Dreams From My Father-Post 1

Before reading this book, I was not aware of how much I did not know about my President. I knew little of his background, little of his heritage. To be introduced to Obama's siblings from Kenya really sheds light on his roots, how they intertwine the United States and Kenya. This book presents Obama at an angle from which the reader may view him with a very admirable and at times sympathetic perception. Obama is out to protect the common man, to save the suffering, to rescue the impoverished. It is obvious that Obama feels connected to these people, feels that he has a part to play in their well-being. In my reading, I paid special attention to the part in which Obama and a young mother named Sadie attempt to confront a housing association about a possible asbestos problem. It is evident that the housing people do not want to spend their time or money on the issue, and try to persuade the mother and her fellow young mothers to ignore the problem. They end up hosting a rally in which they invite the director of their housing association. The spokeswoman, Linda, another young mother, publicly interviews the director. She doesn't allow him to speak, except for yes or no answers. The director does not want to comply with this method of communication and he leaves. Before Obama can intervene, the crowd erupts in an uproar. Mrs. Reece says to Obama, "See what you done! This is what happens when you try to get these young folks involved. Embarrassed the whole Gardens, on TV and everything. White folks seeing us act like a bunch of niggars! Just like they expect!" (245-246). These words are very interesting to me. Obama set out to be an "organizer," a very broad term, and a very ambitious term. He wishes to help those who are oppressed by providing them guidance to organize themselves into proactive groups, striving for some sort of chance. Obama watched as these young mothers, for the first time in their lives, took initiative to change their conditions. However, the situation proved to be a bit overwhelming for them. Their effort turned into them acting "like a bunch of niggars." In this sentence the word "niggar" has a negative connotation. It suggests that the white people will see them just messing up again, unable to take a serious attitude towards themselves. Of course this isn't true. It's sad that their efforts had to be seen as a joke.