Sound idealistic? Sound overly-optimistic? Not according to many of you from all over who are telling us about the personal inspiration you’re taking from Barack Obama’s victory.
I’ve just seen Oprah Winfrey wearing a ‘Hope won’ t-shirt. Yossfat in Nairobi on yesterday’s show told us how his whole attitude to life had changed since Tuesday. But can one election really change the opportunities we all have in life?
The afterglow of this victory is still very strong. What real impact will we see in the next months and years? Is this both a sign of a more equal world now, and an inspiration which will change the world as we go on?
Or will reality soon bite and show that good vibes don’t change a whole lot?
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He has created a more equal opprotunity. The world will never be equal, but hopefully in the long run everyone will have a more equal chance, even without programs demanding that it be equal, because he was chosen by people, not hired by one person.
He has not made it more equal, he has just proven that a person can go where they set their sights as long as they don’t listen to others who say you cant.
Personally, I am looking forward to not being so jaded about Presidents and elected officals. It’s a “tall request” of me, but I am up for the challenge. President Obama has already proved most of us wrong, you can win on a message of hope and change. This is not politics as usually, I have been wrong many times through his campaign and have faith he will continue to rebuilt trust and unite us all.
The victory of Obama has once again shown that the USA is an exemplary democracy. But it hasn’t created a more equal world. There are still minorities in different parts of the world struggling for political rights and it will be a rare possibility for them to have one of their members get to the highest position.
The Americans have voted for the first black president. This has broken the pattern that the US president is elected only when white and Christian. But there are other categories in the USA that are still on the waiting lists: Jews, Hispanic, Muslims, and Asians etc.
What is interesting about Obama’s victory is that it is a foreshadow of what America is expected to be in 40 years; that is with no racial majority. From now on, the Americans must get used to having presidents of different races, origins and why not religions. Obama has opened the gate for the expected change. It is unlikely that anyone can shut it to return the US politics to “white majority rule”.
Hello,
First of all I think its fantastic that Oboma got elected. I watched CNN all night to check out the outcome. I’m from the Netherlands btw. And am really glad that there is a democratic shift in the states.
But to say that “Obama created a more equal world” is a bit overdone. What he did in my opinion, is breaking taboo’s (youngest and 1ste colored president of the USA) and paved the road for open discussion. He brought society and politics closer and seemes to care about the lowerclass and middle class and is willing to put effort into increasing live standards for a lot of citizens in the USA.
The feeling of the aftermath of the election is ofcourse very strong and I think a lot of people can’t still believe that Obama is chosen to be president for real.
But before we can actually say that “Obama created a more equal world”, there has to be done a lot of hard work. Its not going to be easy for him and his staf. He will need the support of the american people to achieve his goals and to achieve the American goals. So it will be up to the American people as well, to make his leadership a succes.
But if you had asked me. Did Obama turned around the negative judgement that the world has, during the 8years Bush, in very short time? Then I would say yes, yes he did. Its easier to bring a nation down then to build it up!!!
The world is eager to see how Obama will do and how he will turn around, the bad America into a good, accepted world power again.
Ask me again in 8 years – all we have right now is the goodwill of the world and the promise that THIS time it won’t be squandered.
A world in which people are equal, before the law and in terms of opportunities, would be a just world. But as Rob Fisk, Middle East correspondent for The Independent, commented on election night, the word “justice” did not figure in Barack Obama’s victory speech. What was also missing in the long list of people he said he would represent was a mention of the different religions, specifically Arabs. The fact that Mr Obama has now asked Rahm Israel Emanuel, an uncritical supporter of Israel and its policies, to be his chief-of-staff only reinforces the fear that change will be slow in coming, if at all, for Arabs in the US and throughout the world.
The election of Barack Obama is simply one small step on the journey to a more equal world. It’s a very positive step but we need to be careful not to raise expectations so high that the reality is a major let-down.
Has he created a more equal world? I don’t know, because he hasn’t actually done anything yet.
I’m not minimizing his achievement of the presidency, but we don’t have any sort of track record to answer the question. This question will be answered in 4 or 8 years’ time. After he’s done some things. Thus, since he isn’t in office yet the question is, for the moment, moot.
I think it is way to early to tell. Sure, his win has brought hope to a lot of people, and created a lot of excitement all around the world. I hope that he is the President I believe he can be.
I’m with Mandie thus far.
How can Obama have created a more equal world simply by preaching and being elected?
Can he create a more equal world? To create a more equal world Obama would have to possess the wisdom of Solomon, which is unlikely.
Yet, Obama has shed a ray of hope on the world; there is no doubt about it. In hope, we can create a more equal world.
