Discrimination in 2009

When America welcomed President Barack Obama into office on January 20, 2009, the country seemed to act as if his inauguration marked the end of racism and discrimination in the United States. Patricia J. Williams states, “[Obama] truly does seem to transcend race because his mother, after all, let’s not forget, was white” (Williams). While at first I tried to agree with the idealistic theory that one person could suddenly transform the beliefs of all Americans, and transcend race, I then realized that this might be impossible. It may be too optimistic to believe that one person will change the views of millions. I realized that America has moved forward in multiple aspects of discrimination and racism. There are no longer slaves like Frederick Douglas who never knew their birthdays or mothers. There are no longer masters who, “...at times seem[ed] to take great pleasure in whipping a slave” (Douglas). However, although discrimination in the United States seems to have ended, maybe it has simply disguised itself in other forms. While American’s are clearly not as racist as they were many years ago, daily discrimination still takes place in America.

Recently, the election took place. Not only was the president elected, but other important decisions were also made. For example, Proposition 8 allowed Californians to decide whether or not same sex marriages should be allowed in California. While it was an apparently very close vote, “...Millions of voters went to the polls... and said YES to bigotry, YES to discrimination, YES to second-class status for same-sex couples” (No on Prop 8 Campaign). While there seems to be an end in sight for racism, gays in America still appear to feel very discriminated against. They seem to feel as if others are controlling their decisions, just as slaves felt controlled by their masters before the twentieth century. The article, “Final Statement from No on Prop 8 Campaign”, states, “Victory was not ours today. But the struggle for equality is not over” (No on Prop 8 Campaign), indicating that same-sex couples still feel discriminated against, and not equal in 2009. While Americans may believe that there is no more discrimination in the United States, people, such as same-sex couples, still feel discriminated against and unequal. The election of an African American president is just one step among many that must occur in order to have a more equal America.