I have been searching for a way to get involved in this presidential election. I wrote a few pieces a few months back on the voter’s rights legislation in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas and elsewhere. But I still want to make a contribution and have been searching for a meaningful way to do this. Given the undisputed efforts of the Republicans to win this upcoming election and their efforts to prevent some people from voting, I wanted to help people understand what is at stake in terms of the efforts to suppress their voting rights.
Then I received a notice from another blogging colleague that a PBS Race 2012 blogging project was starting up. And that Monica’s Tangled Web was looking for bloggers to share their personal stories, voices, and observations on race and the election. According to their press information, RACE 2012 will air as a documentary about race and color in the American election and beyond. Its focus will be through the lens of the impact race has on the national political landscape.
Interestingly, with our first non-white Protestant President of the United States, or put another way, with the first black President of the United States, the topic of race in this or the last election process has not figured into what people talk about IF YOU LISTEN TO THE NEWS. I can’t begin to tell you how many times people have tried the old post-modern “race is not an issue” argument since the president took office. But as a person of color, I know what is not said is often much louder than what is said.
The PBS project will bring the conversation to the blogsphere. That’s where I come in. Once a week, I will be posting on this topic. I am thinking to shoot for regular posts on Wednesdays; but if something jumps off that sets me off, you may hear from me sooner on this topic.
I am looking forward to sharing some of how I feel in processing the events that lead up to the election. I have been hesitant to discuss race outside the confines of my home or with my closest personal friends. The old reserve your conversations about politics and religion for the home front rules. But I also think that because the President rarely discusses race in terms of being American, the conversation is a bit taboo. I hope that you will feel free to engage with me even if we agree to disagree.
Hollah at me. Comment below. Tweet it if you feel it is worthy.
Lisa W. Rosenberg says
Looking forward to your next Race 2012 post!
Pat Durkin Wignall says
I look forward to reading your take on the election madness as we get closer to November! I support the President, even when I’m in Florida or Monmouth County surrounded by heavy Republicans. My retort has been that when I compare the two candidates, I feel Obama is a much more intelligent representative of the US to the world. That may not be the answer to the messed up economy, but I think he’s trying his best to get things moving.
boomrwiz says
On one level Pat, I happen to agree with you. If one is making a voting decision based upon who best represents the country to the world —no matter who you prefer, the logical and honest answer is a resounding “It’s gotta be Obama.” But to be honest, that is not how most people make this kind of decision. The two candidates are simply not on a level playing field interms of all men are created equal. And no amount of earnest intent from the challenger can make up for his deficits when it comes to his inarticulateness except perhaps his zeal to win.
Monica's Tangled Web says
I’m so glad you’re taking part in our Race 2012 blogging project. You’ve written an articulate, compassionate case for why this project is important to you, and it makes me want to read more. I’m looking forward to seeing your weekly posts!
boomrwiz says
Thanks Monica. I am happy I learned about it.
boomrwiz says
I stand by that quote. ;D)