To begin the process of creating a more equal world would require shedding light on situations such as that which exists in Palestine (for example). Let’s see what Obama has to say about such conflicts and what he will do about poverty and war and inequality around the globe.
Before the bloom is off the rose, I am hoping that President-elect Obama will speak to the change required, from world citizens, in order to create a more equal world.
We live in hope and expect not to die in despair! Time will tell!
please:
to all people of the world,
Jessica in NYC – you replied, “President Obama has already proved most of us wrong, you can win on a message of hope and change”. While I am not arguing that he said this, isn’t this same message all politicians make? What makes him, in your opinion, any better or different from the rest?
“There is much to be said in favour of modern journalism. By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, it keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community, ” said that renowned political analyst Oscar Wilde.
Has Obama created a more equal world? Of course not, and it isn’t his business to either, even if the thing were not – as it is – impossible. There’s a big difference between global Black triumphalism and ‘equality’.
But the reaction to Obama’s victory does keep us in touch with some salient features of the world. community.
*The charge of institutional leftism against the broadcast media has received the fullest possible confirmation. Equality is a leftist dogma . It’s presented here as an unquestionable, though perhaps impossible, good. So much for debate.
*What worthwhile political outcome didn’t require effort and sacrifice? You can’t have an end like ‘equality’ (political? social? cultural? economic?) in a vacuum. It takes a mature political culture to will and achieve attainable ends. In its absence why expect ‘equality’ of any sort for Iraqis, Somalis, Zimbabweans etc, even in a world blessed with Obama’s presence?
Yes, Obama has created a more equal world simply by being who he is, giving us all the opportunity to become what we can. I have felt seperated and disenfranchised these last 8 years as I watched basic human rights being tossed out the window in the shadow of fear mongering and hate. I believe that now we can persue our choices and that choice is what makes us all equal.
I wonder when a single european nation will have a non white leader…
Also, for those of you outside of the US, thinking because Obama became President, that you can too. Only people born in the USA can become President. if you were not born in the USA, you cannot, you are FORBIDDEN from being the President.
@ John
Even people in the DNC admitted Obama is going to have a major problem, and many will be dissapointed in 2 years, given he cannot possibly keep all his promises and fufill all of the unrealistic expectations people have about him and when they think he can do.
Remember whe kennedy said “ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your country”? Now it’s all about what people want and they think the messiah can do for them. Going to be really dissapointed when their unrealistic expectations don’t get met. Won’t take 8 years, will take 2 years.
to barack obama:
mr.president:
I hope the very best on you new job,
my point well be please to stop this arms race whit russia.
1point
I no you have a big time ,many people count on you
the best way to do this step by step.
Let’s remember American movies with wishful thinking that the US might have a black president. That appeared then just an imagination. The most memorable movie, I think is Head of State http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_of_State_(movie). Such movies are just a matter of the past. Now there is a real black president. It’s also thanks to Hollywood black artists like Will Smith that Obama has become the new Occupant of the White House.
The fact that the Americans who voted for Obama were unreservedly excited, screaming tearfully with joy, shows that the majority have reconciled themselves with the past. The USA has proved that the Americans can be equal and distinguished on merit. Many countries have to follow their footsteps, instead of having leaders elected for life or a party dominating political life without allowing multipartism or dissent. Obama has succeeded in shaking many concepts and making the world debate this “new dawn” in US political landscape. It took the US decades to come to this. Other countries still need further decades to be on equal democratic basis with the USA. Let’s live long enough to see this happen!
no,actually.but for me i know that the mentality of prejudice,barriers of racism,and inequality have been broken by this historic breakthrough in world history.
” 4 Abdelilah Boukili November 6, 2008 at 2:51 pm
…What is interesting about Obama’s victory is that it is a foreshadow of what America is expected to be in 40 years; that is with no racial majority. From now on, the Americans must get used to having presidents of different races, origins and why not religions. Obama has opened the gate for the expected change. It is unlikely that anyone can shut it to return the US politics to “white majority rule”.
Apologies if this subject was addressed in the months while I was away but I’d like WHYS at some point to address the on-going demographic transformation of the USA.
Something suitably provocative such as ‘Should America remain White?’ perhaps? You’d be surprised how many good – and non-racist – arguments there are pro.
Obama is just a man and the more you equate it to race and equality the lower Obama falls.
Obama is a smart man….can we get that ? He makes Blacks in America proud, I understand that but he is just a man.
He has created nothing other than an opportunity to make a difference.
