After BeerGate 2009 has come and gone, I’ve concluded that this contrived interaction has infuriated me more than the original incident that occurred with Sgt. Crowley and Prof. Gates. Don’t ask me what I was expecting, because I’m honestly not completely certain what I thought would result from this lemon squeezer. Nonetheless, I am confident in my assertion that this attempt at diplomacy has done nothing to improve race relations. If anything, this has ensured that unspoken racial tensions that have existed will continue, if not worsen.
I know I’ve made some absurd declarations in the past about various topics. However, this for some reason evokes an unusual amount of emotion within me. It’s been what, nine days this spectacle took place and in forty minutes I am supposed to embrace this “teachable lesson” because two black dudes and two white guys had a “brew” at the White House? The lingering sentiment composed by two social science/race connoisseurs concluded; its okay to disagree. How. Incredibly. Profound. Oh and our President’s thoughts on this historical discussion? Silence. I know!! That’s what I find the most unsettling about this event.
See I’m a Political commentary junkie, so I love to hear various intellectual perspectives on current events, relevant or otherwise. As a result for the past nine days I’ve viewed advocates from both sides argue on their parties behalf. In the midst of these often heated exchanges, our beloved President has been accused of playing racial favoritism. To combat this attempt, resolutions have been arose in the Senate proposing that the President formally apologize to the Cambridge Police Department. Why? Because he answered a question about this loaded incident with * gasp* his personal opinion. Consequently he had to host an artificial tea party that was intended to make the majority feel better about the subjectivity of minorities in positions of power to appear non threatening.
Then, the day of reconciliation has finally approached. The moment of truth we have all been awaiting has passed … and an outwardly shallow summit proved itself to be just that. Had I have posted this a few days ago, the tone would
have been different. Honestly it probably would have consisted of myself praising the President for his attempt at a symbolic moment to move forward with race relations. Nevertheless, I now deem this 2400 second conversation an attempt to keep our socially popular yet Politically floundering President, in the good graces of the dominant culture.
Maybe if something simple would have changed, like the get together being held within the confinements of the White House walls without the awkward interaction, I would believe it was more genuine therefore more influential. Yet unfortunately I surmised that this conversation and the bland commentary following this dialogue ultimately reinforced Attorney General Eric Holder’s “judgmental” comments that took place during Black History Month:
“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and I believe continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards.”
Oh well, that’s what I get for actually believing that there was only one America. Plus, the homie has to get reelected. Sure… that’s it.
Article by Khristina Brown
Hailing from the Great city of Columbus, Ohio Ms. Brown is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati with dual degrees in Political Science / African American Studies . When she's not focused on the Black activism or spoken word you can catch her and other free thinking cool kids at AtypicalSole.com or at OtrFresh.com check us out!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am probably the biggest fan of President Obama in the world, and I too was a little dissappointed in the way this was played out. Sometimes there has to be a stand made. I think this was a miss chance to bring some real discussion to light. I honestly think that each party probably did or said some things they shouldnt have, but for the media and conservatives to jump on the President for stating his opinion is funny to me. I read one news outlet that claimed that a President should never critique law enforcement…..Really!? Can you imagine where our people would be today if we never questioned the actions of police officers? I have visions of fire hoses and police dogs… But I digress…point it, my President dropped the ball on this one. Which is sad, because he normally handles it so well on the court.
Hmm… My thoughts… Is it still “uncool” to some to say that my President is Black??? I ask because of the mention of President Obama “playing racial favoritism”… Isn’t his mother caucasian? So I beckon, to whom is he showing favoritism??? Hmmm.?
I am disappointed that the President retracted his “stupid…” statement. Though it was less eloquent than we are accustomed to coming from the President, it doesn’t mitigate the effects on the emotional response and feelings to the course of events. Maybe the Prez should have said “With All Do Respect…” ( (c) Ricky Bobby ) first to make it ok. I find it very interesting that President Obama chose to apologize for his words, and Sgt. Crawley, to my knowledge, has yet to apologize for his actions… (For the record I don’t want an apology from him)
Next thought can we officially classify the police as an entity of the armed forces? And what makes them above reproach? Everybody has (should) to answer to somebody or at the bare minimum be subject to criticism. They shouldn’t be exempt. I understand police have a difficult job but many people do, no free passes,I say to that “get better at your job/profession, that’s what you are (hopefully) trained to do!
This beer session doesn’t help any cause, it doesn’t help our society address the roots of our problems. It’s not addressing our class issues, it’s not addressing our race issues, it’s not addressing our criminal justice practices. This gesture was a kiss on flesh wound like when your mom/dad gave you when scratched arm, rather than putting alchohol or peroxide on it. Yeah they burn but they bring about healing too. (I think surgery is necessary, but oh well maybe some other time) Til then… CHEERS!!!
Last thought, would they have had that sit down if Gates wasn’t “Black” (And Upper Class) and the President wasn’t “Black” or had Black in him????