The Resurgence of Racism in America Post Obama Unpacking the Hidden Truths of a Nation's Struggle

The election of Barack Obama as the first Black president of the United States marked a historic moment. Many believed it signaled a turning point for America, a step toward healing deep racial wounds. Yet, beneath the surface, old tensions simmered. After Obama’s presidency, racism did not fade away as some hoped. Instead, it reemerged with renewed intensity, revealing a nation still grappling with its past and struggling to move forward.

Historic courthouse steps symbolizing America's legal struggles with race

A History of Oppression in America

To understand the resurgence of racism after Obama, it is essential to look back at America’s long history of racial oppression. From the brutal system of slavery to the Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation, racial inequality has been deeply embedded in the country’s social and political fabric. Even after the civil rights movement of the 1960s, which brought significant legal changes, systemic racism persisted in many forms.

The legacy of slavery and segregation created structural barriers that limited opportunities for Black Americans in education, housing, employment, and voting rights. These barriers were not just historical footnotes; they shaped generations and created disparities that remain visible today.

America’s Desire to Move Past Its History

Barack Obama’s presidency inspired hope that America was ready to confront and overcome its racial divisions. His election was seen by many as proof that the country had entered a “post-racial” era. This belief suggested that racial issues were becoming less relevant, and that America could finally move beyond its troubled past.

However, this optimism overlooked the deep-seated anger and resentment that still existed beneath the surface. For some, Obama’s presidency challenged long-held beliefs about race and power, stirring fears and hostility. The idea that racism was “over” ignored the lived experiences of many Black Americans who continued to face discrimination and inequality daily.

The Hidden Anger and Persistent Racism

Racism in America never truly died; it was often hidden or expressed in coded ways. The election of a Black president exposed these tensions, revealing a nation divided. Some individuals and groups openly resisted the changes Obama represented, while others expressed their anger through more subtle means.

This hidden anger found expression in various ways, including the rise of white nationalist groups and increased racial polarization in politics. The backlash against Obama’s presidency showed that many Americans were not ready to fully embrace racial equality or confront the country’s history honestly.

What Happened After Obama’s Presidency

After Obama left office, the country witnessed a sharp increase in visible racism and racial tensions. The election of Donald Trump in 2016, with his often divisive rhetoric, emboldened some to express racist views openly. This period saw a rise in hate crimes and public displays of racial hostility.

One of the most troubling developments was the increase in police brutality against Black Americans. High-profile cases such as the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and later George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and brought renewed attention to systemic racism in law enforcement. These incidents highlighted how deeply racism was embedded in institutions meant to protect all citizens equally.

Close-up of a protest sign demanding justice during a racial justice march

The Rise of Police Brutality and Open Racism

Police brutality became a symbol of the ongoing racial struggle in America. The use of excessive force against Black individuals, often caught on video, sparked outrage and calls for reform. These events revealed the gap between the ideal of equal justice and the reality many Black Americans face.

Open racism also became more visible in public discourse. Social media amplified voices that had long been marginalized, but it also gave a platform to hate speech and misinformation. The polarization of society made it harder to find common ground or engage in meaningful conversations about race.

Moving Forward: Facing the Nation’s Struggle

America’s struggle with racism is far from over. The post-Obama era has shown that progress is fragile and that old wounds can reopen quickly. To move forward, the country must confront its history honestly and address the systemic inequalities that persist.

This requires more than symbolic gestures; it demands concrete actions such as:

• Reforming the criminal justice system to eliminate racial bias

• Investing in education and economic opportunities for marginalized communities

• Promoting honest dialogue about race and history in schools and public spaces

• Holding institutions accountable for discriminatory practices

  
  

Only by acknowledging the hidden anger and persistent racism can America hope to build a more just and inclusive future.