I do not believe that Obama has created a more equal world. There will always be inequality in the world. As much as some people peg Obama as a saint I don’t think he’s going to eradicate inequality. Like all the other Presidents that came before him he is a politician. He made a pitch, sold his goods, and ultimately, he’s in it for himself and his family.
Has Jo Biden helped Obama to achieve a balance?
If you say yes, then you have a point.
Obama on his own, reflects the same old ineuality.
His candidacy may have pushed the “bars” up and down.
Obama is a fantastic orator, a hope for many people who remember some of the darkest chapters in american history.
I would like to draw a contrast between some of the Dalit political leaders in India and Senetor Obama.
Both seem to represent a deprived section in their respective societies.
Many in India think that by electing any Dalit candidate in an election, they are making India a more level playing field. Unfortunately, it is not true.
A so called uppercaste politician is as ‘Dalit’ as a Dalit leader and viceversa. In the name of ‘rights’ they have lost the real meaning of ‘hope’.
I wish Obama well.
Some american bureaucrat (may be Mr Haas) is recently quoted as saying that “election campaigns are tend to be run in black and wight, policies and politics tend to be in grey”. It sums up the equation, perhaps. (to use the word EQUAL again)
Accidentally, I typed wight in place of white.
If you read it as it is, it adds a completely different meaning. Black or white, both are ‘things (creatures)’ after all.
Ros,
The imprecision of your inquiry makes me cringe a little. Obama has not created anything, has he? His ascendancy to the presidency of the US has impressed upon people, many of whom wouldn’t have otherwise believed it, that they can accomplish things that they hadn’t imagined within their grasp. His acceptance speech was inclusive, he spoke to the hard work necessary to make the change we need in this country, and he didn’t promise to change the world by himself.
Imagining Obama a Messiah empowered to create a world more equal is to almost monstrous. Did one man create the unequal, imbalanced world we find ourselves in? So how can one man right the wrongs, all by himself?
Lydia Nayo
Oakland, CA
Has Obama created a more equal world?
Er No!
I just saw a survey that showed 70% of Americans thought the economy was the main priority,10%Iraq,9%Healthcare and 10%terrorism.
The American People don’t want less they want more.
Suddenly a “Jerry Maguire” anology popped into my head.
The American People are like the Cuba Gooding jnr. character
they want Barack Obama(Jerry Maguire) to “Show MeThe Money”
Yeah they want to feel the love and hear the nice messages but when it comes right down to it ,its about the do ray me ,moolah baby.
Unless he shows the US Population their Money he is not going to last long.
Has Obama created …. no. We did, and yes we can.
There are endless moments throughout history when the feeling and movement of people meet with a man capable of standing at the helm. All kinds of moments in history capture our attention in various ways.
Elvis, Einstein, Churchill, Hitler, Bill Gates, Howard Hughes, J.F.K, M.L.K.
I am sure most people recognize the fact, this list could go on for some time, all these men pioneered a direction. The most important difference, when it comes to Barak Obama is this, he is not trying to take us to some new place, create it, build it, show it to us, or even give us new ideas … he is simply trying to guide our movement in the direction that which we claim we have always wanted to go. I hope this time we gain some ground, we given up a lot in the past few years.
Great leaders, seem to be attuned to something which resonates deep within the core of our hopes and fears … I have said before. He is a man who thus far has been tuned in to hope. He is the first man in some time that people have felt that they could place there hopes in. Hope is a powerful thing, and if things go like it seems they could, if he nor we fail the moment and our hopes … He could be a large factor, but ultimately it will be up to us.
Is he a symbol? Absolutely.
He hasn’t created anything yet. He needs some shuteye for crying out loud.
GB
Did he create a more equal world?
Yes, because of the increase in potential for a more equal world, that in and of itself is a move in the right direction. Every little step forward makes things more equal.
President-Elect Obama has an incredible challenge in front of him. I hope that he does not let us down, I do not believe he will let us down.
But, I think that more important than him not letting us down is the we can not let ourselves down, we all have a very big challenge in front of us and we have just as much responsibility, if not more, to do everything we can to pull ourselves and the world out of this dire situation.
Well, no. In fact, when I spoke to Black friends about Mr. Obama, I didn’t get the sense that they thought that his election had done so either. A common thread in their comments included the thought that ” even a good man can do only so much.” What really made them happy was the simple thought: “We didn’t do this alone, lots of white folks voted for him too!” I think their joy arises from a comfortable feeling of actually being included in the American dream. If a child asks: “Can I be President?” For the first time ever, they can say “Yes.”
g
@ J in Portland
Given the absolute unrealistic expectations people have for Obama, he can do nothing but let people down.
