Commentary by Wanda
“For the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line” is a famous line from one of the most prolific black sociologists of the 20th century, WEB Dubois. Dubois believed that the power to overcome the color-line could be attacked through political power (the right to vote), civil equality, and education–collectively. Dubois' message was to all African Americans but I want to specifically address those who claim a conservative Christian perspective. Elections are right around the corner and for the past several years, I have witnessed many African American Christians vote based purely on “traditional family values” and the protection of the family (anti-same sex unions). When these candidates and officials talk about protecting the family they are never referring to "Pookie" and "Nay Nay’s" family…trust me! For if they were, there would be a greater emphasis on increasing minimum wage, improving education, and attacking drugs and violence in our cities. Some of our esteemed African American religious leaders parade these conservative candidates in their pulpits, pose with them for photo opportunities, and affirm these candidates based merely on their opposition to abortion, same sex unions and homosexuality.
I believe that the black church should be the agent for social change. Instead of focusing solely on prosperity, personal pursuits, financial literacy, and materialism, the church should be the prophetic voice addressing all the issues that their parishioners battle week in and week out in their respective communities. Many pastors resist discussing politics from the pulpit for fear of offending their members. But how is it possible that the black church, with a conscience, can distance itself from social activism? Lack of quality education, access to healthcare, and insufficient social security benefits are issues that affect African Americans disproportionately, so how can we remain silent?
Years ago in Atlanta, black pastors would interview local political candidates and then provide recommendations to their congregations. This type of collective power brokering resulted in informed citizens and an active leadership. What type of power would the African American community yield if pastors would revisit this type of collective political power?
African Americans of the middle and lower classes can’t afford to vote merely on moral issues when their economic stability is being threatened. As many continue to base their political ballot on whether or not a candidate is a member of The First American Church of Whatever and is Pro-Life and anti-gay, the gap between the haves and have nots widens, more and more black children slip through the cracks and our grandparents continue to be unable to support themselves. I know there are a myriad of other issues that this country deals with outside of the oppression of blacks and poor (we are not only homophobic, but also xenophobic – border issues and immigration laws); we’ve created powerful enemies and stand in fear of an attack on our liberty and, with the heightened threat of North Korea, our very lives. When we are made to focus on hot topics like abortion and homosexuality, we can forget that many are underemployed, undereducated, and undervalued as citizens of this country.
Don’t forget to exercise your right to vote on November 7th. Get involved in a local organization that addresses issues that help to make your community better. Check the candidates voting history and the causes they support – don’t let Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, and Anti-Same Sex Unions be your guiding decision, find out how they stand on economic and social issues that impact your community- because your very life depends on it.
Response by Cantice
Now I see the light. I wondered why Wanda would want to partner with me (someone who disagrees with her on the most essential spiritual doctrines and political ideologies) on anything, let alone a blog. But now I’ve got it. She brings it all to bear in this week’s commentary; she wants to convince all five of my conservative black friends to vote for Democrats.
Even if she does, it won’t impact the November 7th election. I can’t believe she wastes a whole page talking about people who vote on the basis of abortion, and same-sex marriage. I’m the only person I know who switched parties because of the life issue. The other people who vote Republican were going to anyway. The problem is exactly the opposite of what Wanda bewails. “Our” people, people in general, don’t vote based on morality; they vote (and Wanda urges them to) based on economics, and a limited knowledge of economics at that.
Wanda’s says the black church isn’t political enough because they’re not holding forums and interviewing candidates. I think that educating members about “The Peace Plan” and the "five global giants" (something that my “black church” does) as defined by Rick Warren has the capacity to make a greater difference than interviews and forums for addressing politics in our country and the world.
Morality doesn’t stop at marriage, it reaches into the economy. Let’s talk about raising minimum wage (this would be more of a conversation if we owned more of the businesses that were forced to comply with this regulation); I don’t think that anybody is satisfied with minimum wage. We’re not supposed to be. The best way to overcome the dissatisfaction is to keep acquiring the skills to qualify for more highly paid positions. This isn’t elite thinking, this is common sense. When I made minimum wage during college work study, I wasn’t mad. But neither did I expect to continue making that wage after graduation. Lowering our expectations for workers doesn’t create a better economy or society. And believing that economic status blurs the line between moral and immoral is an ideology that I detest. The bible is explicit; it is worse to be immoral than poor. I know poverty intimately, but I refuse to return to immorality.
