Sunday's Op-Ed: The Obama Effect

On the heels of last week's historic presidential election, many people are caught up in a euphoria that is fueled by the possibilities of positive change that a new political regime can present.

One of the most delightful immediate effects of Barack Obama's win is the inspiration that his victory has infused in so many. I was especially happy for the children and elders who were so moved by the fact that the United States of America has its first acknowledged African American President-Elect.

Obama's rise to the Presidency has been a shot-in-the-arm for young people who have great aspirations for their lives, yet reside in a country where proof that someone who reflects their image and background can achieve such goals been grossly lacking. Elders, who can remember excruciatingly overt racism, similarly seemed to gain hope by witnessing Obama's current success.

Without a doubt, these are priceless strides and ancillary effects brought on by Tuesday's election. While this in and of itself may warrant celebration, I (like many) warn that we don't get so caught up in revelry that we null-and-void our necessary analytical skills, or allow our momentary emotions to over-exaggerate the gains made.

Examples of these over-exaggerations are: Several instances where radio DJs and other media talking heads stated that members of the Black community have "no excuses" now, and an elite New York newspaper proclaiming in their headline that "Racial Barrier Falls In Decisive Victory."

While Obama's win was unprecedented, it in no way obliterates centuries of systematic racism and economic disenfranchisement that has plagued- and continues to plague- the Black community. American cities are still littered with corrupt and immoral: Council members, district attorneys, police department workers, mayors, slum lords, corporate executives, etc.- who adversely effect and cripple many communities.

The myopic view that too many mass media pundits were spewing that, "Our young Black men need to pull up their pants because they no longer have any excuses," is shallow, insensitive, and dismissive rhetoric. It is a thinly veiled, destructive attempt to ignore the real issues that effect real people's lives- thus disenfranchising those people even further.

As for the New York Times' banner of the recent election causing a racial barrier to fall, I must ponder whether or not this is a case of "The greatest trick the devil ever played on the world, is making them think that he didn't exist?"

The racial history an climate of America runs too deep, and is too complex to be felled by having a Black Commander-in-Chief. Anyone who truly wants to cure America of racism, has studied this long-festering disease enough to know this. We must also note that the popular vote was almost evenly split between Obama and McCain. Despite McCain and his running mate being less than formidable opponents, there were a slew of citizens who refused to cast a vote for Barack Obama based on the color of his skin.

As a person who voted for Obama, I will now be observing his Presidency with an eye that is as objective as possible. I hope that his walk will measure up with his talk. I also hope that the grassroots organizers and community members will continue to build and protect the interests of their community. As I always advise, keep your wits about you. YES WE CAN.