My name is Shawn Brown. I chose this image for numerous reasons. In this picture, I see a man full of love, grace, and a desire to lead people. I also observe a man repressing several emotions to remain joyful in the face of adversity by way of racism. I have had similar experiences and sentiments as a Principal. I in no way can relate to the level of scrutiny that he must have endured. As a Black man, we are under surveillance at all times. There is no way of being that will satisfy the desires of the masses. His compassion is considered a weakness. When he is passionate or focused on a specific goal he’s deemed to be dangerous. When positioned in such a restrictive manner one is left to surrender and smile. I see a sense of surrender and silent determination. Grinning is a universal symbol used as a defensive mechanism for many Black men. Barry also understood the rules of engagement for holding the world’s most important position. This image encourages me to remain resilient in the face of trials.
Hi Shawn:
Though I am not religious in any way, I have always found the concept of grace to be mysterious. How you weave it into a powerful force against systemic oppression is compelling, and then how that force needs also to contend with facade (the smile which is both genuine and defensive) and how, as you write, compassion is turned into a weakness when it is really the building block of a better world and possibility. It is interesting to me that the image we see of Obama is so often with that smile that you read as burdened by the whole history of racism in this country as it surely is.Your referring to Obama as “Barry,” as your brother and friend, demonstrates how you share the same skin metaphorically, how you know what it is to walk in his shoes. This is an incredibly rich area for research, though you don’t indicate that this is what your research focus is. In class you also said that others who are oppressed and seen as less than fully human (you mentioned women) also shared some of this same experience and so could relate. Do you want your project to give strength and comfort to those who walk with you down these dehumanizing paths, or do you want to evoke that feeling for others who may not “get it.” The two objectives are not mutually exclusive. Are you thinking about researching the images of Obama that are circulated on line, or the images of Black men smiling? Are you thinking of involving others in your research project?