It is a dream of mine that one day we will have a party system that actually requires a moral person to make hard decisions around Election Day. We’re not there yet and Wanda’s commentary assures us that we aren’t even close. If those who cry out against suffocating economic pressures or concealed racism would add the atrocity of abortion or other moral topics to their list of oppressions, I guess I would respect them more. As I once told my mom, if I feel like my life as a black person is being threatened, then I have a voice and a vote and any other means necessary to fight back. The young humans that I switched parties to vote for don’t have that power.
Five Global Giants: http://www.thepeaceplan.com/
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23 comments:
Politics, Politics, Politics. We vote on what moral, economic and personal beliefs we have. And what is all boils down to it this.
Yes, we should vote. There were too many people who were beaten and died making sure that we had the right vote. I think if nothing else we as black people owe it to them. As for being democrat or rebuplican, I tell you I will be neither. What I am is a child and a servant to God. And I will not affiliate myself with either party, because in a nutshell neither party give a care about anybody but what money and life they can suck out of the people that believe in what they say anyway and put them in power.
Republicans don't care if you believe in pro life or family values. The same people spurting all of the stuff have children in secret, mistresses on the side and dirty money inside of their coat tails. They do their dirty work behind close doors. That is most immoral. Democrats just accept everything whether they be moral or immoral. At the end of the day, we vote for the lesser of the two evils.
At the end of the day, I trust God. No matter what the government thinks they can do to me or for me, God is the only one who have the final say. Period.
Cantice, I will you can bottle all the strentgh and moral fortitude you have. Not everybody is a strong as you.
I love this. I want to start a podcast and give you two air time to "straighten this out" like true New Media types. I'll moderate, but I really think your voices need to be added to these discussions.
Ok, moving on. Politics as it was is dead. We live in a deeply, divided political state, but very few people really know what they are talking about. And sadly to many know what they are talking about, but have NO idea how it plays out in their lives.
What people should strive to do is connect with like minded people who can galvanize others to get out there and get somethings started.
I hope that the Republican and Democrat parties open their ears to the Independent vote this November. Those are vote you could have had. Those are votes that went against you. All because you refused to lead and kept toying around with issues.
I predict that in a few years the Independent voice will be so loud that neither party will be able to ignore. Libertarians will shock the parties in 2012.
I think that morality should be ahead of economics. Since Wanda refered to it religiously what you amassed on earth can not be taked with you when you die but morality is recognized and judged when you die. Politics is a personal decision and no one can forsee the outcome so at the most just suggest that everyone votes and can live with the vote that they casted.
While reading this article i was torn between two of these women poltical views. I firmly believe that we should vote. Although i also believe that both poltical parties are out to gain poltical and financial power, which makes me not even want to vote. At the same time when going to polls we as a people should vote for someone who stands and support us. Like someone said before, God has the final say so let's put it in his hands.
I believe black churches do work to inform the public about political issues. I also agree with Cantice in that how much money a person is not as important as being pro-life and against homosexuality.
I some what agree with shawnmonik. In high school I declared myself a democrat but I disagree with some of their moral beliefs. I disagree with gay marriage and abortion, but I dont think I could ever vote for the republican party. I don't think they care about the black community; they care about making tons of money and keeping it all to themselves. Not that I want their money but I dont think they even care how high the rate of poverty is as long as they are living "the good life" they dont care who is suffereing in the communities that they are supposed to be representing. I think both parties have good and bad sides to them but I would try to vote for the party that "will do the less damage" as shawnmonik said so eloquently!:)
I do not agree with Cantice's statement about minimum wage at all. I understand that people do go to school to earn more money, and that if other people who are making minimum wage go to school they probably would have the opportunity to make more money. However, everybody is not gioven that opportunity more than likely due to their parents economic status that probably forced them[the parents] into miniumm wage jobs decades before.I understand that Cantice had the opportunity to go to school and says she didn't mind making a minimum wage because she knew it would not always be her wage; howevwer, I believe that is a very selfish and narrow perspective because first everybody did not have her opportunity and she should recognize that. Also, people making minimum wage are using that as a living wage and I don't care where you live, whatever the wage is that is hard living. It's hard lving when you have to just support yourself, and especially hard living when you are raising children and even harder lving when you are raising children without help from a husband/boyfriend or other family and friends.
