First - my disclaimer...I could never possibly claim to understand how big of a deal this new president is to African-Americans. But since it is all I bring to the table, this is the perspective of a white American female of only 33 years old. Please keep that in mind...

By the shear amazement of so many in the media of this new president-of-a-different-color, I have had to ask myself, genuinely, "What's the big deal?" Not because I don't believe it is a big deal. But because I don't like to take things lightly or at face value.

For those who have lived much longer than me, I can somewhat (in my tiny little mind) try to imagine that this would be MONUMENTAL. But for me, a product of the 80's and what I considered a mostly-integrated society, it just wasn't THAT tremendous. Why? Because I'm insensitive? No. I think I'm very sensitive and thoughtful, particularly towards those with differing opinions than my own.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that the only reason (again, in my tiny little mind) that anyone would think this is so huge is because they are genuinely surprised that we could have a black president. I guess I just am not surprised. I always knew it was possible, feasible, and likely. 

Let me explain a little better...

I have always been exposed to successful, proud African-Americans who made something of themselves. And in my generation, I don't think I'm all that unique. I grew up on the Cosby Show. The valedictorian of my high school graduating class was black. The team leader of my first foreign mission trip was black...actually, he was REALLY African, a Nigerian. 

I guess my "white bread" world has always been "multi-grain bread" (forgive the terrible metaphor!), so I am very fortunate. I understand that not everyone has had this privilege. But I believe that my generation, the 30-somethings, who never really saw the civil rights movement and the great atrocities committed towards those with more melanin in their skin - is truly post-racial with very few exceptions.