by Lauren Schwartz

Created on: February 05, 2009

Racism as a double standard in American politics today does not exist. The definition of a double standard is permitting greater opportunity or liberty to one group over another. This past political season demonstrated the race did not grant a privilege in Barak Obama's election. In fact, because of his race, Obama had to work harder than any other presidential nominee, which is evident in his grassroots campaign.

During the campaign, Barak Obama was repeatedly accused of being Muslim; an issue that should not even be relevant in today's society, but came to the forefront of issues. This claim was founded on the basis of his ethnicity and his name, which happens to be Swahili. Obama is a Christian and attends church on a weekly basis, but his race fueled accusations he is Muslim. His opponent, McCain, admitted to not being a frequent church go-er, and his Christianity was never in question. Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate, accused Obama of being un-patriotic and backed this with accusations of his terrorist ties, based on his African name, and his father's nationality. Palin, in comparison, was part of the Alaska Independence Party, a secessionist group fighting for Alaska's separation from the union. Her patriotism was not questioned.

After the elections, Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris to Obama's empty Illinois senate seat. While the Democrats on Capitol Hill publicly declared, before the appointment, that they would not seat anyone appointed by the corrupt Governor, some made their opposition a matter of race. At one point, it was said that the Senate should not lynch this man, Burris, and the Senate's racism was apparent in the lack of African American Senators. Of course, these accusations neglected Obama's recent presidential win. But the issue of race was brought up as a negative for Burris, when his race had nothing to do with his past experience or Blagojevich's tainted office.

Racism in America is not a double standard. Those who were, and are, oppressed because of their race do not have greater opportunities than other groups of people. If anything, they have much greater obstacles to overcome because of the prevelance of racism in America. It can be argued that white people have greater opportunity than do blacks, but in light of the past, whites have a lot to overcome as well. In the same sense that Obama had to work harder for his election win because of his race, McCain had no chance at all; especially in regard to the perception that many of their political strategies were deemed racist. If he had a greater opportunity in winning President he would have.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Schwartz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.