Along with many of you, we watch and high fived and kissed and hooted with joy on the historic night of Nov 4th 2008. Obama standing at the podium, giving his speech, is one of those moments that you wll look back on and know what you were doing and who you were with.
My kids were allowed to stay up late and watch, but the whole thing was just too much for Juice. He peacefully drifted off to Obama's words between Myron and I on the couch. Mac however, was glued to the TV, and was asking all the right questions and serving up her own opinions on McCain and especially Palin. Grown up opinions I might add. Sounds like she's been listening to a bit of Air America in dad's car?!?
But all of us were accutely aware of the significance of the moment and for my kids especially, to never know that there are barriers to doing whatever they want because of the color of their skin is incredible for me to witness and know. When Myron and I married our parents were each skeptical that it would bring us happiness or that our children would be treated properly in this world. Myron and I also worried some that they might have to face difficulties because of their ethnicity. But this brings us hope and the belief that in this new day, as small of an issue as it is, that having someone who looks like them in the highest position in the land, and possibly the world, will break down even more barriers and prejudices and allow them to thrive and make their way, like everyone else.
McKenna remarked: "Those girls are so lucky - they get to live in the white house!" and to her, knowing nothing else, it seems like the most natural thing. But Myron and I, with tears in our eyes, didn't realize that the image of the First Family being white and older was so etched in our patriotic consciousness that it's almost hard to comprehend the new look of our leadership.
The hard work now starts. We also realize how much we are going to be asked to sacrifice and that we must help put this country back together. If we believed in Obama's ideals so fervently, then it's time to walk the walk. Hope to see you all along that road!
2 comments:
R - this post choked me up.
The symbology of an African American family in The White House some forty years since the Civil Rights movement highlighted the blatant racism in this country is, for me, the most amazing achievment about Obama's historic win; the significance of which only your beautiful family could truly comprehend.
I remember when my eldest son did a project about The White House and we learned that the bulk of the labour who built this Mansion, not to mention the United States Capitol, were in fact African American slaves. I don't know why that fact surprised me (and even saddened me) but it did.
I have great hopes for Obama, as indeed does the rest of world. This 2008 Presidential Election is so much more than just the historical significance of Americans voting for the first African American President, but finally the US voters have selected a candidate who embraces everything that is good about America; humility, humanity and hope....
The most amazing aspect of all this for me (and why shortly after the win I downloaded my US citizenship papers!) is that I truly believe Obama was elected based on the content of his character and not the colour of his skin and that fact alone will finally break (one hopes) the barriers and prejudices that have for so long pervaded our society.
Thank you R, your post touched my heart. Your insight termendous and your children, complete inspirations.
Nick
Post a Comment