I was reading the article written by Alice Walker [found
here on ubu13 's page]. I have had over the recent months many thoughts concerning Obama, and the fact that he has gotten so much traction lately has finally prompted me to comment.
Alice Walker, for those that don't know, is a well known feminista. She is a Pulitzer Prize winner for her book,
The Color Purple, published in 1983. She lived in the south during a time that racism was heavily prevalent and has since made the issue the central theme of some of her other written works. She is a well known speaker on the subject and frequently comments on women's issues as well.
More can be found on her at the Wikipedia article, found here. The article in question was written in support of Barrak Obama.Her premise is that he is the man we need for "Change". Unfortunately, her article is written in a manner that strikes one to want this amorphous 'change'. What change we are to be for is somewhat left to the imagination...and more over, we are expected to fall into the glorious crowd of followers of those seeking 'change'. But by the end of the article, I am still waiting for what exactly this change entails. Oh yes, she lists what she would change. She even lists good reasons for those changes. But ironically, none of what she wants is something that Obama seems to have commented on in a way that shows his plans.
So the question becomes, why is she truly supporting Obama? She says it is Not because he is black. Not because he is young. Not because he is a racial supporter. Not because...insert whatever here. And yet, the only reasons I can see for her to be so effusive in praise is the fact that he is a young, up and coming, black politician. Heaven knows he doesn't really support the change she seeks.
Do I respect her struggles growing up? Absolutely. Do I willingly read her thoughts and consider them? Again, yes. Does her background and her accomplishments cause me to consider her thoughts any more deeply than I would Barbra Streisand's? Um. no.
So let me know when you have something truly thoughtful to say....and get your people to contact my people. We'll do lunch.
