The suggestion that the Obama's are anything other than devout Christians is not only offensive to their supporters but dangerous for Barrack's candidacy. Distancing from Jeremiah Wright was not enough and represents only the first of a number of predicaments, insults, responses and manuevers that will surely take place in the upcoming months.
To be seen as black and non Christian in America is to be considered out of touch at the very least, and an enemy to those who see Christianity as an expression of patriotism. There is nothing new here.
Stereoptypic images using exaggerated body parts such as oversized heads, noses, lips teeth and so on prey on the same historical fears presented during the "Yellow Peril" of the second world war.Yellow Peril images were used to incite and justify the internment of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans.
During post Civil War Reconstruction reparations were in part avoided through the use of images depicting blacks as inherently inferior and unworthy. The use of stereotypes such as the mammy, black buck, mulatto, Uncle Tom, and Coon were invaluable to the campaign against reparations. Images from that era have become ingrained in American consciousness.
Women and children have never been spared in this visual assault.
These images are not partisan and have served a larger issue globally. To the left we find an image of a Mullato woman knifing a Latina as a pickinny cheers her on. The right image is of Condeleeza Rice from an anti-American Middle Eastern source.
Asian and black stereotypes have been pitted against one another historically as a means of creating a unique dissension that serves neither group.
The coming months in this charged political environment will surely birth incarnations of America's unresolved past. We as a nation must find peace along the way as some of our demons are exposed and hopefully exorcised. Tolerance and mutual respect for others are important now more than ever. This is consistent with the Buddhist ideal.
The coming months in this charged political environment will surely birth incarnations of America's unresolved past. We as a nation must find peace along the way as some of our demons are exposed and hopefully exorcised. Tolerance and mutual respect for others are important now more than ever. This is consistent with the Buddhist ideal.