You’re putting all of your faitha nd hope into Obama helping you? You’re supposed to be self reliant.
The same “i’m entitled to obama’s help” mentality is the same mentality that got us into the bad economy. The entitlement mentality is what is destroying the economy.
I think Obama has a lot to do-so its too tough to say he has created a more equal world-i just wanna say we should wait what would happen next-whether he could show magic just like his poetic/magical speech in Chicago.he may have to take few serious decision/issues very quickly.
Hello my Precious Ros Atkins, and hello gang !
… Well, I guess that we shouldn’t be too much demanding when it comes to the “Obama victory” thing… I as an Iraqi citizen do have alot to disagree with Mr Obama about, but as a global citizen I was totally unable to prevent happiness and joy from invading my heart the moment I heard of his victory, I said to myself “If Barack Obama CAN make it, then I CAN make it, YES I CAN !”… But to say that Mr Obama will help creating a more equal world ??? Well, I guess that we all must give the guy a break… With my love… Yours forever, Lubna in Baghdad…
Obama has created nothing so far, the only thing he has done was to get elected to be Prisident of the United States. I feel all his speeches during his campaign were like a priest giving sermons to his congregations and he has lerned the art of speech making from his many attendances listening to muslim priests.
He may have the best or worst intentions after he becomes President and no one can say for sure which way he will go.
The United States is a powerfull democratic country with very powerful individuals
that will protect theit interests any and every way they can. Obama has a steep hill to climb and its left to be seen in the future wether his policies bear fruit.
@ Steve
I agree that some of the expectations for Barack are too high. He will not fix everything, nor will we get our instant gratification that we as US citizens enjoy, but…
If he looks at and talks about with people his ideas and sparks debates that ,even if far in the future, can create the spark of reforms and changes, then he will have done what he promised. I never heard him say he could fix it all fast. People who believe in him believe in his ideals. I compare it to others who have lead (even if unsuccessful in the short term) the nation and on occasion the globe to long term solutions.
@Vijay
I know it is a tough concept but if you want a more equal world you work for it. Tearing another down to make yourself feel better won’t work.
The ideal of America is what people need to aspire. They need to reform their governments, oppressive religions, economic systems, develop a middle class and climb the ladder of success rather than those too lazy to work and just want to be given everything.
There are several countries that have become vital parts of the world economic system and have improved the lot of their people by working hard at it. Once they developed a plan, worked hard first world nations threw in with them and helped them grow….and yes…I want better for my kids than I have. Don’t you?
Think about that for your own country.
I’m with jennifer on this one. Obama is just a politician who has just made his pitch, sold his goods, and now he has to prove himself. We’re putting Obama on a pedistal that he hasn’t earned yet. If we continue to do this and he doesn’t meet the world’s expectations, then what? Actions must speak louder than words.
Yes, it is a sign of something that has been in progress for some time. Let us not look at Obama’s victory as a complete launch of a paradise of equal opportunities etc. We will place too many unrealistic demands on him and the years to come. Obama’s victory is a climax of a history that has been steadly moving towards equal recognition of humanity. The awed Nelson Mandela wrote a chapter that erased lines of differences. Now America has come of age but Obama has only begun another chapter. The book of history still continues.
Bright Molande
Malawi
For the world? No!
For Americans who have felt discriminated against for their ethnicity, religion, age, gender, economic status, or whatever reason created to make you ‘different? Yes!
Why not for the world?
Obama’s not the President of the World!
What I get from Obama’s win is a man who was able to read the US, understand the needs of the majority of US citizens and then lead a successful election campaign that’s convinced them that he, as the Democratic Party, can deliver solutions that can work.
On the side of his personal achievement, he’s a person who set himself a goal, understood his challenges and weaknesses and had a clear strategy to overcoming them, and in so doing, he met his goal.
For that he has my admiration and my respect because it’s usually ‘easier’ to give in. and blame your failures on dissenters who say “No, you can’t!”, when you don’t achieve your goals!
Hello Everyone,
Yes,he has created an equal world.Today we can be proud and talk about change.Well obama is an inspiration not only for the Black Americans but all others from around the world who are discriminated because of Race or Color.
Obama has full filled the ‘Dream’ which Martin Luther King had.I hope the Americans will help him on his way to get America back into a superpower.
Thank you
Abhinav Khanal
I believe he has created an equal world but the effects may not be as long lasting as we would like. When the euphoria wears off everyone will be back to their same old ways.
But I do hope that in some aspects, particularly among Africans world wide, that we sieze the momentum and stop limiting ourselves.
Obama is a reflection of the change that has already come. Earlier this year we discussed how the white causation will no longer hold a 50% majority in the US by the end of 2009.
