America's Racial and Gender Readiness for Leadership

Is the United States truly prepared to elect leaders of diverse backgrounds, or is it a constant struggle for minorities and women to rise to positions of power? This article explores the readiness of the nation for a black president, a woman president, or a colored woman president, and the resultant response to such leadership.

The Virulent Response to Obama

The nation might be on the cusp of another first – a black president, but this time, it's a woman! We have already had one so why is there still resistance? The reality is, America was not and never has been fully ready for a black president. The virulent response to President Barack Obama was unexpected, and it had a stark impact on the political landscape, but it is time to move past it.

Is it possible we were not ready for a black president? Yes and no. While some argue that President Obama was a mediocre candidate, refusing to recognize his accomplishments and the hard work he put in for the nation would be disingenuous. However, it is undeniable that a significant portion of the country was and still is not ready for a black president. The persistent myths and disbelief in Obama's legitimacy, as evidenced by the birther movement, highlight the deep-seated racism that exists in our society.

The election of a birther to the presidency itself is a testament to the power of such ideas. It shows that despite Obama's achievements, there was still a portion of the population that was not ready to see a black man succeed in such a high-stakes role. This was a critical period in American history, and it had lasting consequences, setting the stage for the rise of Donald Trump, who won the presidency despite many observers predicting a different outcome based on the lingering skepticism towards Obama.

Moving Forward Despite Resistance

It is clear that integrating the concept of a diverse leadership requires more than just waiting for people to change their minds. A full shift in societal attitudes cannot be expected overnight, and sometimes, you have to take the next step even if it seems too soon. Integrating diverse leadership is a necessity, not a luxury. Sadly, some individuals will never be ready, and we must find ways to move forward despite their resistance.

The challenge is not merely racial, but also includes gender. Historically, the path to political power for women has been fraught with barriers. The same hesitations and biases exist that hold back women in leadership, whether in corporate boardrooms or political arenas. While a black president is a significant milestone, a colored woman president would be an even greater leap forward, and yet, she has to overcome not just racial prejudices, but also gender biases.

Qualifications vs. Perception

One commentator argued that the US was not ready for a poorly prepared affirmative action candidate with mediocre intelligence and lack of experience. Instead, they suggested that we were ready for leaders like Colin Powell, who had earned his position through merit and experience. This argument overlooks the achievements of President Obama, who was not only a seasoned lawyer and academic but also a grassroots activist and a State Senator prior to his presidency.

President Obama's admission to Harvard Law Review and his experience as a national senator in Illinois demonstrate that his qualifications were far from mediocre. Labeling him as unprepared is not only unfair but also dismisses the hard work and dedication he showed throughout his career. It also overlooks the fact that many qualified individuals, regardless of their race or gender, are excluded from political leadership due to systemic barriers and opportunities.

While it is crucial to evaluate the qualifications of candidates, it is equally important to recognize the systemic hurdles that prevent diverse candidates from rising to power. Colin Powell, for example, did have a diverse background and a proven track record, but he was an outlier in many ways, and not everyone can hope to achieve the same level of recognition and opportunity.

It is clear that the election of a black president and a woman president, despite the resistance, is a step in the right direction. While Obama and other black leaders have done much to challenge biases and create new pathways for future generations, there is still a long way to go in terms of racial and gender equality in leadership. Moving forward requires a concerted effort to dismantle systemic barriers and to elect candidates who represent the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our nation.

Conclusion: Moving Past Racial and Gender Bias

In conclusion, the readiness of the United States for a black president, a woman president, or a colored woman president is not just about overcoming immediate resistance but about continuing to progress as a society. The virulent reactions to Obama and other minority leaders highlight the deep-seated biases that still exist. However, the important thing is to recognize these biases, acknowledge them, and work towards a more inclusive and fair political landscape. We can never wait for everyone to be ready because some people will never be. But we can and must continue to push for progress towards a more equitable and representative leadership.