What Will America Do?

So, right after the first Democratic debate between Clinton and Obama, I decided to "Barack the Vote" on this coming Election Day.

(side note: Woo!!!Obama '08!!!!!)

But lately I've been wondering what is going to happen after all the ballots are in. America seems to be in such a divided state right now that I'm worried about my future. Racism is coming back to the forefront of our nation and although many people believe that prejudice and racism are a thing of the past, both are still a debilitating factor in the American mindset (how can we stand strong in other nations when we can't even tolerate each other at home?). Being an African American myself and coming from a town where Blacks weren't considered worthy of the ground they walked on, by some, I can honestly say that I know what it's like to be discriminated against (and many of my family members would know better than I would). It's a very discouraging feeling, so knowing that there is a tad bit of hope for our future; a slight chance that we can move up a just a little bit is the greatest feeling in the world to me.

Now I'm sure you may be asking; what does this have to do with Social Work? Well, I think it has everything to do with Social Work, our main goal is to contribute to the social welfare of others, and civil rights contribute to social welfare. There is no way that people can live happily when they feel as if they are treated unfairly and not given the opportunities that other "superior" races are given. I will be honest with you, a major concern is the safety of those who are supporting our "1st Black President".

I really believe that there can be some serious problems if he wins. (race riots, attempts to assassinate, etc.) And the horrible sense of defeat that we would feel if he didn't win can't go without mention. I think that this election can really be compared to the Joe Louis and Max Schmelling fights of 1935 and 1938 (Black America vs. the Oppressors, if I must say so myself). The only difference is that if he loses this time, we may not get a rematch and it won't be easy to get us to believe that we do have a fighting chance in this world, even more so, in this country.

Don't get me wrong, I also believe that this will do wonders for the morale of the African American community. I have noticed that we have been united ever since we realized that we could possibly have our first leader who showed that all African Americans aren't the way that people try to portray us. Not all of us, fit the stereotype of the "Ghetto, nappy-headed hoe" or the "Thug". Many of us are educated, some more than they portray themselves to be, and have the know how to do things just as well as the next person. It proves that we can come together for a cause. The last time that this was seen was during the Civil Rights Movement. Then, we fought for equal rights, now that we have them, we are fighting to prove that we are equals.

And, although this may seem cliche', I really think that this will be good for the Caucasian community also. Now, I'm not saying that every Caucasian believes in White Supremacy, but I do believe that this will be a wake up call for those who do. It will prove that a Black man can be just as influential and serve just as well as the president's that we've had before. All he needs is the chance to prove that he is capable.

I have realized that this is more than just another election. It's history in the making and it feels great to be apart of history.

Questions WE are afraid to ask

First off I would like to apologize for my hiatus. I just lost the most important man in my life and I'm trying to get back into the hang of things (please keep me and my family in your prayers).

Well since I've gotten back to Winthrop there have been a few issues that I have been wondering about but wasn't exactly how to approach and that's exactly how I came up with today's topic.

During today's Social Work 200 class we discussed sexuality and social acceptance. I realize, now, that this subject is just as touchy as racism here in the south. As I sat in the classroom and listened to the direction of the conversation I realize that people seem to be more afraid to ask than they are to learn. That poses a HUGE problem in my opinion. In order to learn one must, first, accept the fact that they don't know everything and then secondly ASK QUESTIONS. Well, I can honestly say that I sat there and watched people (who were actually paying attention at the time) squirm in their seat when people spoke of the LGBT community.

You would think that Winthrop, being as diverse as it is, would have no problem educating its students on accepting cultural/social differences. I guess I was wrong. I come from a family where being heterosexual is the unwritten rule, yet I still know and accept the fact that not everyone is going to feel the same way about men as i do, and I have no problem asking questions if there is something i want to know, today though, it took someone in the class saying "feel free to ask me what you want to know" in order to get the discussion moving at a steady pace.

Don't get me wrong, I know that you first have to feel comfortable with a person, in most cases, to ask them personal questions, but why is it that even when we get to that point we still don't want to ask the things we really want the answers to?

I just don't get it... I guess that the point I'm trying to make with this one is that the only way to learn is to question. No question is a stupid question and although they say that "ignorance is bliss" you can't grow if you are stagnant in your thoughts. Open up to new things, accept what you can't change. Gain knowledge. Ask!