What has made “the world a more equal place” is that George Bush and the Conservative fear Machine is no longer unstoppably influential. All of the clapping and hoopla around the world wasn’t just about Barack Obama coming into the presidency, much of it is about GW and his kind leaving it.
It was reported that GWB told Barak Hussein Obama (Man I just love saying it.) That he was about to embark on one of the great journeys, but it would be hard. I wish I had been the one taking that call. I would have told him, “you know George, it didn’t have to be. Now get your stuff and get out of my house.”
Obamas election undoubtedly has created a good opportunity for us to view the world with more optimism towards the realisation of greater equality. But i think more time is needed.
Obama has just set the stage for us to use his victory and create a more equal world. He is that beacon of Hope, urging us all to emulate his example by being tolerant of one another, to love one another no matter our skin colour.
Technically, Obama hasn’t changed anything. He is evidence that change has been a long time coming, and it is finally here. Now let us remind ourselves that change is never so easy as the simplicity of this question would lead us to believe. The real work has just begun.
No—as big as the American Presidency is, it alone cannot force equality abroad. A victory for Americans and a bold statement to the world, but not in itself a catalyst for greater worldwide equality.
Steve~
I haven’t spoken with, or heard any interviews with, anyone over the age of 10 who seriously expects Obama to do any more in his first 2 years than make a good start.
Or rather, the real work never ends.
Oboma victory & American dreem:-
(a) Past
(b) Presant
(c) Future.
Past:- The ideoligical base of this sucess been completed by Kenedy, Boby & King.
Presant:- No doubt Oboma’s remarkable victory may be understand victory of Kenedy, Boby & king.
Future:- Sound like very difficult because of obsulate & wornout leadership in Congress & Senate, unless we fix terms to stay in public office.
@ John
You need to watch more news. I’ve seen clips of people saying that because Obama won they don’t have to worry about putting gas in their car or making their mortgage payment on time.
While I’m not presuming they meant that they expected Obama to pay their mortgage or for their gas, they think that he’s going to fix both of those problems, and quickly.
Here’s one of them:
These people are delusional. Absolutely delusional.
We are all a rouge bunch of kids with a new foster parent who will try to keep us going in the same direction. But any parent knows that will only last for a day or so, then we all want our own way. So no matter what he does, or doesn’t do, it will never be good enough for most of us. I just like the man. I admire him and agree with him that all we do is for our children.
Here are some interesting news stories:
In Egypt a political party burned down the opposition headquarters. How will Obama change that?
The NY times reports that Obama & his advisers are “Tamping down expectations”….I guess that there will be many disappointed people on the blog.
I do not know that the next piece is true but I heard on my car radio that Ralph Nader called Obama an “Uncle Tom” for selling out to the corporations to get elected.
I hate to throw cold water on the party but maybe a good dose of reality is in order.
I just listened to the news right after Ros introduced the topic. They said in the news that everywhere except canada will have contracting economies. That means that there will be job loses. So how can Obama make things better, and immediately, when the full effects of the poor economy are yet to have even happened given they expect all of 2009 to be a recession? next topic? If you think he’s going to make any difference, then you are in some serious denial and the real question should be, how will you react when you feel let down by Obama do to your unrealistic expectations of him?
We are still in the time of firsts. Each time one of the “Never Happened Before” We are a little farther ahead.
As some others have written before, I think his election is a step forward towards a more equal world.
I am hopeful that he will work towards achieving greater equality and access to opportunities for racial minorities, women, homosexuals, people with disabilities, religious minorities, etc. in his country. The fact that he has to face inequality and racisim throughout his life, probably has given him a better understanding of how to tackle them. I am hopeful. Let´s see what happens.
@ Gene
“…isn’t this same message all politicians make? What makes him, in your opinion, any better or different from the rest?”
Excellent point! The election of President Obama brings more opportunities and the idea that change is possible because Americans voted for his view of the way things should be. He is inspiring the world.
I am not sure if you read the blog regularly, I did a new months before I ever posted on it. My comment was in context of what was written here and I reluctantly in some corner of my mind agreed. I think President Obama’s ideas and actions make him better than the rest. I was too jaded to believe President Obama would be able to win on a clean campaign and that change the way Americans vote.
It’s all talk so far, he is one man at the head of a vast politifcal machine in the shape of the Democratic Party. And hardly absent from all of their interests and agendas.
How equal will the world be when Obama’s America become more protectionist? And will he cut back on the US’s privatised aid programmes in Afghanistan or disregard for civilian life?
Let him earn this respect and admiration eh. A little healthy cynicism is no bad thing.
