What lessons can British policy makers learn from the election of the first black President?
Perhaps they would be wise to take heed of what Senator Obama did not do. He did not concern himself with the politics of representation. He did not seek to ‘speak’ for a particular group of people. The politics of the new Democrats extends beyond consultation exercises and gimmicky initiatives tinkering with the symptoms, and not the causes, of social exclusion.
All our political parties would do well to use this time to reflect on what they stand for. True equality will only come through empowerment, and empowerment requires our leaders to engage with the needs, concerns, and rights of ordinary people. If our leaders hear but don’t listen, the various strategies proudly set up by governing bodies to allow representatives from different groups to be consulted on policies are at best ineffective and at worst conducive to undeserved self-satisfaction.
And that is why we do not need to be naïve to believe that the election of Barack Obama is a victory for equality in America. Black people are still three times more likely to be unemployed, women more likely to be underpaid, and the children of poor parents more likely to be on minimum wage. Instead, the real victory for equality is not that America voted in a black President, but that a politician, any politician, found the humanity and spirit to connect with ordinary voters. The real triumph is the electrifying reinvigoration of American politics. The real symbol of the American election is not Mr Obama, but those people who voted for the first time, inspired by the prospect for change.
JOIN THE COMPACT VOICE NATIONAL NETWORK at http://compact.ning.com
Compact Voice have launched a nationwide survey to explore the views of the sector on the future of the Compact. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Compact and ensure is it as relevant and powerful as possible. With the national Compact entering its tenth year, now is the right time to explore the Compact, build on its successes and tackle its failings. Compact Voice urge everyone in the sector to respond.
Download the information pack, “Framing the Debate” at www.compactvoice.org.uk
Fill in the questionnaire at
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/compactquestionnaire before 10th November
Stefan
What lessons can British policy makers learn from the election of the first black President?
Perhaps they would be wise to take heed of what Senator Obama did not do. He did not concern himself with the politics of representation. He did not seek to ‘speak’ for a particular group of people. The politics of the new Democrats extends beyond consultation exercises and gimmicky initiatives tinkering with the symptoms, and not the causes, of social exclusion.
All our political parties would do well to use this time to reflect on what they stand for. True equality will only come through empowerment, and empowerment requires our leaders to engage with the needs, concerns, and rights of ordinary people. If our leaders hear but don’t listen, the various strategies proudly set up by governing bodies to allow representatives from different groups to be consulted on policies are at best ineffective and at worst conducive to undeserved self-satisfaction.
And that is why we do not need to be naïve to believe that the election of Barack Obama is a victory for equality in America. Black people are still three times more likely to be unemployed, women more likely to be underpaid, and the children of poor parents more likely to be on minimum wage. Instead, the real victory for equality is not that America voted in a black President, but that a politician, any politician, found the humanity and spirit to connect with ordinary voters. The real triumph is the electrifying reinvigoration of American politics. The real symbol of the American election is not Mr Obama, but those people who voted for the first time, inspired by the prospect for change.
JOIN THE COMPACT VOICE NATIONAL NETWORK at http://compact.ning.com
Stefan
Compact Voice have launched a nationwide survey to explore the views of the sector on the future of the Compact. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Compact and ensure is it as relevant and powerful as possible. With the national Compact entering its tenth year, now is the right time to explore the Compact, build on its successes and tackle its failings. Compact Voice urge everyone in the sector to respond.
Download the information pack, “Framing the Debate” at www.compactvoice.org.uk
Fill in the questionnaire at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/compactquestionnaire before 10th November