Transcending Race - Don’t Talk Nonsense!
[Taken from a blog post written in February 2008]
The notions of ‘transcending race’ and ‘post-racial politics’ are not only nonsensical but rather troubling. Although people use the terms as though they are a cause for celebration, when you read between the lines you find that they actually carry with them inherently racist ideas.
Here’s why…
1) The dictionary definition of the word ‘transcend’ is ‘to rise above or go beyond; exceed; to outdo in excellence’.
2) The idea that one should ’transcend race’ suggests that race (in this particular case, being black) is a hindrance that needs to be overcome before success can be achieved.
3) The inference, therefore, is that ordinarily Obama’s race would be a problem. However, apparently he has been elevated by his education, intelligence, articulate manner and charm - all of which according to this question shouldn’t really be associated with being black - where his race is no longer seen as a challenge.
4) The question ‘has Obama transcended race?’ suggests that it is because Obama has overcome the limitations of being black that people (white people) like him.
5) This question carries with it an inherent notion that being black is in itself problematic and, dare I say, an obstacle to success. If that was not the case, why would Obama be seen to have ‘transcended race’ just because he is a black man who is well liked?
There is nothing for Obama to ‘transcend’. He’s a black man who is also educated, intelligent, articulate and charming. Simple.
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Sadly, speaking as someone who lives in a country which lives on the coat tails of the USA, I probably have little of interest to say. Of course there is nothing for Obama to ‘transcend’ to.
Transcend what, precisely? His blackness? The fact that as a Democrat, he is the only viable opportunity that a large portion of the world has, in averting further middle eastern conflict? I don’t admire him that much but I think that he’s the United States best chance in a great many years. He’s a reasonable man and I think that, for the moment , is all we can hope for. Don’t you? He’s not much of a Socialist but he’ll have to do.