Nick from London
O.K., we all realize the importance of an African American being elected president and all that it has spoken for as far as race relations in the U.S. We must realize, however, that he is just President Elect at this moment. It will be up to him and his future four, possible eight years in office to prove that he has created a fairer, more balanced life for Americans and the world abroad.
BTW: If you had trouble finding the site today, DON’T PANIC! There’s nothing wrong with your browser. The problem was an errant ‘p’ in one of the links.
(worldhaveyopur[sic]say)
Share and enjoy
Hi Ros/ WHYSers!
I do believe there is value in optimism and the beauty that goes with that! One has to recall that, for Obama to have won in a country in which people like him (and me!) are, traditionally, seen as non-people by a vast majority and whose ancestors, collectively, were enslaved, is in and of itself a major ideological, intellectual and emotional hurdle over which we have crossed.
HI All,
I do not think one person can create a more equal world. I was watching the Today Show and they reported on some people on the short list of possible people working for Pres. Obama and ALL of them were white and them all but three were older then Pres Obama. It looked like the “Old boy network”. In fact most of the men were former CEO’s or Ex presidents of the financial world that caused the financial melt down here. I don’t think this is the change we were looking for.
@ The caller:
Pro Black, and Pro People are two different things. Pro Black is just as harmful of a stance as Pro White.
Obama disassociated himself from Pro Black stances, because he [seems to] stand for all races and not be ‘Pro’ any one race.
In response to the speakers.
For the whites of the world there are no ‘grades’ of black, white Americans in partiucular are not aware of the ‘levels’ of black that is being spoken about. My point is Black is Black and the fact that Obama was voted in as President speaks volumes to the healing of race relations in the US and hopefully the world.
That President-Elect Obama’s victory happened on election day in the ‘greatest nation on earth’ is telling on several levels. The hope is real and the possibilities are endless! What it does not do, however, is to elminate the last eight years of fear, pain and repressed frustrations in which rights were trampled on and critics were menaced as unpatriotic.
Obama’s victory, poignantly, reminds that the work to build bridges of cooperation, fraternity and justice across the artificial barriers we construct around ourselves can only last if we all cooperate. Selfishness, ‘big brotherism’, religious, racial and any other form of intolerance defeats those noble ideals. Tueday, November 4, 2008 dramatically reminded us that, as a people, humans are capable of phenomenal greatness! How we proceed from this moment forward is up to all of us, not just the President of one country!
Hi bbc, the election of honorable Obama has beyond every reasonable hesitation that all men were equal. And therefore, all men all over the world, regardless of the race, creed or appearance be given equal chance to serve their countries. Peoples should be judged by the colors of brains not that of their skins. Ali Kamara in Monrovia. Liberia
There is need to sober up now. it can be sad if reality finds you floating on a balloon. One election cannot create a “more equal world”, leave alone a two term Obama presidency but it does present a picture of possibilities to those who dispared and they can use it as an inspiration for anything small or big.
thanks
steve,
there very fact that he is elected is a change. since we cannot run a control experiment of maccain vs obama americ it is impossible to say if he will be better or not. however, if he can lessen the blow with a progessive attitued he may well to better than expected. for me the fact that AL:L americans may and up with health coverage and that the war will come to an end is already doing a lot better. lets’s see how the rabbit runs….
Like millions worldwide, I watched the election. And I’m thrilled that Obama won. However, I watched Democracy Now’s video feed and listened to the BBC and other UK radio for more information.
I didn’t see but heard about CNN’s hologam gimmick. Which leads to a few questions:
Is this how ridiculous “election coverage” is going to get? If you could beam in CNN’s reporter, then why not do the same w/Tina Fay as Sarah Palin? At least THAT would have been more entertaining?
If they keep using this, will either George Lucas or Paramount sue for Star Wars/Star Trek copyright infringement?
Would the BBC ever stoop so low as to do this? I’d be shocked if you said yes.
Jamal- You don’t know ME… oh “god forbid white people are neglected”… look buddy- I am barely scraping by, doing the best I can. How dare you say something like that. No one has helped me, everything I’ve managed to do, I have done on my own. I could cry and whine about being neglected too. I support Obama, I voted for the man… but people like you are the problem, not people like me. You are obviously racist and perpetrating the problem.
Thanks for providing an opportunity to put in my view.
Having an African American Barrack Obama as the US president to represent to the whole world has put forward a mass of hopes all over the world. He is already expressed in his words that there is a lot to change and the changes will occur. Now it’s the time for Obama to present that Abraham Lincoln had done a great job by making the Black and Whites as a means of unity in US. Now it’s to be seen what the Blacks and Whites achieve having the new president as the first Black president in the history of US.
