African Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population, with a majority in the South and a minority in the West. If you look at a map of the states won by Sen. Clinton in the primaries, then compare it with a map of the states in which blacks represent 4-16 percent of the population, you’ll find the two maps almost identical. Coincidence?
Twenty-one percent of the white voters in Kentucky said race was important in their voting decision! Imagine how many didn’t want to admit it publicly?
Obama dominated the race in states with black populations more than 16 percent (as predicted), but also in states with black populations below four percent. In fact, during the civil rights movements, these “whitest” states only experienced racism through national TV news, while the ground battles were fought in the states with black populations exceeding that amount, and whose white population today seems to remain significantly affected (negatively) by the racial event.
It’s possible that since Obama and Clinton’s plans (on health care, Iraq war, economy etc.) are very similar, voters focused on race and gender to try to make history. But in the general election, as the important national issues become very contradictive (between Democrats and Republicans), let’s hope that voters move beyond racism and sexism, and focus on the issues that really affect their lives and the lives of future generations.
Mohamed Jemmali
UO Arabic Faculty
[email protected]