Are You Ready For A Black President

Growing up as a person of East Indian descent in the West Indies has taught me much about racism. Usually this is something that trickles its way from the top, and has been mentioned because most of the leaders of those British West Indian islands are of African descent.

In addition, most of the people who support these leaders of African ancestry are also of the same African heritage. Once in a while one might find a supporter of East Indian descent or someone who belongs to a member of some other race, but those are the few. Now this might not happen in such a geographically huge country as the US, but here is a little peek into what you tourists who make the occasional visit to the islands do not see or witness.

There is plenty of racist tension everywhere, especially among the East Indians and those of African descent. And what makes the racist people of African ancestry feel more powerful is having a leader who is of the same race as he/she.

For example, try being a patient in one of the medical facilities where the nursing staff who might be comprised of those of the African heritage are there to supposedly look after you, the prospective person in need of medical care.

If one member of the nursing staff is racist, and you happen to belong to a race of people that person is not particularly fond of, guess what? You might not receive the delicate and considerate care you need.

The West Indian islands do not have all these laws that the US has to protect its citizens from such harsh treatment. And reporting the matter to a higher authority who is on the side of the nurse who mistreated you might not do much good.

A couple of years ago, one of my own relatives who was of East Indian descent received some harsh treatment from a nursing staff that was comprised of persons of African heritage. Here is what happened to my late aunt.

She had just had back surgery and was in need of a bed sheet/linen and diaper change. When she, my aunt, called out to a nurse who was passing by and asked for some assistance the nurse continued along her merry way. No one came to my aunt's aid, she ended up calling upon a relative who came and cleaned her up. (Apparently it is all right if a relative wants to do this.)

And she was a patient at a private facility where the treatment is supposed to be of superior quality.

As for the work place? There is tension there as well, but no sense of unity. There is way too much tension for that to take place. And although the US is much bigger and has persons who know how to come together as a people, one might still wonder how having a first time president or leader of a different race might affect some individuals.

And with November 4th 2008 still a good nine months away, that leaves you, the voter with all that time to weigh the matter. Think carefully and choose wisely.

Learn more about this author, Judy Ramsook.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about US elections 2008: What impact will Ralph Nader's candidacy have on the presidential race??
We want to hear your view. Write now!