Discrimination exists across the country. From laughing at an overweight person, to suggesting construction work is only good for a man, we are a nation of bullies whether we like it or not. However, suggesting that each person who disagrees with President Obama's policies is racist is just another notch on our ever-growing pole of ignorance.
Racism still exists. It is estimated that the deaths of 62 million people can be attributed to racism, according to Soundvision.com. A 2006 CNN poll stated that the majority of black and white citizens believe that racism is still a "very serious" or "somewhat serious" problem. Half of the African Americans polled said they had been a victim of discrimination themselves.
Although the problem remains a thorn in the side of the nation, people did put aside the color of Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. Nine states changed allegiance from the 2004 presidential race. Obama took previously republican areas, including Indiana; the state had not been carried by a democrat since 1964, according to the Indiana Secretary of State Web site.
Opinion polls are showing these impressive results may not be as reflective today as they were then. With drastic plans such as health care reform and bailout cash, it is only natural that some will be ready to question his reasoning or worry about the plans enough to speak out.
Of course, bad-mannered republicans like Joe Wilson do not help the plight for equality beyond color when acting in the despicable way we are all now familiar with. Believing that Obama "lies" is fine, but interrupting the president only shows absolute disrespect for the man in office. This has done nothing but propagate the ‘Republican=racist' stereotype which is a complete fabrication.
It is easy to blame racism, but there is a deeper issue: people are worried that Obama may be in beyond a comfortable depth. As a nation built upon free speech and democracy, it is wrong to push those who wish to speak their mind down by crying ‘racism' at any moment. Obviously it exists, but the 2008 election made this country proud. We must continue to push for change, and this includes not agreeing with everything the president [black or white] says.
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