I am an undergraduate student at a prestigious school in Atlanta. Politics is a big issue in every country. Everytime election comes around everyone gets excited to express their views. I am not at voting age yet but God help me when the time comes. My thing is that no matter what the main issue is surrounding the lower class people they still vote for someone who bribes them.
i have grown up watching my family and those aroud me go chaotic over election. Its as if everyone just remembered there were problems surrounding the lower class people. Why wait until election? No need to answer. We wait until election in hopes that someone will have under their platform solutions to our problems. Hahahaha! Oh men and how we are characterzied by emotions. To me these politicians tell you what you want to hear and turn around and close their eyes to your request after they have won their seats.
To me the best thing is vote for who you want to and not what you are told to. Follow your heart and not your head. Also, for future results we should not stress over who is voted in power so much as if we stress ourselves to ensure that we make sure that power is used to our advantages. Just ensure the power is used on the lower class by forcing ourselves to be more involving the dicision making in our country. Let the governors, senators, and President know that we are the cause of them being in power and we placed them in power to lift us out of oppression.
This was very interesting and it is really fantastic to read something you wrote while you were not in teacher mode. I'm sure I spotted some rhetorical devices :)I do agree more with Wanda because black people(atleast those who I know) tend to focus only hot button issues. Which diverts their attention from more important issues that actually have a greater/more immediate impact on the black community.But I also believe that voting together atleast on major issues would show an example of the voting power with in the community. But until then blogs such as this one keep everyone thinking.
kimberly P.
After reading the first response I was in total agreeance with Wanda. While reading it I was literally "Amen"ing after every point that she made. I do belive that the "black church" is the pilar of the African American community and what better place or opportunity to educate our black people but in the church, a place that is sacred in the African American community.
However after reading Cantice's response I couldn't help but see some of the weaknesses in Wanda's argument. So many of times I have visited "black churches" and pastors are criticizing political powers because of their "moral" views. I believe it is time for "us" as black people to truly get involved in our politics, not to merely vote for some one just becasue they're a democrat and that's what the masses are doing but rather to get involved and informed about the issues and stance that these candidates are taking. When I speak of issues, I'm not refering the the "popular" issues as same-sex marriage or abortion, but rather the issues concerning minimum wage, health care benefits, the school districts, local housing conditions; things of this sort that actually have some affect on the voter's everyday life. I also agree with Cantice's point relating to the economic views of voting. And, although it is sad but it is true...people are going to vote based upon their economic status because it is the goal of the rich to stay rich and to keep the poor poor and ignorant. This is a harsh reality of what our society has become but until the black community can educate themselves and not depend on whoever else to keep making decisions for them it will be almost impossible to overcome the political boundaries that are currently set for them.
Well, honestly, I could support both of your claims, because many African Americans don't necessarily grasp the concept of how to choose candidates or even have "seminars" that educate them about politics at their church; they are solely focused on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, minimum wage, and poverty (simply issues that appear more tangible to them and the needs that seem to always be overlooked) rather than the economic standing that we are in and the direction to which the political candidate wants to take it. But at the same time, many who focus on just the economic and social development of the country must consider the morality of each candidate in reference to their perspective on same-sex marriage and abortion. As Christians, we really can't ignore that.
Basically, I agree with Cantice that we aren't at the point of finding “Mr. / Miss Morally Right” to run for a political position, but we must vote for the candidate because of his standing as a whole. Blacks must key into and consider every “color” presented by each of the candidates. In light of the “Mr. / Miss Morally Right” situation, reflecting on advice given to me in a previous school year, choosing the lesser of the "two evils" (meant in the lightest of terms) is what I aim for; knowing each candidate in and out as much as I can and outweighing the odds of selecting the wrong person to lead the country.
I hope this makes some kind of sense- I could really relate to both commentaries. May the best man be chosen next month.
