Taking side

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Taking side

Brief summary of Issues

The election of president Obama to head the most powerful nation in the world has enthused renewed debate about race and racial issues in the American society. The most recent debates have focused on whether negative racial stereotypes and racial based prejudice are still social challenges in the Obama presidency era and future generations or they are things of the past. Proponents of post-racial era support their arguments with the fact that with an African American president, the citizens and especially the white have put aside their past attitudes and prejudice. Other proponents have also cited major improvements and progress in social changes such as civil right laws, immigrant laws and the image of African Americans as portrayed by the media has significantly improved.

On the other hand people who argue that the race issues are still alive and continue to pose challenges to a harmonious American society cite various facts to support their side. For example, Melissa thinks that the proponents of the post racial era are just wishing that the situation were as they think but the facts on the ground point to the contrary. According to Melissa many racial matters are still alive even though Americans have witnessed significant progress over the years. Such issues where progress has been recorded include the African American voting rights, immigrant rights and health care facilities. Melissa reminds us that people are still wary and she refers to cases of segregation, intolerance and isolation incidences reported often in the media and social networks.

Brief of “Yes issues”

There is an optimistic feeling that the current and future post racial American society lies with the young and upcoming generation. The media especially the electronic media have contributed significantly to transform thinking and attitude of many Americans in regard to existing racial issues. Images of African Americans on national and international forums and their contribution to American glory in areas such as sports have immensely helped erode the prejudice attitude, with the young generation playing a leading role in accepting these realities. Although the injustices have lasted for many generations, a critical and important aspect of the post racial era will be addressed if the oppressed community taking a bold and aggressive approach to the issues. A positive attitude in self ability, confidence and determinations will help bridge the gap and will also make the society acknowledge and appreciate them. Challenges facing the racially marginalized races will not just disappear but the input of the people will play a major role and their resolve should progress regardless of who is the president.

According to the proponent when the disadvantaged communities take critical roles in politics, economy and societal issues, stereotypes and the chauvinism perception will fade away and the American citizen will enjoy a more harmonious society and many prospects will open. Some critics have tried to link the poor state of the economy to the leadership of president Obama but the proponents say the issues of economy transcend the current presidency. They want the citizens to appreciate the progress on major issues affecting the citizens and support him in his endeavors. The proponents say most challenges at present were inherited and that the people of America should evaluate the presidency on mandated issues and not on the race. The post racial era proponents in particular cite the case of the Cosby TV program that they say hay surpassed racial prejudice.

Brief of “No issues”

Critics of post racial era have cited several examples to support their views. The case of the Population census exercise in which the president identified with the black people is one such example. They think that this send a wrong message to Americans but according to source from the president, this was a deliberate move in order to give his views about race. The explanation given by the president was to challenge the racialists to focus on issues that help define what a Better America will look like. The debate marked a turning point as to what aspects of the society would be addressed to make America a better country. Issues like School and family values are positive societal aspects embraced everywhere and they should not be seen to define the races. Contrary to the critics, the debate aroused by the president regarding races was just recognition of past injustices and that a better future should be built on the past experiences.

Most interesting

The NO argument is the most interesting. The media and other forums paint a different picture from the daily realities. The post racial era is not an issue of a few people such as those appearing in the media. A real change will be on the majority of the people who feel that they are still in the racial era. Many racial incidences occur daily and most of them are not reported. The war on race will be worn in the mind of the citizens. It is not enough that the law recognize equality and rights of all citizens, but rather the change in attitude of Americans. Stake holders need to address issue that will impact negatively on the racial attitude such as requesting people to provide personal information that include race clauses. The part that associate white race with good education and family values provide a comic angle to the debate. The argument that we are not yet in post racial-era is more real than the other. Events such as the election of president Obama do not constitute a change but play a facilitating role. All citizens need to participate in contributing toward a gradual and better non racial American society.

Most Persuasive Viewpoint

The yes view is most persuasive. The proponents highlight changes that have happened over the years in a convincing manner. Various earlier forecasts have come to pass such as multi-racial families and many social changes.