There is no doubt that America is quickly moving towards a November presidential election that quite possibly could change the landscape of American politics forever. But could all the attention, support and excitement that Barack Obama's campaign has received highlight an ever growing shift between young black politicans and their elders?
The August 10, 2008 edition of The New York Times Magazine, ran an article entitled, "Is Obama the End of Black Politics?", exploring this issue and some of the major players who are dealing first-hand with this question. After reading the article I wondered if I had missed this new black political revolution, but upon further inspection there were signs of this shift coming.
The words of the Rev. Jesse Jackson caught during a break in a FOXNews program brought the shift out into the spotlight. In less than a minute, Americans were able to witness the ever-fading legacy of a historical black political figure. But as Rev. Jackson's actions seemingly put him on the bench, who is going to be willing and capable enough to be the star of black politics?
Cornell Belcher, a pollster for the Obama campaign, was quoted in The New York Times Magazine piece as saying, "I'm the new black politics. The people I work with are the new black politics. We don't carry around that history. We see the world through post-civil rights eyes. I don't mean that disrespectfully, but that's just the way it is. Barack Obama is the sum of their struggle. He's the sum of their tears, their fights, their marching, their pain. This opportunity is the sum of that." I disagree with Mr. Belcher that black Americans can't or don't carry around that history. That history must be carried around and together with modern day experiences bridge generational divides to provide for a brighter future; what good is a future that can't relate to the past and vice versa?
Even though Obama's proposed policies and plans regarding civil rights are ambitious and seem to hold water, will they be enough to rally older black leaders and other potential voters? In running for president, Obama isn't just running for blacks but everyone else that makes up America as well. It's because of that fact that he won't and can't be the sole voice or figurehead of the black community, because that falls short of his ultimate goal. So then if it's NOT Obama, then who?
In all honesty, does there need to be a black leader in America? Are black Americans still mobilizing under the old institutions of the civil rights era? There is no question that there are still systemic issues that need be challenged and changed in America. Those who lead the rallying cry for this change should not only come from the pulpits and political advocacy groups, but also the classrooms, lecture halls and playgrounds in America. Black America can only be furthered and strengthened by embracing it's history AND building towards a future.
What do YOU think? Do figures like the Rev. Jesse Jackson still hold some relevance in today's political landscape? Has black America reached a post-civil rights era? Should Barack Obama be the figurehead for black America?
Jonathan
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
And To Think He Could've Gone Faster...
Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, has now added an Olympic gold medal to his title as, "The World's Fastest Man". Bolt incredibly recorded a time of 9.69 seconds in the men's 100m final in Beijing.
As I watched the final preparations before the race and listened to the NBC commentators, Ato Boldon and Tom Hammond, I couldn't help but get excited. The lights and grandeur of the Olympics catered to Bolt, who seemed relaxed and even playful with the crowd before getting into the starting blocks. Bolt's reactions were far different from his countryman, Asafa Powell, who looked like an already defeated man before he reached the blocks.
I wonder if anyone realized while watching the race that they were witnessing a new chapter in track & field. In an era that has seen numerous athletes cut down by steroid accusations and convictions, Bolt provided a much needed breath of fresh air. He hardly resembles the mold of a sprinter, standing 6 feet 4 inches. Due to his height he doesn't have to take as many steps as his smaller competitors, which matters greatly in a race like the 100 meters. And to think that some may dream to see him on an NFL roster. There is no doubt that Bolt has captured the attention of the world as well as made his country proud, but he could've done better.
Bolt raced down the middle of the track and upon noticing the absence of any competitors in close vicinity, began to showboat. With about 20 meters to go, Bolt stretched out his arms in celebration and thumped his chest as he reached the finish line. As for his abbreviated finish Bolt said, "I didn't come here to run the world record, because I was the world record-holder... I came here to win."
He may not think that his actions in the latter stages of the race were a big deal, but most assuredly they were. Without a doubt Usain Bolt is a talented individual and may have numerous chances to lower the world record. But there's a way in which you should win. Victory should only be celebrated once the competition is over and not before. What would we have said if Bolt somehow stumbled over his shoelace, which became untied during the race (look at his left foot)? Maybe I'm a little old-school when it comes to issues like this, but I highly doubt that my track coach in high school would've allowed the antics that Bolt pulled. Then again, I've never run 100 meters in 9.69 seconds.
What do YOU think? Was Usain Bolt's early celebration warranted? If you were competing against him how would you feel? Can he lower his world record?
Jonathan
As I watched the final preparations before the race and listened to the NBC commentators, Ato Boldon and Tom Hammond, I couldn't help but get excited. The lights and grandeur of the Olympics catered to Bolt, who seemed relaxed and even playful with the crowd before getting into the starting blocks. Bolt's reactions were far different from his countryman, Asafa Powell, who looked like an already defeated man before he reached the blocks.
I wonder if anyone realized while watching the race that they were witnessing a new chapter in track & field. In an era that has seen numerous athletes cut down by steroid accusations and convictions, Bolt provided a much needed breath of fresh air. He hardly resembles the mold of a sprinter, standing 6 feet 4 inches. Due to his height he doesn't have to take as many steps as his smaller competitors, which matters greatly in a race like the 100 meters. And to think that some may dream to see him on an NFL roster. There is no doubt that Bolt has captured the attention of the world as well as made his country proud, but he could've done better.
Bolt raced down the middle of the track and upon noticing the absence of any competitors in close vicinity, began to showboat. With about 20 meters to go, Bolt stretched out his arms in celebration and thumped his chest as he reached the finish line. As for his abbreviated finish Bolt said, "I didn't come here to run the world record, because I was the world record-holder... I came here to win."
He may not think that his actions in the latter stages of the race were a big deal, but most assuredly they were. Without a doubt Usain Bolt is a talented individual and may have numerous chances to lower the world record. But there's a way in which you should win. Victory should only be celebrated once the competition is over and not before. What would we have said if Bolt somehow stumbled over his shoelace, which became untied during the race (look at his left foot)? Maybe I'm a little old-school when it comes to issues like this, but I highly doubt that my track coach in high school would've allowed the antics that Bolt pulled. Then again, I've never run 100 meters in 9.69 seconds.
What do YOU think? Was Usain Bolt's early celebration warranted? If you were competing against him how would you feel? Can he lower his world record?
Jonathan
Hello Everyone...
Greetings!!
I'm starting up The Jonathan Clause again.
The beginning started over five years ago. This was born as a email newsletter that was sent to friends and family and now I'm branching out to the Internet.
Most of the early content consisted of my thoughts and opinions relating to various articles and stories within the news. While this format will continue, it is my hope that I'll be able to use these posts, thoughts and ideas to refine my writing skills.
These posts are open for you to reflect and comment as well. Please feel free. Part of becoming a better writer is hearing/seeing the compliments, suggestions and criticisms you may have. So please, don't be shy.
Sincerely,
Jonathan
I'm starting up The Jonathan Clause again.
The beginning started over five years ago. This was born as a email newsletter that was sent to friends and family and now I'm branching out to the Internet.
Most of the early content consisted of my thoughts and opinions relating to various articles and stories within the news. While this format will continue, it is my hope that I'll be able to use these posts, thoughts and ideas to refine my writing skills.
These posts are open for you to reflect and comment as well. Please feel free. Part of becoming a better writer is hearing/seeing the compliments, suggestions and criticisms you may have. So please, don't be shy.
Sincerely,
Jonathan
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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