Joy and revelation

Re “For black men, a redefining moment?,” Nov. 12

I am a black man. How do I feel, now that this country refused to make race the defining factor in electing Obama? There aren’t enough words to express the depth of my joy. How much time do I spend hoping that the new president will make those who are not black respect me more? Not one second.

Racism has never been my problem. It has always been the problem of those who stop at the color of my skin when they make judgments about me. I have learned that hoping such people wake up is a waste of time.

Many, including the millions of people not of color who voted for Obama, recognize that race is just one facet of a person, among many. As the president-elect continues to let his God-given talents shine, perhaps the vision of those stuck on race will broaden. But it is not his job to make that happen, and it is a waste of time for black men to hope that he will.

Samuel A. Peters

Los Alamitos

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Recently, a white friend of mine invited me, a black man with shoulder-length locks, to a Sunday Los Angeles Philharmonic concert. We decided to meet for lunch beforehand. As we were leaving, my friend overheard a white boy of about 4 or 5 years old say, “Look mommy, there goes Barack Obama!”

I think it is probably safe to say that that was the first time in American history that a black man with locks was mistaken for the president-elect of the United States of America.

For black men, a redefining moment? I would answer yes -- for one black man and one little white boy.

Wiley J. Brown

Marina del Rey