Rising Sense of Racial Optimism

The article in the New York Times, May 3 2009, reflected on racial optimism. Samuel Sallis from Milwaukee shared that he was always left wanting respect and courtesy, but has now noticed a change in how he is addressed since Obama took office. He said that people started addressing him as Mr. and sir. The article says that interviews with black men and women show a favored outcome of the generosity but still do not admit that racial prejudice has disappeared.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, active hates crimes have increased by 50 percent since 2000, and Homeland Security warned that right-wing extremists could use Mr. Obama election as a recruitment tool. However, more black men and women are beginning to feel more at ease and don’t have to question motives behind conversations with white folks. The article says the power of positive images of Mr. Obama and his family have no doubt played a role for both races.

I think it’s great that black people are feeling less tense about how whites address them, and I also think we must do everything in our power to make sure that all men are indeed treated equal. Mr. Obama is doing the best he can with the American people. I am sure it doesn’t matter to him if people are black, white, red, or yellow. Everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, should remember the great commandment,” Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”, Matthew 7:12.