Depth of Character
When we are writing fictional characters we are told to make them real, by making them more than one-dimensional.  A character who is bad and has no redeeming qualities may work in fiction up to a point, but when we want some kind of lasting depth to the story, we need to recognize that even the bad guy is a hero in his own story.  We don't have to agree with his motives or fully understand his reasoning, but simply knowing that the character does things for a reason is enough to give them depth. 

So, why do we try to ignore that in real life?  Senator Obama says that Rev. Wright is characterized by so much more than those few statements that are being played by the media.  He feeds the hungry and generally helps others in need.  But many of the pundits continue to tell us that Senator Obama must reject Rev. Wright, not just the statements, but the man himself.  But you can only do that if you believe those few statements define the man, and Senator Obama has already assured us that they don't.

Back in the 90's I attended a couple of Promise Keeper events, where Christian men came together and encouraged each other to a masculine approach to their faith.  I must honestly admit that I didn't come away with a whole lot of new insight.  I believe all of us, men and women have characteristics that can be defined as feminine and masculine and we need to work effectively with what we have, what God has given us.  I've never been a "manly man" and am perfectly comfortable with what that means.  Manly men get together and talk about football over beer.  I'd rather talk about the future of humanity over a bottle of water. But, one of the things that Promise Keepers pushed quite a bit was the need in this country for racial healing.  It recognized the biblical pronouncement that the sins of the father are visited upon the children for up to nine generations.  The consequences of the enslavement and degradation of a race of people does not end when the next generation comes along and says they aren't going to do that anymore.  We have created two separate realities and it will take a lot of work from future generations on both sides to bridge the gap. 

So, when I read the full transcript of Senator Obama's recent speech, it literally brought tears to my eyes.  It is simply the finest statement on race from a politician that I've ever seen.  He is standing in the gap and sees both realities, and knows that abandoning one side for the other will never bring the two sides together.  His approach is ultimately Christian, demonstrating forgiveness and love for one another, as we've been instructed to do.  And yet, I don't see the outspoken "religious right" flocking to his cause.  If Bill Clinton was bad for the country because of his moral failings, then shouldn't they be supporting the candidate with the highest moral integrity?  I suspect (but have no proof) that this is where Senator Obama is getting the majority of his cross-over from the "other side". 

It's my hope that over time, this country will abandon its obsessive desire for politicians that can be portrayed as one-dimensional caricatures, but we're going to have to find our own depth of character to get there.