The year 2008 has been over for about 8 days. Yami and I tried to think of our favorite moments, but never got around to typing them up before the year ended. We enjoyed getting lost in Baltimore; Yami telling some guy she would cut his balls off; Jessie Jackson wanting to cut Barack Obama's balls off; The Olympics; Latarian; The Dark Knight; Chicago; skipping class too much; A Practical Guide to Racism; admitting to others we like Lil' Wayne and many many more things. The biggest moment of this year was of course the end of the election. Barack Obama winning meant a lot to us. For more reasons then we can explain. Even though I was recently asked to do so at a party. Seriously. In front of a room of people, who were all atleast 10 years older then me, I was asked "What does the election of President Obama mean to you as a young African American woman?". I just wanted cake. The way I feel can best be explained by others.

Obama and the Discussion of Race

"It shouldn't be about race" is one the truest and most over-used statements made this entire election. It is true, but no matter how much we tried, it was on everyones mind. I know, we don't discuss race enough on this blog, but it's important to us. I don't care what you say. You do see color, and there is nothing wrong with that. It's how you treat people based on their color that matters. We should recognize it, embrace it, and grow. One of the most honest and interesting analysis' of race was the November 2008 GQ article " Will You Be My Black Friend?" by Devin Friedman. It's a white guys perception of the relationship between Black and White people, and he wants to make some black friends. Surprisingly it is neither cheesy or offensive. It is insightful and made me hopeful. It is possible to have a meaningful discussions of race, withouy one side shying away or becoming offensive. It's difficult, uncomfortable and absolutely necessary.

Here is a little part of the article to remember when making black friends:
"White folks might wonder: Will they be angry at me? (No.) Is it okay if I ask to touch their hair. (No.) What should I do when it comes time to shake hands? (This is a serious fucking question and is harder than winning a game of rock-paper-scissors.)"

Not surprisingly the most moving comment on race, was by the man of the year, Barack Obama. The controversy of Rev. Wright could have destroyed Obama's campaign. On March 18, 2008 President Obama delivered his speech "A More Perfect Union". Obama shadowed the spirit of great American Presidents like Lincoln, and defined our culture with words. This is the speech that (in my opinion) made him one of history's greatest. When he declared he was unable to denounce Wright because of all he gave him, I cried. Robot-soul Melissa, sobbed in front of the television. This displayed great character and courage. With the dream of millions around the world on the line, he fought back tears as he poured his heart out.



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