Take, for example, the 2008 Presidential Race. I once said, "Don't judge a book by its category." The point of that statement was that we should not vote for someone simply based on an associated category. In other words, don't vote for someone based on their race, gender, religion, or political party. Vote based on their position and stance on the issues.
Well, I'm sorry to say it but this is proving to be a lot harder than I want to admit. As a matter of fact, it is proving to be extremely difficult and painful. Specifically, the pain and suffering that I am experiencing is due to the conflict created by pride, inspiration, perception, and the issues. In other words: Barack Obama.
Now, I must be perfectly honest and frank. I do not agree, I repeat, I do not agree with all of Barack's positions and stances on the issues. And, based solely on all of his positions on the issues, I would not normally vote for him no matter what category he is in.
I mention categories because there is one category that he and I both share. We both look like and are considered Black/African Americans. Of course, given my previous statement about what should and should not dictate how a person should vote, the fact that he and I share a category should not affect my voting rationale.
But, I am finding this to be easier said than done. There is a part of me that is prideful and proud that a man in my racial category could one day be the Leader of this great nation during my lifetime. If he wins, I believe that many like racially categorized people as well as many others would be inspired to follow their dreams and would believe that anything is achievable in this country. I truly want to believe that we all have come a long way and have made tremendous progress towards looking out for our fellow man.
Additionally, I believe that if Barack wins the perception of this Nation in the eyes of the rest of world would greatly improve. This win would demonstrate that American, for the most part, has overcome many of the problems that have plagued us since the days of "human owning human."
Thus my dilemma. Do I not vote for him because I am not completely aligned with his positions on the issues or do I vote for him because we share a category and, if elected, I believe that his election could truly inspire any person that has felt like a minority in some way, shape, or form (e.g. race, gender, religion, etc?)
Hmmm, not using categories sure is easier said than done.
Copyright 2008 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Kevin D. Moore is the author of "Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do The Things They Do?" and is the President of Knowledge Driven & Moore, LLC (www.knowledgedrivenandmoore.com) a Motivational Speaking and Consultant Company on Leadership, Management, Communications, and Diversity. Additionally, he is a CIO, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and a graduate of the United StatesMilitaryAcademy at West Point, NY.
» left by Teresa Ortiz(11,087) Teresa Ortiz (1 year 276 days ago.)
Hi Kevin, thanks for your honesty. I have always said the same thing and thus far, can honestly say I have never voted based on "catagory". But now you have me wondering: How would I feel if a Mexican-American ran for president? Would he even be taken seriously? See what you started? :-) Excellent job! Blessings to you, Teresa Respond to this comment
» left by Kevin D. Moore(167) Kevin D. Moore (1 year 275 days ago.)
Teresa,
It's funny. Even though, I'm torn...I still believe that the best person should Lead. Therefore, if that person is a Mexican-American...you can best believe I would take him or her serious! Thanks for the feedback and God Bless.
Kevin
» left by Dave Tanguay (1 year 276 days ago.)
You know Kevin when Kennedy was running for president in 1960 I was a big supporter I was only eleven years old, well in fact he was elected on my 12th. birthday. I was attending a parochial school at the time. You might say I was kind of voting for the religion of the man. I supposed it’s only natural to be supportive of someone who shares a common ground with you. He was the first Catholic to be elected president. I can see your point quite clearly, only I am going to vote for Obama not for the race but for the man.
» left by Kevin D. Moore(167) Kevin D. Moore (1 year 275 days ago.)
David,
Thanks for your honesty but more importantly I'm glad you are not voting for the race but for the man. Unfortunately, not everyone truly thinks about why they are voting for someone. They just vote.
Again, thanks.
Kevin
» left by robert melaccio sr (1 year 275 days ago.)
Kevin you project being a very intelligent young man. Since I know not your deeds I can only assume. In Obama's case I know his deeds. However, I too think like you that as an Afro American this would be a tremendous step forward for your race and this nation. Yet, when I look at his positions and his actual deeds and voting record he is so far left that I cannot morally accept them. He has all the Easter Bunny trimmings but that does not make the man. No works makes the man. How does one put into words that a man is what he believes and does. To ignore that or compromise your own beliefs and values for the sake of a politcal statement is in my opinion what deteriorates your credentials as a person. Now if you believe as him, no problem. You evidently don't and to do so for race does in my opinion an even larger disservice to your race. It says to all that are racists, sheep and unable to think on their own. Sorry, just an opinion. Yes, in my opinion it will deminish what others think of your race because it makes a very exact statement works do not matter. No i will qusalify that whites are identical. Howevr, blacks have a greater barrier to overcome. Us whites have been lecting fluff for decades so a change we all hope for. My question is it really? I truly believe this is the defining qualifier for all races. A man needs to be judged by deeds not talk and frankly I will vote against each and every one of them even knowing their replacements think the same. However, it will have sounded the horn! Change we hope, but not in this bunch. Also, I do not expectmuchfrom this society who in my opinion while many are educated they are for the most part and regardless of race are uninformed and blinded. I for one intially looked at him in the same light as many. That is until I saw what he was for. Look at Hillary, him and the others, bookends all. best wishes and i hope you vote them all out and send a message. Respond to this comment
» left by Kevin D. Moore(167) Kevin D. Moore (1 year 275 days ago.)