Women (even White women) were not allowed to vote for
approximately 60 years after former slaves (yes men only) were allowed to
vote. They were also repressed and made and make up the majority of people in
this country. By your reasoning, women should have gotten first shot at the
presidency before Black men. Also, if you want to talk about hideous
treatment, Native Americans have been the most put upon. Having been removed
from their own ancestral lands, having been the victims of literal genocide
(small pox infected blankets) and having had their culture destroyed, perhaps
they are the most worthy to achieve the presidency. Getting into this question
of which ethnic group deserves this most is absurd. Why don’t we just do as
Dr. King said… “judge a man by the quality of his character rather than the
color of his skin.” When one thinks about it, what does the fact that Obama
has black skin have to do with any one else who has black skin? I don’t wish
to be viewed as rude but is his election not, in fact, validation at a
distance? Perhaps it would be better to achieve ones own successes than revel
in a stranger’s?
To that caller, that’s called “democracy”. If the people of california don’t want gay marriage, that’s the price of democracy. If you don’t like it, move to some nation where they don’t have democracy.
Reparations for descendants?
HA!
I’m Irish, my people were exploited in a war which was not their own, my people were exploited when they got off of the boat, my people have lived in ghettos and slums in the 1800s and 1900s. Wheres my reparations?
More importantly, where are the Native American’s reparations. They deserve it more than anyone.
This caller has a major chip on his shoulder. And the fact saying that a ‘white’ opinion doesn’t qualify makes his opinion just as irrelevant. Get over yourself and your gripes with history.
All sorts of races and cultures have been delt bad cards throughout history, that doesn’t give anyone the right to disrespect anyone elses opinion simply because of their culture or race which they were born into. If your going to get pissy with a white persons opinion simply because it doesn’t line up with your own then maybe you are taking part in the wrong discussion.
More to the point:
I believe Obama himself will be of the opinion that it is not within his power to bring equality to the world, just as I’m sure he knows that he did not bring equality to US politics. The people brought equality to the people themselves.
That’s the way it works!
Historically, there has been a misperception in the elected branches of the US government that the US has within its power the authority to bring freedom and equality to the world. By force, if necessary. I do not believe Barack Obama to be laboring under this misperception.
For this reason, I believe the world will see that the time has come to bring peace, justice and equality to itself.
I am 31 years old. Barack is the first political leader that I feel is listening. He inspires me not just to vote, but to be involved in my community and contribute to improve the well-being of all.
Barack is not creating this feeling of hope and change, he is simply tapping into something that has been burning inside the average global citizen for a long time now.
Look at how people are taking things into their own hands: http://fixthisbarack.com/
Society is democratizing through the Internet. Barack understands that. He also understands that a leader should be a servant and not a tyrant.
It will take some time for people to dispel the cynicism that has built up like a wall around our hearts and dreams over at least the last 8 years.
It’s a little early to be asking this question dont you think?
The question itself should read *Will* Obama create a more equal world’.
And the answer to that is self evident.
This country was built partially on deception,slavery,indigenous genocide and
propped up idealisms that are more mythical at this point than relevant.
Simply by electing a black man, the game has changed. All over the world people will be watching not neccesarally what he does as a politician but how he is recieved on the national platform as a black man running the richest country in the world. Race IS an issue here; lets not be silly about this.
I disagree with the idea that he had to somehow try not to behave in a way that was associated with being black. He is part Kenyan, but he was raised by his white grand parents in Hawaii. His upbringing was not that of a regular African American guy, nor of a white guy, or of a latino one.
Maybe that is one of the aspects that allow Obamato touch so many people: He can not be directly identified with any racial group becausehe doesn’t belong to any of the traditional racial groups that we know and that have had conflict among each other.
Obama is a leader that has brought hope to he US and the world but for different reasons. I do not think his skin color has any relevance on the world stage, rather his policy is what has the biggest impact to the world. In contrast, his policy and his skin color will bring and represents great change in the US.
President-Elect Barak Obama cannot make the world more equal than it is today alone. What he does is to inspire others to achieve more, to look beyond color, creed, gender, economic status and sexual preference. President-Elect Obama is an example the fruits of the labor of the Civil Rights movement. This is wonderful continuation of the Civil Rights movement.
Now it is up to all people to not just speak but, to act for the betterment of all people. We must work thru differences and have dialogue to better understand each other.
Mr. Obama has many difficult tasks ahead of him. Change does not happen over night and we must support him, be patient and take up the charge and work towards change.
