Fox News has just asked me about my thoughts on Barack Obama’s prospects of becoming the first black President of America. I believe that a black American President is more likely to happen before a black Prime Minister in Britain. In American politics, individuals have a more prominent place than in the United Kingdom. Here, the parties are more at the centre of British politics.
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Obama in Washington D. C. a year ago. As a black person, I empathise with his desire to overcome social barriers and racial divides. He has always tried to disentangle race from his campaign. However, I feel this may not be possible because of his ethnic background.
America has a very unpopular Republican President. There has been much controversy concerning the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The American Dream is being threatened by their current economic problems. Any Democrat Presidential candidate should be far ahead in the opinion polls, yet Mr. Obama is virtually neck and neck with his Republican opponent John McCain. Some feel, but for the colour of his skin, Obama would be further ahead.
But America has the realistic prospect of a black man moving from the “Out House to the White House” (quoting Jesse Jackson). I believe that a British debate on black politics, politicians and even the possibility of a black Prime Minister is long overdue. Why the silence?
A black PM would mean nothing to me, personally. I would not vote for a black person, nor would I vote for a white person; I would vote for a good MP, regardless of their colour. Same with party – the colour of the Leader would not influence my vote. I just simply do not (I hope) permit it to become an issue with me.
That said, I think the event (when it happens, and I believe it eventually will) will be greatly and rightly welcomed. But I can see myself voting against a black party Leader if I didn’t agree with their policies!
I’m thinking that’s what a lot of people think, too – you can’t simply clamour for a black PM. If you quantify it like that, then it sends the message that anybody who does not vote for them or support them must be racist. Of course, it’s nonsense, but I can see the difficulties which are plagueing people on both sides in the States about criticising a black man or a woman. I prefer things to happen organically, as they did with Mrs. Thatcher.
America’s in an interesting position now as whatever choice people make they will be making a milestone for the US; a black President, or a female Vice-President. Here’s hoping it will go some way to breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions.
I do however fear for Obama’s life. There’s a lot of people who will not under any circumstances permit him to govern, because of his colour. I see a lot of echoes of Catholic Kennedy. I hope Obama makes it, if he is elected.
Adrian, I second everything you just wrote.
I too hope skin colour (or gender, for that matter) never influences my vote. It simply should not be an issue.
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On the more general issue of minorities in governments, I think the problem comes from how both NGOs and government itself deal with the problem.
The common solution seems to be ‘short-lists’ and ‘positive discrimination’ – these just mask the problem – but all sides like them, they make an instant impact and can be loaded with favorable supporters. Its just like a big arcade-grabber, plucking some fortunates from the masses.
The best way to deal with this, and useful to deal with flagging voting generally, is to encourage support for politics at the very roots and drive more people in general to become interested, but this requires time and money, so its unlikely that it will be implemented.
Absolutely spot on Troika! The quick, cheap, and more publicity-grabbing method is by artificial shortlists, which create resentment at all levels and don’t ensure the best are chosen. It undermines the principles of meritocracy we should strive for. Moreover I question whether it encourages understanding – there are many who see positive discrimination as benefiting the ‘others’ and never them.
As you say, the more reasoned approach is more expensive, longer term, and less visible.
Thank you for your comments, Adrian and Troika. I am pleased to see that my blog has quickly generated a debate. That was my main aim in drawing attention to the racial issues that are present in politics.
I agree with both of you that politicians should never be elected because of their skin colour. My track history shows that I believe character and ability are the fundamental qualities to be considered in a political candidate.
The title of my blog was a question, not a statement. I want people to discuss this provocative issue, especially as it is so topical with the U.S. elections at the moment.
Unfortunately, as the debate in the U.S. surrounding Mr. Obama’s ethnic background has proven, race is very hard to disentangle from politics. On the other hand, I find it astonishing that the U.K. has avoided this type of debate. I think that discussing major issues will lead to social progress and will help generate an understanding between different parts of multi-cultural Britain.
There was a recent Economist article about this subject:
http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12010103
Perhaps if Obama does not succeed in the US, he might like to try his chances in Britain instead…
Lord Taylor,
Isn’t it possible that if America votes for someone other than Obama, it isn’t because of Obama’s ethinc background, but because of his lack of a political background. How many PMs has the UK had with so little experience and achievement?
And why is a vote for McCain- a distinguished, and accomplished Senator, a war-hero and campaign finance reform crusader- considered a vote AGAINST Obama? Couldn’t it just be they’re picking the better candidate
I’m disappointed that you’ve made it just a “Black and White” matter.
Thank you for your comments Krishna. You have made very valuable points. However, as I made clear in my comment posted on September 10th, I do not believe that politicians should ever be elected because of their skin colour. They should be elected solely on merit.
I too believe that a substantial amount of Americans will not base their vote on a “black/white” basis. However, we cannot ignore the fact that this issue will inevitably play a part in the voting process. I have spent a lot of time in the U.S.A. and race is still a divisive issue in parts of American society.
The sole purpose of my blog was to raise a debate about the issue of race in politics. I believe that to ignore race, to silence a debate about the political issues surrounding it, is unhealthy. We have not had a public debate on black politics in Britain yet. I think the silence speaks volumes.
We had a black prime minister in our movie and the reaction was shocking you can see for yourself on the link below…
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6QeS2eeAABs