On Sunday the New York Times Magazine asks a provocative question, "Is Obama the end of Black Politics?"
The article examines old guard black political incumbents, shaped by sharp experiences of racism, who built their political agendas around racial identity and the "new wave" of younger black politicos who strive to be seen as statesmen in a color neutral context. Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts offer particularly revealing insights into what the "move past race" actually looks like in the mind's eye of a young black politician.
I asked Nutter if, during his private conversations with Obama early in the campaign, the subject of race and the historic nature of his candidacy came up. He stared at me for a moment. "Um, I knew he was black," he said finally. "I'd really kind of picked up on that."It goes on:
Later, when I mentioned that it could be hard for a white journalist to understand all of the nuances of race, he looked over at his press secretary, who is black, and interrupted me. "He's not black?" Nutter deadpanned, motioning back at me. "You guys told me it was a skin condition. I thought I was talking to a brother." Nutter is known to have a dry sense of humor, but I also had the sense that he was tweaking me in these moments, watching with some amusement as I tried to navigate subjects that white and black Americans rarely discuss together. He seemed to think I was oddly preoccupied with race.I was sorry to see that this article focuses primarily on black male politicos. Where are the women who out number black men on the national level political scene right now?
Another thing to keep in mind is that the NYT article appears just as another discussion about the implications of Obama's campaign and possible Presidency is gaining volume. Some are concerned that the rise of Obama will be used to undercut any arguments about the still pervasive presence and effects of racism in America.
From Tyler over at 'Whatever Crosses My Mind':
I don't think it's overwrought or hysterical to fear the faction of Obama supporters who truly believe that an Obama win wipes the racial slate clean. I think we don't talk enough about what that means or could mean.What do you think? Would an Obama presidency wipe the racial slate clean? Should it?
1. No I do not think it will wipe the racial slate clean nor do I expect it too. In my opion the slate will be wiped clean when most of us senior (60 and over) die out thing will be a lot better. The younger generation does not see color like many of the older generation does. They live and let live, most want a better world and they are intellengent enough to know, that only comes when everyone is treated equal.
Mandy at 10:17PM on Aug 8th 2008