Is Barack Obama the needed bridge between blacks & Latinos? [AAP#6]
CARMEN D: In 2004, President George Bush garnered 44% of the Latino vote and pundits everywhere declared that “Hispanics” were conservative, and might provide a growing base of support for the Republican party going forward. It was a reasonable hypothesis, I guess…
ALSO TODAY in the African American Perspective at UMX feature we have a post on African Americans and Latinos by a blogmiga whom I know personally. She’s one dynamo you want on your side, full of fire and joy and positivity. (And dig her pretty blog, wow! Who designed that thing? ::wink wink::) So gracias, Carmen! [PS, As Carmen did not send me a bio, I have patched together one from some words on her own blog's About page.]
(For those just tuning in, this special feature at UMX runs through to Sunday the 16th of November with at least one new post every day.)
Carmen D. is an Independent with moderate political views, a social liberal with strong opinions and is always open to a good argument. She has lived in projects and affluent neighborhoods, experienced poverty and abundance, had life changing experiences traveling all around the USA as a producer for ABC News, and throughout all of it her foundation has been the world view and intellectual curiousity her mother and grandmother provided while she was growing up.
Is Barack Obama the needed bridge between blacks and Latinos?
Is Barack Obama the needed bridge between blacks and Latinos? Maybe.
One of the most “YES!” inducing moments of last Tuesday’s election dissection, was learning that my Latino hermanas y hermanos had come out in a large majority (2 to 1) to support Barack Obama. In 2004, President George Bush garnered 44% of the Latino vote and pundits everywhere declared that “Hispanics” were conservative, and might provide a growing base of support for the Republican party going forward. It was a reasonable hypothesis, I guess. But what no one saw coming in 2004 is how sharply a first effort at immigration reform would be excoriated and then vetoed by both members of the Republican party and the right wing electorate. The call to stop all efforts toward immigration reform “until we secured our borders” left a foul taste in the gut of many who were surprised at how quickly John McCain dropped his rather mavericky effort and lurched as close to the Minutemen, without walking a shift on the border, as one could get.
There were a few expressions of bigotry coming from high profile Latinos, that seemed to be signaling a skepticism, even within the brown community, that Latinos in high numbers would support a black candidate. The encouraging observation, however, is that every time this fractured narrative was advanced during the primary and general election season, other members of the Latino community pushed back in a loud and forceful voice.
It was so good to see Antonio Villaraigosa, the mayor of Los Angeles, my home city, lined up behind Obama as a member of his super nova caliber economic team. Villaraigosa was a chair of Hillary Clinton’s campaign so I am glad to know that bygones are bygones. And I believe Obama is sending a signal to Latino people that his administration will recognize and honor their contribution to his victory.
To be honest, there is a detectable tension between blacks and Latinos here. It is pronounced in certain areas of the city where there is underemployment, high gang activity and a lack of job and educational opportunities. Not surprising, right? But my view of the tension is that it’s rooted in a sense of lack and an inability to see the power in working together across the color spectrum to push for expanded opportunities and fairness for everyone. I believe that if Barack Obama, while he works on fixing the economy and keeping us ’safe’, is steadfast in pursuit of smart and humane immigration reform coupled with strategic, high level Latino appointments, his administration can proffer the profound sense of “hope” for little Latino girl and boys, their big brothers and sisters and their moms and dads that was instantly instilled in black children and their families on November 4th.
Tags: Antonio Villaraigosa, Barack Obama, Bigotry, Community, Gangs, Hillary Clinton, Immigration Reform, John McCain, Los Angeles, Republicans, the Latino Vote, The Minutemen
Posted in African American Perspectives Week, African Americans/blacks, Borders, Cultura, Democratic Party, Economy, Guest Posting, Immigration, Latinos, Mujeres, Race for 2008, Republicans, The Vote, United States Politics
my hope is as you say, “And I believe Obama is sending a signal to Latino people that his administration will recognize and honor their contribution to his victory.” this needs to be done in deed, as much/more so as in word, as you suggest. the unified latino vote is an active voice in strength and volume, instrumental in obama’s election, definitely not to be ignored, or taken lightly. the turn out of support is an action on it’s own merit that helps to narrow the bigotry gap perspective.
this voice needs to continue to speak loud and clear. obama did promise to listen, (which i heard he is good at). he promised this victory was our victory, and that will be demonstrated through the positive actions, (immigration reform for example) taken by his administration for this to truly be our victory. a lessening (elimination of would be nice) of racial differences should follow suit, and ideally a new found respect for each other will occur.
that is my prayer.
one love people.
Being a Latino woman that voted for Obama I do believe that he brings hope to the idea of bridging that gap between Latinos and the African American community as well as the white community. Before he got elected there was a lot of talk about the Latino population voting conservative, and one of the reasons was because they could not see themselves voting for a black president. I think that the Latino population proved this stereotype wrong with the numbers of Latino voters that voted for Obama this past election. I think that Obama understands that it is important to recognize the differences between our communities but also emphasize our commonalities. By recognizing the difference we appreciate what each community can bring to the table, and by seeing that we do have things in common it brings us to work together.
I think that Obama, throughout his election, has made it clear that, especially with education, he wanted to bridge the gap that gives some the opportunity to achieve their dreams and others only the idea that it is possible but not enough resources to do so.
I think that by Obama talking about the segregation in our schools makes us realize that this needs to change. I know that I am talking mostly about education, but I think that this is the perfect place to start. By giving everyone, from an early age the same opportunity to achieve their ultimate potential then it becomes a fair game.
Go Obama!
thank you for your comment, señora. i prefer no “anonymous” names in my blog, so i hope you comment again and can think up some name that perhaps appeals to you. pick a favorite book character! or maestra! but please let’s leave the blank masks at the door.
on point, i agree with you about education, about children being key. absolutely. thank you for your thoughts and experience.
[...] The Unapologetic Mexican: To be honest, there is a detectable tension between blacks and Latinos here. It is pronounced in [...]