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Don't Sweat The Technique...

An Open Letter to Ving Rhames

(Preface)

Although I've never been clueless about world events, Ive never been too much into politics. A very large, cynical part of me thinks that corruption is too deeply rooted within our government to ever bring about any real radical change for this country. Don't believe me? Then explain to me why even DECADES after cigarettes have been deemed completely toxic and deadly, killing over 12 million people in the U.S. since 1964 and causing a host of medical problems, they are still legal in the US ? Its because of CORRUPTION AND GREED BY THE SAME GOVERMENT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE FAITH IN... But I digress...

This election season has been different for me (as I'm sure it has been for many of you as well). The first time I voted 4 years ago, I felt slightly ambivalent. I understood the election's importance --especially after watching the Bush administration strip us blind of our rights to privacy after 9/11-- but I couldn’t really fully vouch for ANY of the presidential hopefuls. This time around though,  I feel optimistic for the future. I even took my 2 year old son to see Obama speak in Vegas a few weeks ago. We were about 20 feet from the podium, hanging on his every word. Although I know my son won't remember it, I wanted to him to know that he was a part of this movement. I really think Obama can be a catalyst for change...even if its just a little bit.

Let's be clear about something. I am obviously a Black woman. And many times because of that, some people think that all Black people are only voting for Obama because he is black. If that were the case than Jesse Jackson and/or Al Sharpton would have won Democratic nominations years ago lol. They lost because they are both terribly under-qualified and flat out wrong for the job. Dare I say—they are both complete  jokes. Obama won because he has demonstrated that he is a great candidate.  But Obama is now put into a weird situation. He's become the "chosen one" for an entire race of people. He's like Neo in the first Matrix. Everyone wants him to be "The One" but there are skeptics and saboteurs ready to throw him under the bus.

Last night I was watching 106 & Park (something i rarely do)..and Ving Rhames was the guest. He went on this rant about how in politics no one is talking about Black issues: black on black crime, drugs and poverty in black communities etc. Then he said something that made my jaw drop. he looked at the camera and said (and I slightly paraphrase): "I love Obama as much as the next man...but someone needs to tell him "come back home brotha"" ...basically insinuating that Obama has lost track of where he comes from and isnt looking out for the needs of our people..

 WHAT??

I really wish that Rosci and Terrance woulda spoken up instead of smiling uncomfortably and quickly changing the subject. And while, yes, Ving, you are entitled to your own opinion, let me say this:

Dear Ving,

How dare you go on to national television—especially a network geared towards young people of color—and insinuate that Barack Obama is somehow not interested in the needs of his own people. It is people like YOU who have no concept of delayed gratification that ruin moments like this. Have you no idea how politics work? Do you really expect conservative White America to accept Obama if he busts onto the scene, damning the White Man like Melvin Van Peebles in the 70s? How about we get Obama in the White House first? Do you REALLY think that with all of the outlandish accusations Obama is already facing, that he can afford to single himself out as a Black man who is putting people of his own race first? The more race plays a part in this election the worse the odds are for Obama. Furthermore, there is a word called “Tact”. Or even better “Subtlety”. When Obama talks about helping the middle and lower classes he is inadvertently saying he will help the needs of minorities (read: Black folk) without actually saying “I’m going to help all the Black people”. In addition, I wouldn’t even WANT Obama to set out to primarily help only one race of people. THAT’S CALLED RACISM. If McCain came out like “I wanna help the poor White people” every other race of people would think “what about ME you racist bastard?”

But the biggest point may be this: Although I understand that we as a people are struggling and have been for some time…what do you think can be done about it if our economy is in shambles? One topic at a time,Ving. The Obama campaign isnt focusing on Black on Black crime because people of ALL colors are losing their homes to foreclosure. People of ALL colors have no health insurance. These are issues that are affecting everyone across the superficial boundaries of skin color. It baffles me how that concept is foreign to you, and it shocks me that you would impose such a dangerous viewpoint on the impressionable minds of young voters who don’t follow politics enough to see through your BS.

So sit down , shut up, and stop throwin’ salt on Obama’s campaign.

Sincerely,

Aliya Ewing

 

 

 

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