The President of Black America? Or the President of the United States of America?

For President, a Complex Calculus of Race and Politics

       The New York Times published an article last week on President Barack Obama’s difficulties as the first black president of the United States. In the article, Mr. Obama is ridiculed by both supporters and opposers of his campaign as both parties criticize either his favoritism toward the African-American population or his disregard of them. Many of the president’s policies have heavily benefited African-Americans, such as education grants to underperforming schools and the health care bill that will help millions of uninsured Americans. However, many blacks accuse Mr. Obama of not being aggressive enough on race and attentive to African-Americans. This was seen at a meeting with the president’s top campaign donors last year to discuss the administration’s achievements with women, Jews, gays and lesbians. However, there was no discussion of African Americans. President Obama’s reply to all of these accusations was simply, “I’m not the president of black America. I’m the president of the United States of America.”

Damon Winter/The New York Times

President Obama in Iowa last week. As the nation’s first black president, he has walked a careful line on the subject of race.

       This article was interesting, because it showed not only non-African-Americans’ stereotypes of the president as a black president, but fellow African-Americans’ stereotypes of Mr. Obama as a black president as well. Both sides stereotyped him as a proponent and benefactor of the African-American community. Therefore, when he began passing domestic policies, he was already wedged in by pre-held beliefs and expectations for his role as the first black president of the United States. It is disappointing to see that even with such progression as a black president, the American society has yet to let go of such debilitating stereotypes as race. These preconceived notions do not allow for progress and change. They only cripple growth even further, and this groundbreaking change with Mr. Obama as the first black president will forever be tainted by the stereotypes that boxed him in even throughout his presidency. This article simply proves that no one escapes the scrutiny and stereotyping of the public eye, not even the president.