The Undeniable "Expectation" of Blacks on Election Day

As Election Day quickly approaches, we are bombarded with speeches, news reports, and propaganda that is supposed to help us make a choice when we go to vote. For months, we've listened to policies that probably won't be put in place, promises that will be broken, and propaganda that's like music to the ears. We've heard about topics that include abortion, healthcare, education, taxes, and that very important "middle-class". Both candidates have made statements and retracted statements, that cause some to question their own views. Some even changed them...

One thing that is making me uneasy this election is the mindset of people. The issues SEEM to be focused on, but there is an underlying elephant in the room. In 2008, when Barack Obama initially took office, African Americans saw a day that would change the history of this country forever. The first "Black" or "African American" president had been elected into office. There was a glimmer of hope because a relatable face was in the White House. That year, songs like "My President is Black" or slogans like, " You can't tell me anything, my President is black" were top of mind to all.

I must admit, President Obama is one of the most suave, down-to-earth presidents that I can remember. I must also admit as I got older, I started to understand exactly how he got to where he is. Do not misinterpret what I'm about to say, because my words can be easily misconstrued. It is very difficult for me to believe that many people, African American people, did not vote for him solely because of his skin color. Listening to conversations and comments proved to me that this is one of the major reasons he was so favorable. But, why must it be that way?!

I may shatter some dreams, but Barack Obama is not a BLACK man. He's a man... to be more technical, a multiracial man. Because his skin color is brown, he is then coined as the "black president" and expected to look out for the "black man"..NNNOOO! THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS! He is a president of the people, not just black or minority people. This form of thinking brought us to the following headline: STACEY DASH SUFFERS TWITTER BACKLASH FOR SUPPORTING MITT ROMNEY!

Actress Stacey Dash took to the media outlet, Twitter, and tweeted her support for Governor Mitt Romney, who is running against President Obama in this year's election. Seconds after sending that tweet, she was bombarded with response tweets stating "Stacey Dash, black actress backing Gov. Romney. Needs some help"; another stated "You're an unemployed black woman endorsing @MittRomney. You're voting against yourself thrice. You poor beautiful idiot." She replied to the backlashers with a simple "My humble opinion...EVERYONE is entitled to one." That was the best thing for her to do.

Why is it so wrong for this "black" woman to express that she doesn't agree with President Obama's views?? Why was the "black woman" card thrown period?? Okay, she's considered black, are all "black people" supposed to think the same way and agree with the same things? Our predecessors fought for us to have the right to freedom of speech just as "the oppressor" had... now when one exercises that right, her own people become her oppressor and bully her into suppressing her opinions. As a people, what are we doing?? Stacey Dash knows what she agrees with and what she doesn't... Do you know anything outside of skin color? It seems as though there is this unspoken pact that all people of color should vote for the man of color; if you don't know what he stands for, that vote can do us more harm than good.

Let me make this clear, I'm not endorsing Mitt Romney, nor President Obama. I'm endorsing the right to free speech and awareness. Just because some one looks like you doesn't always mean they're the perfect fit. Whether you vote Romney or Obama, make sure you're aware of WHAT it is you're electing into that office for the next 4 years. Educate yourselves.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance. - Confucius