AGEISM AND SEXISM AND RACISM…OH MY! – African American News and Issues
By: Shelley McKinley
In response to fear while walking through a dark forest Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow, said ‘Lions and tigers and bears… oh my!’ in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Today, many Americans feel like they are in a dark political forest and are calling for President Biden to step down out of fear of his memory loss, fear of his death while in office making Kamala Harris president, and /or the possibility of Donald Trump winning the presidential election. Some democrats and independents alike, are asking President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. In essence, the public outcry is ‘Ageism and sexism and racism…oh my!’
As baby boomers are getting older in this increasingly technological society, ageism is still an accepted prejudice in the USA. Age bias, rooted in stereotypes, has called into question President Biden’s cognitive abilities with the assumption that they will inevitably worsen with age throughout his second term if elected. His recent public performances have only provided sound bites that will be used against him. The fact still remains that Biden has a proven successful political track record, and has a team of advisors, spokespeople, and experts for domestic and foreign issues, so President Biden’s age should be a non-factor.
In a 2024 American Psychological Associa-tion (APA) interview, Joann Montepare, PhD, director of the Rose Mary B. Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts, stated, “Ageism is this odd ‘-ism’ in that it’s still socially acceptable in many ways. Aging is a very diverse process, and there are great differences between individuals.” Others fear that are fueling the call for President Biden to withdraw are sexism and racism. If the President cannot serve his full term, Vice President Kamala Harris would assume the role of president. “In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall be-come President,” Section 1 of the 25th Amendment reads. Th is last happened in 1974, when Vice President Gerald Ford replaced President Richard Nixon.
Vice President Harris, who identifies as Indian-American, attended Howard University and is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She uses those experiences to link herself to the African American community. If she were to ascend to the presidency, Harris would become the first woman and first Indian-American to hold the office. Therefore, VP Harris stands at the intersection of sexism and racism. Niki Haley, another Indian-American woman, recently lost the republican presidential primary to Trump, and is being ostracized by her party for taking him on. This is another example of sexism and racism, showing that party affiliation does not matter when it comes to minority women holding the highest office in the USA.
As we approach the 2024 Democratic National Convention where delegates of the United States Democratic Party will select the party’s nominees for president and vice president, democrats and independents are asking for an-other candidate so that they can avoid admitting their personal prejudices related to gender and race. With a presumably younger white man running against Trump, they can pretend that their personal prejudices toward women and minority populations do not exist.
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