I really can't see how one person voting can help with changing policies because even after you vote it is still that ONE person (man) you put into power that is controling most of the things (though I understand not all) I think it has less to do with who you vote for and more to do with how many supports that are passionate about what you want to change. If there are enough people to back you up on what you want then the government can do nothing but comply. For me that's the only form of democracy that we have.
i feel as though people's religious beliefs do affect the results of election. However, the amount of people, black people at that, that do not vote also causes dents in the election. (i know when i first turned 18, i wanted to vote but did not vote because of laziness along with many of my other peers.) Other than that, i do not know how or why people vote the way that they do, including blacks.
I agree with Candace on most accounts because I feel that blacks do vote based on economics and have a limited knowledge of those economics. I also think that the black church should become more involved in politics. I know at my church during elections our pastor will not even speak of canidates, we also do not have a voter registration program. I think if the church became more involved there would be a greater number of knowledgable voters who are making informed dicissions.
I understand both of you all’s points. I know that in my church my pastor wouldn’t let the election candidates speak because he felt like that wasn’t appropriate for the worship service. He did allow them to come to worship and stand up and announce themselves as visitors and he would also acknowledge that they were there. He would talk to you personally about who you should vote for if you wanted him to and we also supported the voting rally’s where the candidates were present and could talk. I don’t feel like it is the black churches fault though. You as a citizen need to be concerned about how your life is run through politics and you need to take the initiative to go out and find information about the candidates. Even if you are a low budget family you can always take the bus or train and go to the library and use their computers to research the candidates. There is no excuse for not knowing. The problem is that a lot of black people don’t care about elections and a lot of them would be offended if their church spent their morning worship talking about politics and having the candidates speak. Church is not the voting rally information session it is a place to get your mind spiritually fed and through this you should be able to pray and make the right decision about which candidates to vote for. It a person’s own choice who they vote for and if they decide to be a republican then that’s their choice and if they decide to be a democrat that is there choice. People have different views on life and got through different situations so therefore you can’t say that they are wrong because you don’t agree with them. We just need to learn how to respect each other’s opinions.
I enjoyed reading the pice It was very informative I would like to read more things on other topics you all have. I could understand and agree more so with Cantice
I really enjoyed reading both of these responses and feel that they both had very good points. In reference to Wanda’s points, I wanted to state that for the most part, “pookie” and “Nay Nay” tend not to be conservative Christian perspective. I really enjoyed reading both of these responses and feel that they both had very good points. In reference to Wanda’s points, I wanted to state that for the most part, “pookie” and “Nay Nay” tend not to be conservative Christian perspective. Furthermore,“pookie” and “Nay Nay”tend not to vote at all. How do we address that issue? As for the Black church, I feel that it should not attempt to persuade or influence it’s members political views, only encourage them to think wisely. If the church preaches anit-abortion, how hypocritical would it be for pastors to influence their congregation to vote for someone who is Pro Choice? Just because someone isn’t pro life doesn’t mean that they aren’t pro financial redevelopment. How do we address that issue? As for the Black church, I feel that it should not attempt to persuade or influence it’s members political views, only encourage them to think wisely. If the church preaches anit-abortion, how hypocritical would it be for pastors to influence their congregation to vote for someone who is Pro Choice? Just because someone isn’t pro life doesn’t mean that they aren’t pro financial redevelopment.
Well, where do I begin. I'm not really into politics, but this blog makes me wonder. I can make since out of both sides of the argument, but I don't necessarily agree with either side.
I've always been taught that Republicans are not for us (black people)and that we should therefore always support the Democrats. My father has always talked down about Republicans, so I have a mind set to never listen to their argument. However, this blog makes me think twice about my choice. On one hand, I've never been "poor" and on the other I'm not very religious. What should someone like myself do? I guess it's just time to grow up and research our leaders of tomorrow, and today.
I just want to thank you both for posting this bolg and making think. Now when I go to vote my choices will have a legitimate basis rather than be the result of my "family's" dislike for Republicans.
I believe that people should vote on the issues that affect them the most. If a person feels strongly about one issue that a candidate is addressing, then they should vote for that person, but at the same time look at the other issues that they are addressing.
