Can A Barack Obama Exist In Canada?

 

The United States presidential election is receiving attention from the media across the planet. The United States is the only superpower in the world. I think Barack Obama is an amazing man regardless of tomorrow’s result because he believes in himself. I wonder though why would Barack Obama want to become the president of the United States? I ask this question because I wonder about his family? I think Obama’s family time may be compromised in relation to politics.

I have been wondering though can a Barack Obama exist in Canada? Could it be possible for a black man to become the Prime Minister of Canada? Sadly the the answer right now I believe is no. Although the people of colour population in Canada is only 16% or about 5 million people out of 31 million I am not so sure.

Also whenever people of colour bring up the discussion of “race” in Canada the popular statement from the majority is “if you don’t like it here why don’t you move to America?” What is wrong with asking questions though? There are aspects of American culture I do not like such as the health care system, the racism, the violence, and legal system I can go on and on.

However, one thing I do like about America is the fact that I believe there are opportunities for blacks to really reach the top. Of course I have decisions to make in my own life but the more I think about it I think America despite its faults is a great nation.

Although Canada claims to be a multicultural nation in terms of the power structure  Canada is still white dominated. I also believe in America that Americans are more likely to be open in forming a dialogue around the issue of racism.  I think it is going to take a few more generations before we see real change in Canada. Also, in Canada most people of colour tend to live in urban areas and not in rural areas.

 For instance, in the city of Toronto the people of colour population is 52% however the mayor of Toronto is always white and the police chief of Toronto is always a white male. Most of the  top editors at the Canadian newspapers are mostly whites as well. The news is still from a Eurocentric perspective from a “white gaze” looking at the other.

 The Canadian media and pop culture is saturated with white Canadian cultural references as well. Although there are writers of colour in Canada making a splash many of these writers are old fossils that follow the status quo. Even in terms of politics the multicultural media in Toronto doesn’t take the mythical norm to task enough and there is an acquiescence as well.

Link: NPR Tell Me More Talks About Jennifer Hudson Tragedy, & about Black Women Dating & Marrying Ex Cons

 Today on the African American radio program NPR’s “Tell Me More”  host Michel Martin she talks to black feminists about the Jennifer Hudson tragedy. One question people are wondering is why did Jennifer’s older sister Julia Hudson marry an ex con William Balfour? William Balfour was convicted of attempted murder and he served seven years in prison.  Was Julia Hudson desperate for love?  My goodness William Balfour was charged with posession of cocaine this year as well. Today’s show talks about a sensitive topic about black women dating and marrying ex cons.

Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96490746