by Jaimela King

Created on: February 28, 2008

Throughout the ages, many politicians have gone to extremes to smear their opponents particularly when they feel they are backed into a corner. The claws come out and there is snarling and scratching, like with a cornered cat. It is a reaction to fear and uncertainty, and a desperate attempt to free oneself from imminent danger. Will a photo of Obama in traditional African garb hurt Obama? His opponent(s) obviously thought so or hoped so.

It is not unusual for dignitaries visiting other countries, as a mark of respect, to wear the traditional, indigenous clothing of that country. It is a mark of respect and refusal to wear that clothing could be seen as an insult to one's host. We've seen celebrities like Barbara Walters, dressed like a Muslim woman while on investigative tours of Arab countries. The wearing of traditional clothes by visitors to African and Asian countries is not an unusual occurrence so why has the Obama photo caused such a stir. It is entirely due to the intent of the action of posting the photo on the web. The intent was to take a harmless, common action and turn it into a smear.

What the Hilary Clinton campaign has done, by reportedly releasing this photo, is to show intolerance and ignorance relative to cultural norms and practices. Not all Africans who were robes and turbans are Muslims. Turbans and robes are not an exclusive religious garb. It is in fact, traditional clothing in most African nations, whether or not they are Muslims. Kenya, has a diverse population, the majority of whom are Christians. In fact it is reported that a mere 10% of the population practices the Muslim faith. Should African Americans now be afraid of wearing traditional African clothing in the United States for fear of being called a "Muslim"? Is being a Muslim now something to be ashamed of? Isn't the United States a country of One People One nation One Destiny and a melting pot of various cultures and religions?

All these questions cause me to marvel at the intent of placing a photo of Obama in African clothing on the Internet. While I see nothing unusual about this particular photo. It is an action that not only reflects intolerance of other cultures, but also smacks of a hint of racism. Should Hilary Clinton become President, how will she explain this action to Muslims, African Americans and the African nations as a whole?

So will a photo of Obama wearing traditional African clothing, cause his supporters to fear he is a terrorist? Please. It will show a candidate who is in tune with the people whether he is in the United States or abroad. It will expose the depths to which Obama's political opponents are prepared to sink in the hope of recapturing a disintegrating campaign.

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