Obama is an American first, not just black

Racial discrepancies are one of the intangible and inextricable components of society. Whether skin color or ethnic background cost one a job opportunity or earned one a coveted space in the hub of acceptance, the connotations that are tied into the tangle of societal alliances can be tricky at best.

The same country that was forged by a war bent on settling the issue of how far principle could carry states into or out of a union still carries traces of bitterness. The distance of 145 years finds America in a much more forgiving position than the inequitable persona that subjugated every person that didn't fit the description of an innate utopian.

Yet with each bound forward, detractors are quick to lament the journey still ahead. Since the election of biracial Barack Obama, the subject of race is still a conversational route navigated with caution. Comments made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Harry Reid, and even Obama are public instances as to why race should remain a taciturn rejoinder when dealing with politics.

February is Black History Month, a celebration of black milestones and pioneers. Barack Obama received enormous support from the margins of black voters in the 2008 election, and the fact that he is more associated with his black lineage than his white ancestry has increased his rapport with the black community.

Yet high profile black politicians such as the constituents from the Congressional Black Caucus are growing increasingly frustrated with Obama's lack of a defined position on race. The New York Times has even reported that some members "threatened to oppose new financial rules for banks until the White House promised to address the needs of minority groups" back in December. In fact, Obama has so far maintained a rather impartial position on the meaning of race and his policy.

While this apathetic neutrality has proven to be an incendiary flaw in the opinions of some members of the black community, the stance of filtering out biased support based on race is actually a wise move. Obama is the President of the United States; he is the representative of all the American people, and as such, he cannot pander to one minority group without risking the danger of reprisal from the rest.

While an ABC poll found that blacks remain in 96 percent approval of Obama's performance, some believe that the number would be different if the question of was whether Obama is doing a good job for black Americans. Until recently, black leaders have been particularly sensitive in criticizing Obama, yet now they desire "teachable moments" and are less reluctant in voicing their frustration.

Obama has said, "I can't pass laws that say I'm just helping black folks. I'm the president of the United States. What I can do is make sure that I am passing laws that help all people, particularly those who are most vulnerable and most in need. That in turn is going to help lift up the African-American community."

Perhaps because of Obama's racial ties he has to be less candid and more scripted when it concerns racial priorities and responsibilities, but his actions insofar seem to emanate an abjured racial agenda. Obama cannot act as the Messiah for the black community, but he can act as a progenitor of a new generation that pursues racially conscious and constructive actions.

Yes, Obama may be considered a black president. However, his race is merely an attribute and not his defining character.