As I was on I-435 driving to work this morning, I noticed something I've never seen before (well at least in the morning). There was a rainbow in the sky - very vivid and bright. I thought to myself, "How fitting is that?!". The morning after America shocked the world with a historic decision, a rainbow was cast across the sky. For me, it was symbolic of hope that a new president will bring to this country.
Can you believe it? History has been made - the first black (bi-racial would be a better term) American has been elected as the president of the United States. All party affiliations set aside, you have to look at how historic this is for our nation. I have to admit that I did shed a few tears. This is something I truly thought I'd never see in my lifetime. I think those who lived through the Civil Rights Movement are even more stunned. I know that many of them shed tears of joy last night knowing that another aspect of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream has been fulfilled. President-elect Obama is the best indication of progress. I think it's clear now, more than ever before, that race is no longer a barrier that any person of color has to overcome. Yes, there are still prejudices that all races will continue to face, but this election proved that racism is no longer a huge issue in America. Black people will claim it was our vote that put him there. Yes, we did help but lets be serious; we could not elect him all alone. The break down of voters was 61% white, 23% black, and 12% hispanic. Those are the facts - now you tell me who carried him? We need to move past this issue of race.
What impresses me most about the election of Obama is the worldwide reaction to it. On Good Morning America (GMA), a correspondent showed a series of overseas papers praising America for our presidential pick. Is it possible that the election of Obama will improve our national image in foreign affairs? Will he be able to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western worlds? That remains to be seen. They interviewed multiple persons from several different countries, asking for their personal opinion on the decision. All feedback was positive. A young man from a Middle Eastern country said that it restored America's image as truly being the land of possibilities. An Italian woman said that she hopes his election begets a wave of young, fresh faces in politics. It is also speculated that his election will influence race relations in other countries. Hopefully, minority groups in other countries will be inspired by America and believe that they too can achieve greatness against the odds.
It's too early to tell what an Obama presidency will mean for America but I am hopeful that he will bring the needed change we so desperately need. To all the naysayers, I say give him a chance. We don't know what he's capable of and won't know until he's in the White House. God bless Obama and God bless the USA!!
4 comments:
whoa! I missed this post. I don't know that his election means that race is not a huge issue anymore but i definetely think it means it is becoming less of one on a large scale. We will still face the daily, personal, ignorant ppl battles but you are right it is truly amazing he got elected. Now I just hope the man can do his job really, REALLY well or no other colorful person will have a chance!
P.S. I wonder if white ppl take offense to the fact that we call him a black president when in really life he's just as much black as white. That whole issue seemed to get slid under the table! I guess the one drop rule is still in effect!
I can always count on you to add your two cents :) I love it, lol. First I want to say that it was a mis-statement I made. I don't think it means that race is no longer a barrier - it's just not as much of an issue now as it was 40 yrs ago. Also, I do think some white ppl do take offense to him identifying with his black side. I was watching "The View" yesterday morning and Ann Coulter was on there. In her new book, she talks about how Barack Obama, Alicia Keys, and Halle Berry all seem to ignore the fact that their white mothers raised them and identify with their black fathers who were absent. She's ignorant to the one drop rule that I'm sure they faced as children. And I still believe it's in effect. But you're right, he's just as much black as he is white but that didn't stop that old white lady from saying "If Obama wins, the blacks will take over!" Hilarious.
What?! What white lady said that! crazy!!! lol! I'd be interested in reading Coulter's book and seeing her opinions - I don't even knoww anything about Coulter - I don't even know if she's black or white! lol.
P.S. I'll always put in my 2 cents cuz I know u only got 98 cents :)
Ann Coulter is a white republican. She has all kinds of opinions about liberals and her book is full of them. She also has a chapter on single mothers - saying that most people that are incarcerated were raised by a single mother. I think she's a truth twister.
And the comment made by the old white lady was aired on GMA a month or so before the election. She was being interviewed by a reporter. I was cracking up.
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