My Post-Obama Thoughts on Race
I admit, I voted for Obama, and when I heard his opening speech, I actually was overcome with emotion not only of the historical impact of the first black man being elected, but how inspirational of seeing the culmination of reincarnation of the American dream. Over the past few weeks, race in the US in particular has taken center stage, so I really took a good glance of my perception of race outside of my own.
I don't deem myself as a racist, but I being introspective I have definitely noticed things that go on in my thoughts when I approach others whether I treat them different. The answer is that I do. Sometimes I look at other races and don't necessarily treat them as if I'm talking to my asian friend.... and I look at that as being wrong. My goal for finishing this year and next is to take a real look at my own perception of race and harshly critique it, and I hope others with this new season of change view it the same way.
Either way, I woke up post election feeling a sense of relief... a sense that a new day has dawn, and that hope is still alive. Rather than revile the American arrogance for the "American Dream", I embraced it for the hope it brings to the world.
I don't deem myself as a racist, but I being introspective I have definitely noticed things that go on in my thoughts when I approach others whether I treat them different. The answer is that I do. Sometimes I look at other races and don't necessarily treat them as if I'm talking to my asian friend.... and I look at that as being wrong. My goal for finishing this year and next is to take a real look at my own perception of race and harshly critique it, and I hope others with this new season of change view it the same way.
Either way, I woke up post election feeling a sense of relief... a sense that a new day has dawn, and that hope is still alive. Rather than revile the American arrogance for the "American Dream", I embraced it for the hope it brings to the world.
posted by Dr. Tran at
9:50 AM
1 Comments:
Nice thought on race Larry. I can relate to your sharing about how you truly feel when associating with people of other race. I think that since I begin to participate in the politics of the Vietnamese community and having most of my close friends as Vietnamese-American, I do feel more connected to them than people of other race. Thus, I don't think I am a racist by choice, but I can feel the impact of the social networks I chose to associate with. If that makes sense. =)
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