The American Way of Racism is Fading

An article in The Washington Post yesterday reports that Obama campaign workers have encountered racism. Is anybody surprised at this?

This report is certainly disturbing, but also not at all surprising. What I am surprised by is that there hasn't been more of this kind of thing. When economic times are tough as they are now, people become angry and frustrated. It has been the custom to take out this frustration on "others," that is the people who are "different" from them.

Obama represents not only the black "others" who have been this country's traditional scapegoats, but his Muslim name also makes him a "representative" of our new enemies, the Muslim "others."

I understand why Obama doesn't want this stuff publicized because that could set up a mob contagion and create an atmosphere where this kind of behavior is considered acceptable.

Having volunteered in the Obama campaign in my home state of Indiana, I have been pleasantly shocked by the overwhelming numbers of people who support him in this state that is not known for being particularly enlightened or well-educated.

The American way of racism is fading, and when Obama becomes president I believe his popularity will increase among those who are currently unable to see past his color.

Of course, there will also be those who will cling to their anger and resentment because that's what defines who they are.