Did the election of President Obama close the racial divide between black people and white Americans?
I agree that the election of President Obama closed the racial divide between black and white people up to some extent.
The election of US President Barack Obama closed the racial divide between the blacks and whites up to some extent. Obama, by virtue of his abilities proved the racial discrimination to be baseless and also proved that a person can touch the zenith by virtue of his abilities. It was a lesson for some of the orthodox whites who thought that blacks were inferior and judged people basing upon their skin complex. It really closed the racial discrimination and started a new era.
Posted by: taiboxerYes, because Obama's election showed that white Americans can elect an African-American president.
I believe that Obama's election to President was a very important change in the American self-image. It showed to everyone that white Americans can vote for and elect an African-American to the highest office. There cannot be any more claims that America is a racist country after that.
Posted by: ddeathnoteYes, because it showed the world that the USA is not a racist country.
There is no way Obama could have been elected president without the support of a very large number of white Americans. If the majority of citizens were racist, this would never have happened. There will always be some racial division in all countries. But, we have proven that America is united, and race is not an insurmountable factor anymore.
Posted by: NettN355Yes, the election of Obama demonstrated a new spirit in US.
A generation ago electing a black man president would not have been possible. The election of a black man shows that the majority of Americans can look beyond a man's race and accept the leadership of a man based on who he is. The vocal minority fighting his presidency based on racial tones are the dying embers of racism.
Posted by: R43ShepYes, I agree because of both black people and white Americans, Obama was chosen president.
Election of the president Obama bought both the black people and white Americans together in his support, which also helped to close the racial divide between them. The election made the sympathy for both races. Both the races were seen together with their support to Obama. Both black people and white Americans were seen backing up each other during the election.
Posted by: RingJonasI agree that the election of President Obama did close the racial divide between the black people and white Americans.
Yes, I agree the election of President Obama did close the racial divide between the black people and White American. The very fact his election of President Obama has reinstated that there is no difference between Black people and White American. Also, people is also understanding the issue about the situation and both the groups are reacting on more mature.
Posted by: I0rFashionYes, because over time we will be more comfortable with people of all races and faiths.
It definitely broke a psychological barrier and the idea that some have that the USA a white country. The USA is based as a land of immigrants who share the idea of becoming free people who don't let themselves get dictated by other leaders. When the time comes that race won't matter at all when judging someone, then the future generation will look back at this time and will be grateful that we broke free from racial judgement in our society and actually took the time to listen to people.
Posted by: steffsterYes, with the election of President Obama, the racial divide is closed, because it implies equal opportunity for all races.
If the highest office in the United States is now held my a man of color, then it is safe to assume that people of color now have the same opportunities as white Americans. That said, when will the gender divide close?
Posted by: R4v4g3rPavIBlacks have come along way
If you back track to when America was first discovered blacks were owned as slaves and were racially viewed. Thanks to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments black males received the same rights as white males. Yeah there was still racism but the whole topic is DID THE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OBAMA CLOSE THE RACIAL DIVIDE BETWEEN BLACK PEOPLE AND WHITE AMERICANS not IS OBAMA FAVORING A RACE OVER ANOTHER. Even if he was favoring one race, President Obama is mixed with a couple ethnicties so he wouldnt only favor blacks.
Posted by: Anonymous
Obama's election to the White House was a milestone, but nothing has changed, and things may have gotten worse.
President Obama's election was a great moment in American history, but many in the country see it as a negative thing. Immediately after his election, gun sales went up, the Tea Party formed, and people became more vocal against the president. I feel that many white Americans did not want to see a black person as president, though many did vote for him. President Obama's election has only exposed the wound of racism more than it has healed it.
Posted by: gwynisinNo, because there are many who will not admit the President won primarily because of his vision for the future and his record.
I talk to white people who refuse to legitimize President Obama's win. There always has to be some reason besides the fact that he is a good leader, has a great vision for our country, has done a great job considering the mess he inherited and the obstacles the Republicans have placed in his path, and his belief that all Americans deserve a chance to succeed. Yes, minorities overwhelminingly supported the President, and some no doubt voted because of race or skin color, but I believe most people supported the President's policies and vision over Romney's lack of specific policy statements or a true vision for our future. Saying the President was reelected by virtue of his race and skin color only, is not much different from saying he was not born in the U.S., he is Muslim, or he is somehow different, or as some Republicans put it, "He needs to learn how to be an American." Sadly, it boils down to white people who simply cannot accept the fact that our country is changing in terms of demographics of all sorts, and the way Americans look at issues. I am white by the way, and a proud supporter of our President!
Posted by: AnonymousNo, Obama's election did not close the racial divide between black and white people.
