America’s First Oval-Fingernail-Shape President

Dear Mr. Rudd,

I believe that today, when you described the victory of Senator Obama, your use of the quote from Martin Luther King was in poor judgement. The day that people are “not judged by the colour of their skin, but on the content of their character” has not come, and I don’t believe that this concept has been demonstrated in this election.

I would like to believe it, but whenever I turn on the television I am met with news of “America’s first black President”. Barack Obama is half white, yet we are not hearing about “America’s first half-black President” or even “America’s first half-white President”. The title is not a statement of fact, but a distortion of fact based on judgement of appearance. This may not be racism, but it is discrimination. It is recognition that the colour of Senator Obama’s skin is significant, and if this is true, it is one that may in future be turned on its head.

I believe the day that Martin Luther King described is a day where racism is as insignificant as fingernail shape. I look forward to the day where distinction based upon race is regarded as ludicrous.

Yours,
Citizen Pretzelis.