Based on Barack Obama’s comments this week the “typical white person” thinks that an encounter with a person of a different race on the street represents a threatening situation. I guess this means I’m not a typical white person, because I have never had a thought like that. In fact let me share an experience. Two years ago I found myself (along with my wife) walking the streets of downtown Baltimore. We wandered through town looking for photo opportunities without any care in the world except enjoying our time. Then suddenly a black man approached us and asked if we were “from out of town.” I answered in the positive and returned to taking a picture of a building across the road. This same man then made a statement from behind me, “You know, today’s my birthday.” I turned to him and responded cordially, “That’s great, happy birthday.” To which he grabbed my arm and inquired, “Are you going to give me a birthday present?”

OK, pause here at this moment because it was in this instant when I began to get nervous! And no I was not nervous, not even a little, until this point. I was not worried about the fact that he was black. I was not worried about the fact that he was talking to me. I was not even nervous about the fact that he was a stranger well within a normal space bubble (remember he was touching my arm). The problem I had in this situation is when I perceived an actual threat, namely this man’s behavior. I am sorry, but this is where I drew the line and defensive instincts came out. I immediately positioned myself between my wife and the man and motioned to my wife to begin walking away. The man persisted by pulling me towards an open door that he claimed was a “church” and I could “pray for [him]” inside. It felt like a life-threatening situation based on this man’s behavior. I say again, this man’s behavior is what caused my uneasiness, not the color of his skin.

So now take this scenario and look at Barack Obama’s comments this week. Based on Barack Obama’s words, the “typical white person” would feel threatened in this situation because the man was black. Sorry Barack but you just don’t get it. The picture you have in your mind of what a “typical white person” thinks is what your grandmother thinks, not the rest of us. Or perhaps because you have caucasian ancestors you feel you can speak for the rest of caucasians? Have you looked in a mirror lately? You’re not caucasian nor can you speak for us. Now why don’t you start telling us what the “typical black person” thinks and perhaps your opinion will actually mean something. I can’t believe millions of Americans think this guy would actually be a good President. I mean this guy is making race an issue when I thought most of us are already well beyond it. When do we all get to consider ourselves equal Americans rather than making the color of our skin a political issue? Good grief.