Its not good to admit, but there will always be a racial divide. Its part of our country to fear the unknown race. It's not right by any means, but its the truth. There will always be racial inequalities, but Obama's election did take it one step further. Yet so many people opposed him because of his race. Its stupid.
Posted by: LorenaHPeople are varied
I believe that people can vote for Obama because of his ethnicity or because of his vision to the future. People are varied, and racism occurs everywhere. Therefore, I do not even see a point to this article. It is completely natural for people to vote for all sorts of reasons, and unfortunately, some may not be the most pleasant of reasons. However, Obama’s rank as being the first African-American president of the United States is a great achievement, and can help support people on the fact that race does not avoid success.
Posted by: AnonymousDespite the election of Barack Obama racial divisions have not been reduced.
Barack Obama may have promised change but it is difficult, as one man cannot radically change society. Due to a number of reasons there are wide differences between black and white communities in the United States. These divisions cannot be changed over night, and will never fully disappear. In the past couple years the difference has remained the same, or gotten worse.
Posted by: EminentBennett93Cause and effect
An act of one black person affects the outcome of ALL blacks in America. History has shown this concept in white society. People still have the same mentality. Florida is a prime example of hatred of black people. And that is just one incident since he became president. Blacks are suffering more under distress with the economy, actually the entire country. But in general southern states have stepped up the game of hatred just because he is president. His cabinet is loaded with racist republicans well as the democrats.
Posted by: AnonymousIf anything, in my own experience, I think it may have made the problem worse.
I live in a small town, and grew up around racism all my life. But, since Obama came into office, and has not done what he said he was going to do, the people around here are even more racist.
Posted by: 5c0tJungNo, I did not close the divide it made it worse!
Ignorance, arrogance and ego prevails in America's culture. There is a violent racial undercurrent in America's mentality in which it has never really cooled. When Obama became president it made racist whites feel as if the blacks will now take over. The sense of superiority was compromised in white America. Their tenuous feeling of being above all races wasn't as secure as history has shown. Although slavery was well over 150 yrs ago, the culture of racism has handed down from generation to generation just behind closed doors.
Even though African Americans just want to be treated fairly, racist white america wants to seek kill and destroy every race that is not of their own. I know not all, but those that do, are overwhelming the goodness that's left in America. Race will be the death of America and all that is good.
When America is left in shambles due to irrational racism, foreigners will swoop in and scrape up what's left of our resources and it will not be America anymore. That is my prophecy if this racial issue will not quell.Posted by: AnonymousIt has nothing to do wth the racial divide, it is socialism, which keeps RACE of ALL down
Intrinsically, the President stands for socialism and ensuring that wealth is distribute among whites, blacks, hispanic, asians, etc. We will become a socialist, if not communist state whereby we will all live from the govenerment and the chance of wealth and exceptionalism will be the RICH, very talented academically, athletically, etc..they will not have a choice, but will be told what to be...Be careful African Americans, Native Americans and all other, your lives will change! Will it be for the better. Obamacare with welfare will keep us all down and no middle class..Rich and Poor is our future! Best, Rebecca
Posted by: AnonymousWhite people still benefit from what is known as "White Privilege"...
Some whites (mostly your conservative types) unconsciously support anything that maintains white privilege.. not to say all these people are racist, it's just how the system is currently operating, which favors whites... having a Black president doesn't change much of this, although it is a step in the right direction...
Until White Privilege goes away, the racial divide will not... This can only happen if all whites renounce their white privilege, and the powers that be follow suit, to create a post-racial society.Posted by: AnonymousThere is still a racial divide among people in this nation, despite the election of Barack Obama, since, for some people, racism is an inherent part of their makeup.
The election of the inexperienced Obama was more of a fluke than anything else. People bought into catchy slogans and a younger candidate, when the opposing candidate was over 70. Race had nothing to do with his being elected, it was more about age and catchy slogans.
Posted by: SteinCorNo. Obama's election only presented new topic for people to chose sides on.
Obama's election did not expand or close the gap between whites and blacks. It was a controversial event that media outlets took advantage of by making it seem as though whites who didn't vote for Obama were racist and blacks were only voting for Obama because he is black. The public played into that by not responding based on what they honestly felt, but on how they wanted to be received by their communities. It's how it's always been. You'll never know how much of a society is prejudice or unprejudiced because a majority of people speak and act to be accepted, whether they agree with their actions or disagree. The election had more or less effects on the relations between whites and blacks, as new york's legalization of gay-marriage will has had on the relations between homosexuals and heterosexuals living in the state.
Posted by: AnonymousThe fact that people are so focused on his race answers this question.
