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source: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/
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source: www.obama.senate.gov


"SPRINGFIELD -- Senator Barack Obama Saturday launched "an improbable quest" to become America's first black president, brazenly claiming the mantle of Abraham Lincoln, the US icon who ended slavery. "
- Source: http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070210-121014-4339r

Two years ago, when I was in secondary one, I remembered reading a book about racism, titled "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry". Even with the abolishment of slave trade, Americans discriminated against the Negroes.

Years later however, black Americans took a step forward to get themselves involved in the society and be recognised for who they were and not what they are. I can still recall vividly the newspaper article about the death of an Australian sprinter, Peter Norman, who took part in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. He became part of a memorable and significant moment in history that took place during that very event.

That event was to become a milestone in America's civil rights movement several years later. It happened after the two-hundred metres finals, involving two black Americans, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who were both prize-winners. On the podium during the prize ceremony, both black American athletes raised their black-glove-covered fists in the air to represent black power and unity in black America.(top picture)

Although, actions as such are of no great significance now, it certainly caused a lot of uproar back then, even to the point of both black athletes facing death threats. In addition, both of them were suspended from their national team after their bold protest.

I personally feel that it took immense courage for them to have done so, and if it was not for their daring acts, the movement of America's civil rights might have been far less great.

Now, however, America's civil rights have progressed and have even allowed for black Americans to take part in political activities. A great example is Barack Obama's presidential election that occurred just this year. He is also currently serving the United States Senate.(bottom picture)

It has come to my attention that racism is also still present in Singapore. One case is that of the Singaporean who posted racist remarks on his blog. Even though freedom of speech is practised in many countries now, we must ensure that it is not being abused. We have to be responsible for our own actions and not say things that could cause potential conflicts. However, due to the actions taken on these racists, I must commend Singapore's government for being extra sensitive to such issues, which is essential to Singapore's growth as a multiracial country.

Frankly speaking, as you are reading this, ask yourselves whether you are also involved with racist acts of such. Do any of you still remember the 1964 race riots? Do you know how many casualties there were in that particular year because of the riots? Just to refresh your memories, 36 people were killed, 556 injured, and an estimated 3000 people were arrested.

Each one of us has a part to play in making the society racists-free. We should never say anything insensitive to other races in a moment of folly. Therefore, I am urging those of you reading this blog to say "NO" to racism.


Source:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=obama&id=257849