It seems that everywhere I go these days, people congratulate me. It's wonderful.
On election night, all the relieved internationals congratulated us Americans.
At the end of an email from a friend about rowing club: "Woo, Obama!"
Walking into my Moot Court class, the TA says, "Hey congratulations. That's a big win." In fact, my professor used Obama as an example of a strong orator and said we should watch a speech and note the way he pauses for emphasis. Then when she asked one student what the Bush Doctrine was (he had referred to it in his arguement), he stumbled. She cautioned him not to be like Sarah Palin.
Friday night before going to see 007, some Dutch students were talking about how much fun they had on Obama night (and got a definitive glare from the American Republican in the group). But as I pointed out, it clearly wasn't Obama's night. The glare turned to me. As Kier pointed out later in the evening, we had quite a diverse group going to the movie: two Dutch, one Russian, one Chinese, one Mexican, an American Democrat and himself, an American Republican. Oh the discussions we could have had...but for the sake of getting alone, we resisted.
At an international student conference on Saturday, we painted wooden clogs. The girl next to me painted the Obama symbol on the top of hers. We got to talking - she's an American law student studying in Amsterdam - and she said she hasn't seen this much support for America since she was in Scotland the week after Sept 11 and 75% of the shop windows bore American flags. So much has changed in the past 7 years, but we're finally back on track.
In the church bulletin today: "Pope Benedict sent the newly elected President of the USA his blessing, expressing his joy to see the first black President taking the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King one step further. Our parish also congratulates the USA on this democratic achievement."
The world has been watching, and it cares! I've heard nothing but positive comments about America all week.
There is one discrepancy in the way I've heard the Obama win talked about in the news media versus personal discussions, though. That is, in the news, there's a large emphasis on the first black president. When Hillary still had a chance, there was potential for the first woman president. But we students aren't 106 years old. We don't remember segregation, lack of women's suffrage, or the civil rights movement in general. To our parents, it may be significant that he's a man of color. To us, he's young and fresh and new and a change. We didn't vote for him because of the color of his skin or for Hillary because of her gender. We live in a world that, at least in much of the USA, is relatively egalitarian. Sure, there is still racism and sexism. Blacks still comprise a disproportionate percentage of the poor and women are still underpaid relative to men. But it's getting better - somuchso that my generation doesn't quite understand why the older generations are making such a big deal about these things. And that's certainly a step in the right direction.
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4 comments:
I'm not sure there's such a big discrepancy between the media position mentioned and personal views. 95% of the black population voted for him. Is that because they're all poor? You say we're all not racist anymore, so that throws out another reason. But...they all voted for the black man. Many people, not just the media, are cheering it as a victory because he's black...er, half-black.
If I hear the 'Change' slogan once more I may throw up. Every new president brings change. Every one. You can't campaign on that unless you are just looking to lure votes from people that don't really know what you're about.
You say he's not a messiah, but that certainly seems how you're portraying him.
I understand the point you're trying to make, but remember that demographics almost always go with those that are like themselves. White males vote for white males, females tend toward females, and yes, blacks will tend to vote black. The large slant of the black population is probably evidenced by two things, 1) that this is the first black presidential candidate and 2) that the democratic party is more inclusive and receptive of the black population and their needs.
Obama's change campaign was basically textbook brand marketing. Find a symbol and a slogan and push them all the way to the end. It's true that every candidate brings change, but the point of the campaign is just to convince voters that you bring the change they want. Obama was able to do that, it was simple brand marketing. Overly simple and generic? Of course it was, but so was Bush's "Waffle" campaign on John Kerry. Like it or not, it was good marketing and that's what campaigning is.
As a republican who even voted that way, there was no doubt in my mind that Obama would win, he built himself into a pop culture icon and beyond that McCain failed to find a consistent message.
People believe in dynamic, powerful speakers. It has yet to be seen if he is more than just the talk. His campaign wasn't really about change, hope and being the savior of America, it was about convincing the American public to believe in everything he said.
Nora,
Thanks for the updates. It's great to hear and read about your travels and adventures....and to get your perspective from Europe. Looking forward to our visit!
Mom
Nora,
Wow, what a great experience you're having!! I just caught up on all the blogs. You're a great writer - you left me wanting more!! I absolutely love reading about your adventures, and chuckle at the thought of you and Philip taking Leiden and Spain by storm. I've also enjoyed learning about the European interest in US politics - never imagined they were so interested! Keep writing, and keep enjoying the experience. We miss you here, and can't wait to see you. Until then, take care and be safe.
Holly
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