people who would choose White over being happy. “Joe Six Pack” folks was good enough to play the “we’re just like you!” card, they were good enough for Palin to stir up on the campaign trail, but they were noticeably absent in the crowd they kept panning in AZ last night. Some people woke up enough to realize that maybe they didn’t have their best interests in mind. Others stayed asleep. It’s not my job to wake them up.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:09 am ¶
Querenteweela wrote:
Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.
Posted 21 Jan 2009 at 8:03 pm ¶