I do care strongly about gays having the right to vote. So, I would vote for someone who believed in gay rights, but at the same time I would also look at the other issues that the candidate is addressing. To solely vote for one issue and not look at the other issues being addressed can be detrimental to you later on. A candidate may be pro-choice, and you may be pro-choice too. But, at the same time the candidate may believe that the minimum wage should stay the way it is and that gays should not have rights. Theses other two issues being addressed may be the opposite of what you believe in. Do not vote for a person based on one issue that they are addressing.
I find it hard to believe that Ms. Wanda claims to be a Christian when the jest of her arguement did not support basic Christian values. It is a shame that she feels compelled to argue for economic freedom when the world is dying from morsl issues. Although I agree with what Mrs. Cantice had to say, I feel that in the beginning of her arguemnt, she attacked Ms. Wanda rather than attacking the issue at hand. The arguement made by Mrs. was the most valid and realistic of the two. I can not stress enough, how important it is to save the souls of our people, even before we save their pocke tbooks. I feel that the first change that needs to be made in our society is our lack of morality, then and only then can the economic issues that plague our land be rectified. God Bless You
In order not to offend either friend, I will try not to be so brusque... Though both Wanda and Cantice make great arguements and have valid points Cantice's arguement is the subjugate arguement... In my opinion there are many more fallies in Wanda's writing than in Cantice's... Everyone knows that they should vote and whose to say that people vote should vote based on economics, and a limited knowledge of economics at that... And the black church has absolutely nothing to do with the political world in a sense... It's up to the people to realize what people like Martin Luther King and feminists strived for... It's the knowledge, it's equality, it's freedom of right, opinions, and freedom to make the RIGHT choices... If you want an idea of how you should vote read Wanda's RESPONSE... Gotta go class is almost over...
Your personal views on morality should not be the sole reasn that a candidate recieves the vote. In the same token, your vote should not just be based on the economic aspect. The candidate should be able to embody both aspects, because the moral conscience of our leaders is just important as important as where they stand on economic issues. In some cases they even go hand in hand, and positively correlate. All aspects must be considered because if you truly look at the situation ALL of the issues are just as important and just as vital to our survival and makes it impossible to decide whether abortion or minimum wage should get first priority.
I read the blog. This once entertaining blog is quickly turning into a cat fight. what's up! Cantice is SENSITIVE! She takes this so personal...it's almost scary, to say the very least. Anyway, for whatever my opinion is worth, I think separating economics and morality (framed as anti-gay sentiments and abortion) could be problematic. Abortion and anti-gay issues include, but do not typify morality and our economic sense should be moral.
As a relatively recent historical trend, I believe (I'm not an expert on this) most rich people vote for their interests (wallets). The poor, on the other hand, tend to vote for their interest as well, which is usually socially directed (welfares such as social security, minimum wage, and such.) The challenge is how a society can maintain a reasonable subsistence level and a healthy moral life. Jesus was able to do it, it seems. ( we are told he fed 5,000 hungry masses after preaching to them) These two ideals, if you notice, come from the same interest for LIFE. However, this point slips from view quite easily, with the Right's accent on personal agency and privatization and the Left's preoccupation with issues of legal rights.
Cantice puts the onus on the poor to increase their marketability, not for the govt to increase minimum wage. she makes this argument while denying any hint of elitist sentiment, or at least individualism. Historically, Christianity made its mark by displacing the rich. What I mean is that, the early Christians saw the rich as a competition in caring for the needy. Customarily, it was the duty of the rich to extend alms to the poor. However, Christianity displaces this practice by invoking their novel ethic, "universal brotherliness." It soon became a democratic effort and duty of society to care for all its members, lest we forget.
Linking the issue of abortion with minimum wage is an interesting and critical move, if we can understand their relationship. Lack of financial and social support can encourage and/or discourage abortion, but thier motivation is always the same--Life. The economically disadvantaged tend to have more children. Sociologists believe it is a sort of "social insurance policy" 1) to increase the chances of survival of their offsprings and 2) to ensure their own maintenance and support at old age. Again, to underscore my earlier point: their common denominator is the affirmation of life, be it of a fetus or a grandmother. One can say that a robust push on just one, obfuscates this delicate point. This dichotomy, as you know, come to the fore when politicians, due to their self -interests, encourage this limited vision. They force voters to choose between the two--Life become politicized.
I just thought I share this with you...for all its worth
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