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.