Obama president for all

By Pearl Wong

How can one expect others to look past our skin color and ethnic backgrounds if we can't? Now, I'm not talking about being ashamed of one's heritage or about prancing in public with conspicuous banners demanding acceptance. A fine line exists between overtly embracing who we are and quietly concealing our identity. However, by conspicuously identifying themselves with a specific racial group, people essentially allow others to classify them based only on their heritage.

Recently, President Barack Obama has been assailed with discontentment from the African-American community for not doing enough for black Americans. Of course, black scholars are careful in their criticisms, but the message is clear: they think Obama needs to directly address the issue of race.

Although our nation was built on a foundation to protect minority groups, no one ever said one can only help one group of minorities; so, red pill or blue? Rather than focusing on one race, even if it's one particularly close to Obama's heart, the President of the United States must maintain his executive position as a representative of all people residing in America.

Addressing the rising grumbling from black scholars, Obama was quoted in the New York Times, saying, "I can't pass laws that say I'm just helping black folks. I'm the President of the United States. What I can do is make sure that I am passing laws that help all people, particularly those who are most vulnerable and most in need. That in turn is going to help lift up the African-American community."

Hence, while Obama embodies a milestone in America's history as the first African-American president, he is not the president of only African-Americans. In order for true equality to develop, we must begin with ourselves and with each other. Instead of calling for attention, take the opportunity to make positive changes in your local community.

Rather than shaking your heads at the news, ask yourself what you can do to make the world a bit better for minorities. As Mother Theresa said, "If you judge people, you will have no time to love them."

Pearl Wong is a sophomore economics major.