Robert,
Thanks for the young and intelligent man comment! I need all the help I can get.
As far as my race is concerned, you make interesting comments. I think I see it a little differently than you. I say this because Barack is half-White and half-Black. And, I think this is also a tremendous step forward for your race as well. Just imagine the number of Whites that are voting for him without regard to his outward appearance. America has come a long way. These are the types of things that make America great! Sure we have problems but this is simply amazing.
Now as far as what he stands for and his positions...like I said before…I don't agree with all of them. Then again, I don't agree with all of the positions for any of the Candidates. So what's a person to do? You see I have been a Leader and have been in Leadership positions since I was 17 years old. One thing I have learned is that some of the best Leaders don't always think like me. However, they had the uncanny knack of inspiring and motivating an individual to action without being ordered to do it.
You see, I'm not sure that we both agree on the underlying problems of America and of course that's ok. Some think that the problem isn't predominately about taxes, economy, etc. but about people aspiring to a higher level of greatness. Here is an example, I recently had a very conservative minded White male professional tell me that he would like for Barack to win because of his adopted son. His son is of a different race than him and is not Black. He believes that if Barack wins, his son will truly believe that in America you can do and be anything you want to be as long as you work hard at it. He believes that his son will realize that value to our society transcends color.
I guess when all is said and done...two people can look at the same issues and view them completely different. Isn't America great?
I too wish for the best for you.
Kevin "Your Year Long Tan Brother"
» left by Jan Hayner(4,582) Jan Hayner (1 year 275 days ago.)
Kevin that is a GREAT article! For once we hear and 'honest' opinion. I too have had a struggle with who to vote for, but fortuneately, I don't have to think to long to decide. I am a woman-do I vote for a woman? Does she meet my criteria of where I want the US to go in the future and can she get us there? Does she practice what she preaches? Are her morals with in reach of mine? I don't expect perfection, nor do I think we will agree on every issue. However, being a 'woman' doesn't mean this person will get my vote. I love your viewpoints and understand your struggle, but the fact remains-who is capable of getting us out of the mess we are in and seeing to it that we don't get into another one? Respond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(7,496) Lorrie Davids (1 year 275 days ago.)
Kevin, Man--I know you just put on the internet what so many are feeling. The changes our country will see with this election merits our complete soul-searching as we vote this year. I think many have not considered that the next President will be selecting the next few justices to sit on the Supreme Court. Excellent article! Respond to this comment
» left by Kevin D. Moore(167) Kevin D. Moore (1 year 274 days ago.)
LM,
Thank You! You hit the nail on the head. We all should do a lot of soul searching before we make that selection.
Kevin Respond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward(11,492) Avis Ward (1 year 273 days ago.)
Kevin *nodding*, yeah, it's much easier said than done. (Not changing the title) just agreeing wholeheartedly! You've written to the 'heart' of the matter, to the depth and surface and have said out loud what we have thought to ourselves.
If we are Christians, we know there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female but we're all one in Christ. That's why we are told to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that the "categories" of which you spoke, are not an issue. That too, I know, is easier said than done! But it can be done. *smile* Great article, thank you for bringing it to the forefront. Enjoy a lovely upcoming weekend! Respond to this comment
» left by Kevin D. Moore(167) Kevin D. Moore (1 year 270 days ago.)
Avis,
Thank you! I really had to examine myself on this one. It was a tough article to write.
Stay Blessed!
Kevin Respond to this comment
» left by Barbara Clark(577) Barbara Clark (1 year 270 days ago.)
Kevin,
Nice article! I understand your thinking as I, too, felt a "pull to the category" in the beginning of the race, as I would love to see a woman in the White House. However, I decided not to go with the category, but with the person who I feel has the ability to lead this nation and the world by bringing together diverse points of views, in a respectful way, and actually get things done. Barack's campaign movement itself is a perfect example of his leadership qualities, not to mention his ability to work with and pass bipartisan bills both in Illinois and in DC. Those are traits I admire in a leader and another reason why I'm supporting Barack Obama. Barbara Respond to this comment
» left by Kevin D. Moore(167) Kevin D. Moore (1 year 270 days ago.)
Barbara,
I really like your comment about the ability to lead. I'm a firm believer that leadership is the most important factor and quality that our President should have. I think one of the problems that America has had over the years is a loss of motivation and desire to be better than we already are... Only a true leader can turn that around. I can't wait to see who we chose.
Thanks,
Kevin Respond to this comment
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