Max Bottaro

The votes are in, and yes- ladies and gentleman, we have our first ever black president. So what does Barack Obama’s victory mean for America? Are we entering a new age of equality? Has a person’s race really become less important than their beliefs?

First of all, I was happy that Obama won. I think he is the better candidate for a number of reasons (none of which have to do with his skin). Having said that, I was somewhat disappointed with the racial repercussions this election had. I don’t think someone’s race should have any place in politics, and quite frankly I think it did.

CNN reports that 96% of black people voted ended up voting for Obama. O.K., let’s assume that Obama is the better candidate (because I think he is) and that he should have received the majority of votes (which I think he did), be they from whites, blacks, whatever. Still, 96 frickin’ percent? Really? What if 96% of white people voted for McCain? Would that be considered racist? There’s no way you can tell me that a good portion of black voters voted for Obama just because he was black. I’m sorry, but a persons skin color isn’t a good reason to vote one way or the other. It was pretty transparent that skin color played a huge role in the election- which I think shows that racism is still prevalent. Stereotyping is unavoidable and natural- if you show me someone who doesn’t have stereotypes I’ll show you a liar. Still, when it gets to the point where we let something like race influence our actions (who we vote for) I think that counts as racism.  Luckily racism worked out this time, but I still think its bull.

Another thing, Obama is every bit as white as he is black (did you see his grandma?) but people still call him black. You would be equally right to call him white. I’m so sick of dichotomies.

Anyways, not to be a debbie downer- I am glad he won and I’m excited to see what happens from here. America, F*CK YEAH!