The outcome of the presidential election was not shocking, only given the fact that this has been the projected outcome for so many weeks... As I watched McCain concede to Obama last night I don't know that it really occurred to me the enormity of what had just happened. I think it was when Obama gave his speech that it started to settle in, because I still don't completely think I am there. I don't know that I've ever given much thought to race ~ only because my own unique situation. We all think we're unique, right? :-)
I am half white and half black. I was adopted by a white family. I have been raised by white people, and fortunate for me, they never focused on race. In our home, it was not an issue. I think it became evident to me when I went to Roosevelt Elementary. I did not fit in with the white kids - and I did not fit in with the black kids. I was too poor, too proper, my skin too light, my hair to nappy - then my hair too straight and long. In high school I attended a predominately white school (only fitting since I had for the majority of my education) so by default most of my friends were white. Still not fitting in - too poor. Not that I ever did without anything, but I by no means had everything. In college, I joined a black sorority. Lucky for me, these women had a reputation for having long hair and light skin. Looks - I fit right in, personality - still accused of 'acting white'. As I think about all of these things, it is funny how my life has evolved - and that I am marrying a white man. Italian, if you ask him :-)
I don't know if I ever given any thought to whether or not we would have a black president during my existence; I guess I felt it only inevitable sooner or later. I cannot deny the pride that I felt last night as Obama made his acceptance speech - more than being African-American I am proud to live in a country where this is not only a possibility, but a reality! We've made great strides in this country and I am sure that the best has yet to come.
Wow, what a great post! I am so encouraged by the election results. I hate to admit that I haven't been proud of our country for a long time and I am now. I can travel internationally with my head held high to say, yes, I'm an American. I have to admit I was worried that we would not do the right thing as a country, for all the wrong reasons. And now I have a sense of hope and ecouragement I have not had in a long time.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I never thought about your ethnicity, I would never have guessed that you are half black. I would have guessed Greek or Italian. People never guess my background either - half Portuguese, 1/4 Sicilian and 1/4 Scotch-Irish. WOWZA! LOL.