What Obama's Election Really Means to Black America

The article “What Obama’s Election Really Means to Black America”, by Steven Gray, explains that Obama’s election was a breakthrough of African Americans into higher-level politics. This is a breakthrough because of America’s past. Even ten years ago, for example, many people could not even think of an African American winning “a national party’s ticket and then compete[ing] effectively” (Argument! 311). America’s past of slavery, segregation, and judgment made it easy for the white population to doubt that it would ever happen. The article is summed up with its quote saying: “Our country is showing its forward evolution, that the color of one’s skin cannot inhibit one’s ability, and that’s worthy of celebration” (Argument! 312).

Obama’s color is worthy of celebration, I agree, but are we really ready to embrace so many negative impacts in exchange for the color of a person’s skin?

I understand that there are pros and cons to every debate. Every law that is passed will benefit 

someone, but it is sacrificing another area. For example, ObamaCare has many pros and cons.                    

ObamaCare allows tens of millions of uninsured people to get access to affordable health insurance. However, new taxes must be passed to pay for these. Most of the people taxed are not the uninsured; thus, they are paying for someone else’s health insurance.

“Small businesses can get tax credits for up to 50% of theiremployees health insurance premium costs.” However, many businesses have cut employee hours because in 2015, businesses with over 50 full time employees must provide health coverage. This results in the loss of many jobs.

82% of uninsured adults will qualify for free or low cost insurance. This is great, but young people tend to not need coverage as often as older Americans. Also, if they actually do need it, it is encouraging people to not pay for their own insurance so that they qualify for free insurance.

These are a few pros and cons. It benefits some people, but is negative to many others.

Obama also failed to regulate big banks, such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigorup, and Wells Fargo. They are now bigger than they were before the financial crisis of 2007-2008. People working for banks make incredible profits, while ordinary Americans (the majority of Americans) continue to struggle. 

These are just a few things that President Obama has done. His actions have allowed certain people to flourish, while dooming the average American person.

Isn’t this what it means to Black America, too? Yes, it is a huge breakthrough that a Black American has won the presidency. But is that really important if the same Black Americans are the average citizens that continue to struggle?

Obama’s election for Black America was nothing more than a symbol that failed to carry through with actions.

That is not worthy of celebration.