The Politics of Change

In American history, change has been something that occurs slowly, but when it finally does happen, it almost turns the world upside down. People have trouble grasping the idea that the nation will not forever stand in the stagnate waters of ignorance. Groups that have been brought down will rise above the hatred and intolerance and become leaders of the nation.

Once again, that is the case in America. Never before have citizens of this country witnessed so much change in one year. With the presidential primary bringing forth two candidates that are not the typical Caucasian male candidates, the horizon for change is right in front of us. For the first time in this nation’s existence, an African American man and a woman have a viable chance to occupy the White House. We are finally moving past our insecurities as a nation and grabbing hold of progress.

Or are we?

As with all forward movements, there are some reservations. Certain people have fought against the idea of having someone who is not a white man in office. There are educated people, people who should know better, that are fighting against the idea of having someone “different” run the country. That is remarkable.

This country is made of people who are “different.” “Different” should not be a bad word.

We live in a country that is supposed to embrace every race, creed, and gender. This nation was formed on ideals of freedom and rights for all. And yet, this nation has been oppressive to many. Freedom for all is not as inclusive as it sounds. It should be “freedom for the select few.”

But now, Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton are challenging the ideals of this nation. They are showing that this country needs to be ready for something “different.” Obama and Clinton are proving that they are as capable as any white male candidate. It is time for the country to accept the change. It is time that we are truly part of a progressive society.

Every time change occurs in the United States, it is a process that does not happen overnight. It happens in spurts and sputters while the nation at first fights it and then accepts it. That is what happened with gender equality, and with civil rights. And that is what will also occur with politics. As we have seen more African Americans and women running for political office, and winning, it is now time to put an African American or woman into the highest office of the land.

That change will show minorities that the system is also in place for them. It will be a step in the right direction for an all inclusive country. It will show that skin color or gender is not as important as it once was.

And, it will show other minorities that there is hope. There is hope for a future that includes everyone, not just a select few. There is hope for a future where every person not only has a voice, but has the right to use it.

Oppression still hangs over the heads of many in this country. Homosexuals, Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, women, and transgender people all feel the sting of prejudice on a daily basis. Therefore, the minorities of this land have an obligation to band together and support one another to force the change. It is up to all of us to stand up and say that we are not going to take it anymore. We refuse to live in a country based in ignorance that uses the Bible as a weapon of hatred instead of a tool of understanding and love. We are going to find a way to accept everyone, not just the ones that we can fit neatly into a box. We need to learn to embrace our difference instead of using them for a reason to hate. Then, when those things finally occur, we will truly be a developed country.

By: Amy Cox
Published: 05/11/08