Many people admitted to voting for him because he was black and they welcomed the change. The only way the racial divide could be considered closed is if we saw people stop pointing out - out of either pride or criticism - that the president is black.
Posted by: AnonymousNot really.
If you look around everywhere you go, there are a lot of people who will agree that Aficans, Hispanics, Asians and every other race is now the majority while Caucasians or now the minority.
Posted by: AnonymousThe election of President Barack Obama did not close the racial divide between black and white Americans because the nation is still divided.
The election of President Obama is a step in closing the racial divide between black and white Americans, but it is only the beginning. To the international community, it did make a statement that the United States is attempting to change in the political arena, but there is much work to be done in laying groundwork for social change at the national, state and community level. The great disparity between black and white Americans cannot be solved simply by the election of a president with mixed ethnicity. Unfortunately, the current economic situation under President Obama's administration is only exacerbating the disparity. The racial divide will never be closed until there are equal economic, educational and social opportunities within the groups.
Posted by: CarIoBIackenLeft wing politics is driving us apart.
Prior to the election people were happy to see a black president. Condaleeza Rice was an excellant Secretary of State. Colin Powell was a fantastic chief of staff. This has nothing to do with race. It is the left agenda - drive us apart on racial and class lines so that it is easier to socialize the country and move us away from a Constitutional Republic.
Posted by: AnonymousHaving an African-American President Has Divided Us
Ever since Obama was elected, many people think that a white person can't vote for a African and and African can't vote for a white. In the 2012 election, there are celebrity endorsers. One of the people was Stacey Dash. She had recently supported Romney on Twitter which then led to her being flamed with many comments. Some of those were things like "ur going back to the fields!" and "u want to be a slave.." This was all because Stacey Dash is an African-American and Mitt Romney is white. This is just one example of how having a black president has divided our nation instead of uniting it. I'm saying this with all respect to President Obama, because it's not his fault the nation has its racists.
Posted by: frankie.ferrandoUnfortunately, President Obama's election has NOT resulted in closing the "racial divide" in America.
The fact that this question is even asked is fundamental proof. The process of the election dealt "the race card" more frequently and often inappropriately than has occurred in years in the U.S. And the issue was more often raised by the Democrats than any other side. I frequently hear people say, "You're just against him because he is Black." But the issues being discussed at the time have nothing at all to do with his race. In fact, they most often revolve around the actions and decisions of our President, what he says about America, and the shape of our economy. The same issues that were raised about Bush. It has nothing to do with the shape of your eyes or the color of your skin. When public discourse raises these questions more, rather than less often... the racial divide is widening!
Posted by: WorldMeadNo,the dems plot race to win
The dems have seen race as a way to make the numbers work.The use of decisions to make this group bond together is clear.When goverment uses this idea,small group to form a large voting block ,the backlash will be coming.These are policies that are easy to read and will only build resentment among the larger pouplation
Posted by: AnonymousMy opinion as I see it
I'm a white man who grew up around all races. I love all people. I have never been called a racist in my life...Until Obama came around. To be labeled racist after that, all I needed to do is not toss in my vote for Obama either election which to people meant "he's just got to be a racist." No one noted that I was also pointing out the flaws of Palin/McCain...and Romney as well. No one accused me of being racist against my own race for speaking out against Romney or McCain.
Posted by: AnonymousRacial divide
Black Americans are blaming skin color for the reason that Non-black Americans chose to vote against Obama. In the 08 election some people did vote for him based on skin color. People today are still doing it. In the past I have never voted a straight ticket. I vote for values. This time I went straight ticket. I am getting tired of being accused of racism based on my skin color and the fact that I voted against Obama. I have white skin but I am 1/4 Hispanic, ad have a Colombian mixed grandchild, Hispanic nieces and nephews, as well as black nieces.
Posted by: KSKThe election of President Obama did not help the racial divide, because it instead appears to have caused some reverse discrimination.
The election of President Obama did not close, or bring closer, and issues with the racial divide. Just because the President is African-American, doesn't make it better. In my opinion, when Obama was elected President, it caused other minorities to think they were now better than everyone else, instead of just viewing themselves as equal.
Posted by: WillowsErvThe post-racial President plays too often to racial politics.
President Obama makes decisions on entitlements based on race, not merit or need. He appoints people to office based on gender and race, not their record. He appoints people who see their job as furthering the agenda of minorities, not doing what is best for the country. He refers to his own grandmother as a "typical white person", not a whole person. He challenges all criticism of extremely increased government spending, furthering wars he said he would withdraw from, and lavish vacations in the face of a recession as "racism". If someone is against him, it is not a question of Constitutionality or legality of his decisions or the validity of their arguments; all who oppose him are bigots in his eyes.
Posted by: Pir4And