Obama and Rev. Wright a Bi-Racial Issue
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Obama and Rev. Wright: A Bi-Racial Perspective
Word Count: 1134
Summary
The question of why Barack Obama didn't leave his church after Rev. Wright's controversial statements isn't about race; it's about bi-racial identity.Article Body
The issue of why Barack Obama remained with his church following Rev. Wright’s remarks is not purely racial?"it’s deeply intertwined with bi-racial identity.Growing up bi-racial brings unique challenges often left undiscussed. Individuals of mixed race frequently struggle to fully identify with one racial group and often find themselves navigating between two worlds in search of acceptance.
My experiences closely mirror those of Barack Obama. Just as he did, I found clarity and hope through someone who profoundly influenced my life. Growing up, I realized that despite having a white mother, I was perceived as black, prompting a journey to find my place within the black community. After years of searching, I met a mentor who not only taught me how to embrace my identity as a black man but also how to be a kind and compassionate human being. He emphasized that my treatment of others should transcend race. For Obama, Rev. Wright filled the absence of a black male figure in his life, much like my mentor did for me.
Without a guiding male figure, my understanding of being a black man came from what I observed in media and on the streets. I knew that being a thug wasn’t for me, nor did I have the talents for professional sports. I was educated yet still felt a certain distance among white peers?"it wasn’t personal animosity, just the barrier of skin color. Where could I truly belong in America?
My mentor taught me a crucial lesson: regardless of my self-perception, I would be seen and treated as a black man. Defining my identity was solely my responsibility. He instilled pride in my identity while also nurturing empathy and understanding. Though I sometimes disagreed with his views, it didn’t diminish my respect for him. This man provided the foundation I needed to build my life. What my father couldn’t teach me, my mentor did. He filled the existential void I had attempted to fill with material and fleeting pursuits.
Rev. Wright offered similar insight to Obama. In "Dreams from My Father," Obama reflects on his struggles with identity, mentioning early encounters with alcohol and drugs. Deciding to focus on education, Obama still lacked a black role model to guide him in the delicate balance of being a black man and a compassionate person. While Obama didn’t wholly endorse Rev. Wright’s more controversial statements, he valued the role Wright played in shaping his identity. Education, accomplishments, wealth?"none could provide the human connection Wright offered. The idea of severing ties with Wright was unthinkable. Much like forgiving our own fathers for their imperfections, Obama’s loyalty to Wright remained firm.
Rev. Wright held a position of father, mentor, and teacher in Obama’s life. Disavowing him would have been akin to disowning a part of himself. I too could never sever ties with the person who brought meaning and hope to my life. This sense of hope and love is one of Obama’s most appealing qualities. In a time of widespread despair, the philosophy of hope and dreams for a better future resonates deeply, transcending ethnic, age, and socio-economic boundaries. The inspiration Obama awakens in people owes much to Rev. Wright’s influence, underlining the importance of understanding and kindness.
My mentor imparted a timeless lesson: being a loving human means prioritizing understanding over being understood. Through his journey of self-discovery, I believe Obama has come to see himself not only as a black man but, more importantly, as a compassionate individual committed to positive change.
Understanding Rev. Wright’s importance in Obama’s development allows us to appreciate the senator’s capacity to respectfully disagree while valuing the goodness in others. This echoes the essence of tolerance, transforming it from mere rhetoric to the deeply held virtues of a leader. I look forward to witnessing these values in the prospective President.
Eugene E. Brooks is working on his book, "Behind the Cover," addressing the experiences of bi-racial individuals in America. The book traces his journey from battling addiction and homelessness to graduating from law school. For more information, visit www.halfblackhalfwhite.com, or contact him at eugenebrooks@sbcglobal.net.
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