Reminiscent of many African American firsts throughout history, there is no question that some of the resistance and protest to President Obama’s presidency is motivated by race. From Jack Johnson to Tiger Woods, African Americans have had to endured many forms of racial ridicule, whether through the denial of entry, or death threats, purely as a result of race for dare trying to challenge the white establishment, or status quo.
Who can forget the pressures and struggles Jackie Robinson endured while breaking the color line in baseball. Or, the many death threats Hanks Aaron received while attempting to break Babe Ruth’s home run record. When Tiger woods was set to be the first African American tot win the Masters Golf Tournament, he received numerous death threats. And the list goes on. Many African American athletes on the brink of making history have stories of racial indifference toward their achievement, while enduring slurs and death threats. Therefore, how much more will the first African American President have to endure resistance, and ridicule from “fringe elements” who are purely motivated by race?
Also worth mentioning; during his early bid as a potential Democratic nominee for the Presidency of the United States, Barack Obama required extra security due to racist death threats because of his race.
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Left of Center
Tim Wise – Is Race a Factor in President Obama’s Presidency? (part 1)
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