Culture trumps race - Reader comments at The New York Sun

Submitted by Chip Drury, Mar 22, 2008 16:30

John McWhorter is brilliant and insightful. In a recent column, "Ready for Obama," his assertion that "race trumps class" enlightened me. I am a white man, and had not considered life in those terms.

Racial identity naturally tends to be stronger in a minority population. Racism does exist. David Duke is a racist, as is Jeremiah Wright. It is normal to question motives when racism might be a factor. But the perception of racism is hugely exaggerated when all other motives driving human behavior are ignored. I have never supported Sen. Obama for President. Some might suggest I am racist on that basis alone. In fact, my favorite Presidential candidate was Alan Keyes (since Thomas Sowell wasn't running). I perceive Sen. Obama as intelligent and decent, but a proponent of destructively liberal policies.

Sen. Obama recently reported raising $55 million mostly from white Americans, and won primaries by overwhelming majorities in states with few black voters. Yet Mr. McWhorter still fears that Sen. Obama's decline in the polls proves America is not ready to accept a black President? America was ready for "President Obama" last month. Sen. Obama is still black. The change in the polls was not caused by a change in his race! Rather, Sen. Obama's declining popularity occurred because "Culture trumps race." I would feel a stronger affinity for a black man in a suit speaking English than for a white man in lederhosen speaking German. The most impressive naval officer I served with, my friend for 31 years, is black. Tom was not born into privilege, but embraced mainstream values, and earned success beyond my own. We share the same culture; its morality, language, priorities, dress, social etiquette, etc. I would have welcomed having any child of his as a son-in-law or daughter-in-law of mine.

Regardless of race, those elevating a subculture, be it "gothic," gang, drug, "black," or other, above their identity as Americans have made a choice. They reject part of the mainstream culture in order to express a level of dissatisfaction ranging from nonconformity to rebellion. If I lack enthusiasm for their music, language, dress, or attitude it is not because I am "racist." I am happy to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or listen to bagpipes on occasion. But if a friend of Scottish heritage dressed in kilts and berated our forefathers for severing ties with Britain, our relationship would grow distant quickly. Speech and behavior are relevant. I can build a friendship on a smile, a friendly word, and a common perspective. Race is peripheral. Race plays no role in the strife between Bosnian Muslims and non-Muslims, or Irish Catholics and Protestants. But if someone dresses, speaks, and acts to insult my culture, they can't sincerely expect me to invite them into my home, or to embrace their Presidential candidacy.

America is not perfect, but it is far more tolerant than any other country I have visited. Jeremiah Wright "stick(s) a finger in whitey's eye." Mr. McWhorter dismisses this as akin to gangsta rap. Barack Obama may have simply listened to the Rev. Wright's sermons for 22 years for the "atmosphere" or for "solidarity with less fortunate blacks." That is no excuse. Mr. McWhorter frets that America is not ready for a black president. In fact, America is ready for a competent black President who would represent all the people. We do not yearn for a President who is entertained by divisiveness, and identifies more with his race than his country.

Chip Drury, Alexandria, VA

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Reader comment on:
Ready for Obama ...

Other reader comments on this article

Comment on Ready for Obama ...

Reader comment on:Ready for Obama ...

Other reader comments on this article

Comment on Ready for Obama ...

Reader comment on:
Ready for Obama ...