I’ll keep this short. Maybe.
I think it’s important, as Obama himself said, to remember that this man getting elected doesn’t change anything in terms of our economy, the war, terrorism, and other major issues that confront our country. I firmly believe Obama will be a harbinger of change for those matters, but it’s going to take a lot of work from everyone to get it done.
But on the matter of the color of Obama’s skin: change has been delivered.
Even if Barack Obama fails to be a successful President (and I don’t believe he will), his very election suggests that we, as a nation, have once and for all moved past our deplorable history of slavery and racism in the most symbolic of ways. That doesn’t mean there is no racism — of course there is, and there may always be — but as a country, we can now stand up and say, “we’re past all that.” And when we tell kids of all races, “in this country, you can be anything you want to be,” we can finally say it with conviction.
What exactly this means to African Americans and other minorities in America is something us white people can not, and should never pretend to, understand. But one thing is certain: the colored faces I saw on TV last night were overwhelmed in a way I’ve never seen before. Perhaps excepting the Emancipation Proclamation, this is the most significant positive moment in the history of race relations in our country.
We just elected a black man President of the United States. Not only that, but the particular black man we elected exudes a real sense of Americanism and has captured the imagination of our country more than anyone in my lifetime, and perhaps quite a bit longer than that.
It’s true, last night’s victory was only the first small step in taking this nation where we want it to go. But, make no mistake about it: change has already been delivered. And if you don’t believe that, just look in the eyes of the next African American you see.
I concur!
Jeff, it’s more appropriate nowadays to call them “African-American” or “black”. Just letting you know.
Matt, I’m not sure if you were joking or not. If so, it was funny. :)
If not, I certainly know it’s uncool to call African American’s “colored people,” but that’s not at all what I did. I said I saw “colored faces” on TV. I wasn’t referring to black folks’ faces specifically, but rather faces of all colors (especially those which aren’t white).
I assure you, I’m ridiculously politically correct when it comes to matters of race. :)
Yeah, it was a joke. :) Carry on.
i too concur. well said.
well said Jeff. Very well said. I couldn’t agree with you more on this short post.
As a non-american, I’d just like to say this was a pleasant surprise for me, congrats!
Well said, Jeff. It’s quite remarkable that Obama has indeed captured the imagination of so many, especially so many who have typically not been interested in politics or voting.
Yes, well said, Jeff. Thanks for your perspective.
From an African American point of view. Yes change has come. But…
“as a nation, have once and for all moved past our deplorable history of slavery and racism in the most symbolic of ways.”
I have to agree and disagree there. As a nation? Yes. But we are a nation of individuals. Individuals with at times very bigoted and racist opinions. So I’m not sure if you can say as a whole we have moved past, but as a majority we have indeed. But since we are a democracy, a majority is just a good I suppose.
The euphoria from last night has passed and I am now filled with pride and hope. My excitement is only calmed by my fear, for Obama and our country.
“And when we tell kids of all races, “in this country, you can be anything you want to be,” we can finally say it with conviction.”
I’ve heard this said a lot over the past few months and don’t like it. It points to a clear flaw in our thinking, in my opinion. That it requires some one to prove us right before we believe it ourselves. I’ve always believed anything is possible. So my conviction won’t change, but perhaps the my son or daughter will then listen to these words with more hope and less cynicism.
Over all though, yes. Change has been delivered, but there has been a lot of change needed. Change that is currently stuck in traffic. This piece is long over due, Obama now needs to clear the road ahead and deliver the remaining pieces of change to our lives. War, economic, global image, and over all moral.
2 unsolicited cents, aeb { sr }
Hear hear.
I’ll confess to a level of cynicism right up until about this time yesterday when I heard the following in Obama’s acceptance speech: “It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.”.
Now there are a number of words in that sentence that are so marginalised as to pretty much never be spoken in public life in any country I have ever lived in. To hear them coming from the mouth of the President Elect of the United States in such a “let’s just cut the crap shall we” kind of way, all but brought a tear to this (jaded) eye :)
Good luck guys - we’ll all probably need it, as always.
Well said. America is well on the way to shrugging the status of global laughing stock and taking back the respect of the world.
I think it was definitely the right decision, but try not to get carried away guys.
He’s got a big smile, sticking out ears. He speaks well in public and has all the right sound bites but his policies are vague … it’s like you’ve got a black Tony Blair!
Good luck with that.
I’m totally with you on trying not to get carried away about his policies and politics.
But the fact that he’s a black President of the Unites States of America? You better believe I’ll get carried away about that.
Deep thoughts from a guy who doesn’t vote.
Very cool! Thanks for the info.
Hi DAZ: I find you are quite pessimist. I think a little bit sympathy can help the USA too to get a better a better political image by the others world countries. I find it fine that Oboma smiles, good speaks etc. A bit change on the soft-skill side cannot be bad!
i’m not in love with this shot by the way. i love that he’s looking at me and showing his rays support but my pale boy’s color was way off so b&w; it is.
Obama´s first job will be to repair the diplomaty relationships to other states in the world. I think he is on the best way!
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Great post Jeff, Obama signifies that America has changed and will hopefully mend a lot of it’s negative relations with other countries.
Obama being elected does stand as a great day of equality in America, no-matter how his term performance goes, although frankly it would be hard to be worse than the last administration..
Thanks for the info and the comments!! Greenting from Germany!
Jeff, thanks for this interessing post. HAVE a nice DAY!!
Hi Jeff, we in Germany have great confidence in Obama, he is a good person and certainly a good president.
hey jeff, thx for lot of information…great stuff. well done.
Obama makes a very goog job!!
It´s a pity, that this cruel financial crisis must fall in Obamas mandate. His foreign policy is quite succesful but he can failure in home affairs.
So far, I’ve not been impressed with Obama at all. He’s completely focused on the wrong issues, and even those he is focused on, are poorly being executed. I hope things change fast.
Great Info. Thanks
Hello,
with Obama America and the rest of the world can only win.
As everybody can see he is willing to initiate some major reforms like the health insurance. Good for the people and good for a stable society.
I feel like the author is doing when I see Obama in TV. It’s a kind of fascination.
Hello,
with Obama America and the rest of the world can only win.
As everybody can see he is willing to initiate some major reforms like the health insurance. Good for the people and good for a stable society.
I feel like the author is doing when I see Obama in TV. It’s a kind of fascination.
I think Obama is one of the best presidents USA has ever had…