We name all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons. I named my children because of their name’s meaning: gift/God beholds, loved/God has given, and mighty in Spirit. I have named 4 cars: Winnie, Sophie, Clare, and Ruth…all names that mean something to me. My dog’s name is Abby, after Abby Wambach (love her). Besides children and cars we name boats, streets, cities, parks, schools, etc. We name these things with names that mean something to us and/or other people.
Naming something is kind of a big deal. Sometimes a name, that made sense when it was given, doesn’t fit anymore and we need to change it…update it. So here’s the elephant in our country (or one of them) the “White House”…I suppose I could really stop here because a needed name change should be obvious…but I won’t. Until 1901 the term “Executive Manson” was used to refer to the President’s residence. In 1901 Theodore Roosevelt officially changed the name to the “White House.” President Roosevelt believed that the name “White House” would clearly distinguish the President’s residence from any other residence.
When the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were drafted it was by white, male, wealthy, property owners. The rights and equality they envisioned was for white, male, wealthy, property owners…not convinced? Consider this, women could not vote until 1920 , after the passage of the 19th Amendment. The Equal Rights Amendment has yet to be passed. In 1870 the 14th Amendment declaring that the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Although this was passed in the 1800’s, it took the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before black people in the south actually registered to vote. The 14th Amendment was interpreted specifically so that it did not apply to Native Americans…the people native to this country could not vote and were not even citizens of this country until 136 years after the Constitution was ratified…136 years! Does that all not seem appallingly backwards?! The Constitution had to be AMENDED to allow women and black people the right to vote and Native Americans had to wait until 1924 before they could become citizens of their own country…let all that sink in for a minute….
Now I don’t think the name “White House” ever made sense because, who would live in the “White House”?…Well, white people of course. And who would be represented? Well, white people of course. But representation and equality is not the sole right of white, male, wealthy, property owners…although it still does seem that way. White men in the “White House” made sure white people had the best housing, the best property, the best jobs, the best schools, the best everything…and if those men didn’t have it they took it, just ask the surviving Native Americans and ancestors of Africans brought here as slaves.
I think the name “White House” needs to be changed…urgently. The very name suggests the same segregation as “whites only” water fountains. It seems blatantly racist and we all ignore it. Now I’m not sure what it should be changed to…I heard one politician call it the “People’s House” and that makes more sense. The President in that house is elected by the people and for the people…not just people who agree with him, and not just people he likes or who flatter him or stroke his ego. The leader in that “White House” represents all the people of this country.
Currently, the White House is surrounded by a huge fence, clearly designed to keep people out. It’s a message to peaceful protesters, tens of thousands of whom are black and brown, that they have no place in that house. And if the protesters get too close, or the President wants a photo-op, you will be tear gassed and shot at with rubber bullets. This President wants to engage the US military against THE PEOPLE! Seems safe to say he’s only representing a small portion of this country right now…it’s sad it’s even a small portion.
When President Obama was in the “White House” (that seems especially ironic) he worked to make it the “People’s House.” He worked to represent ALL the people regardless of what you look like, where you live, where you come from, what language you speak, where you work, how able you are, what you believe…the list could go on and on because he tried…it wasn’t perfection but the intention was inclusive…it was the closest we have come to non-discrimination…in my opinion…might have been closer if the Senate hadn’t fought everything positive he tried to do (that’s a discussion for another blog).
So here’s the thing…let’s take back the “White House” by naming it the “People’s House.” The house where all the people are represented equally. That may not be a pressing issue for a lot of people but it is to me…just the name of that house shouts the occupants intention of representing white people only…or white people as a priority. Former Vice President Biden has a hill to climb this election year. As a white man he must show that he will represent all the people. So far he has. He has spoken out against police brutality, he has visited the Floyd family and offered comfort, he has spoken to the nation sharing his empathy and concern…all this stands in contrast to the current resident of the “White House.” One of the ways he can demonstrate his commitment to all the people is by selecting a black woman to be his running mate…Kamala Harris. Bridge the growing divides in this country by embracing our diversity with this intelligent, experienced Senator from California. We are an aspirational country. Let’s strive once again to reach those aspirations…let’s rename the “White House” to the “People’s House”…for the people, by the people.
And remember Compassion First…especially now when emotions are running high, and justifiably so. Let’s build connections not divisions.
Kai Raines 