@ the guy demanding reparations for slavery.
The white people bled for your freedom. Your freedom was paid for in blood. The debt has been cancelled. Get over your demand for a free lunch.
Funding for schools, neighborhoods, work programs, improving the life of EVERYONE, including blacks, I am fully in support of. Fighting to punish people who continue to discriminate and root out any discrimination wherever it can be found, I am in favor of. Free money for blacks because of slavery and unequal rights of the past… no thank you.
If I misunderstood your demands, I apologize, but that’s how I took them.
Jamal is a good example of how the African American places his race in the way of his own success. To say that Obama won because he was willing to compromise his blackness is completely ignorant of the facts. People want people that aren’t Malcomn X radical in their public offices, in their neighborhoods and in their rings of friends. That kind of militant backward thinking is simply not appropriate, constructive today.
To use ancient history as a reason that the world ‘owes’ you anything is backward and contrary to making progress. Colin Powell, Bill Cosby have both written books about how the African American should get off the soap box, catch up with the modern and shed their own racism.
It’s not racism, it’s attitude-ism. If you have that kind of attitude and live in the past expecting a hand out then you have no place in public life or on the radio. It sickens me deeply.
I’m Native American and there’s no reparations on the wind, nor should their be. We live in today and should be grown ups and act like it.
Your guest Jamal is understandably upset–who can blame him? He represents the malignant industry of victimhood, anger, guilt, and blame that has very badly served black people in America. The notion that study and hard work can get the job done will leave Jamal without his job and without his cherished, toxic belief system.
Politics aside, progress is progress
remember where we were 40 yr.s ago and
look where we are now. Obama is just the
first step in a new chapter.
@ the speaker Jamaal
Washington is a game. It doesn’t matter what the race is. With respect of fixing the economy, there were and have been plenty of better candidates. Ross Perot, Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich were all great candidates that were white. But they didn’t fit the Washington bill. Much like somebody who follows the doctrine of Malcolm X can expect mass American resistance, so would somebody who follows the doctrine of the KKK.
There are very few white guys in Washington tat look, talk, act or represent me. I don’t sit on condemnation for not representing me just because of it.
In response to the gentleman who mentioned that if Obama had had more of a black agenda, he would not be elected, given the reality of racism in America. I would like to add that for me, he was just another man running for the office. After seeing, reading, and hearing the sexism that occurred toward Hillary Rodham Clinton during the primary elections, we are very far from equality.
I would also like to add that the injustices going on in Africa are far worse than those occurring in the US. In addition, although the US played the horrible role in contributing to slavery, remember that if it were not for the West African slave traders themselves, there would have been no slave trade. Slavery has existed among Africans for many years. Please remember that before demonizing an entire race or race of people in one country.
Um, that was supposed to end thus:
Jonathan
San Francisco
Naysayers and negative attitudes are so common in our current society, this election has been hampered by both. There is a glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel with the election of Barak, but, we still have to maintain the will to get there. We must actively participate in this journey, forget all of these armchair adversaries who are constantly chipping away at this newly planted tree of hope. Barak Obama will not change the world with one deft act, but he has changed the world as far as how they perceive the mindset of the United States and its future global policies. Lets give the man a chance, unless you would rather go back to our current president and 4 more years of despair and irrevocable damage to our country and the worlds it effects…………….
Hello there!
Obama has not created anything but a belief that it can be done. The equality we wish to see can only be created by us. Obama has inspired, we are the ones to make it happen. Personally, he has inspired me to dare to live up to my wildest dreams.
Let’s Face it people, Barack Obama is flesh and blood, he can’t possibly create anything!
No, of course not. He won’t even be inaugurated until January. So far what he has done is get elected. Anyone who doesn’t harbor racism in the shadows of his being is not surprised that an intelligent man who ran a smart campaign won the election.
Canada
Your guest is the very reason racial tension will never stop in the USA. I was not responsible for the horrible treatment of your ancestors. I am sorry and ashamed that colonial leaders enslaved other humans. But, please, get over it.
I am of Christian and German decent. I was not responsible for the holocaust inflicted by a very sick German dictator . . . neither do I expect the Romans to pay restitution to me because they persecuted my Christian ancestors. Instead of holding fast to your victimhood try to reach your arms out to your neighbor and forgive. Then we will truly be a united states.
Barack Obama will likely surprise and disappoint, dare I say enrage the militant black community. I believe he will hold you each to be responsible for your lives. I believe he will expect you each to make something of yourselves. I believe he will NOT pay you for continuing to wallow in your victim mentality.
I believe that Barack Obama respects you and I believe that he respects me – he does NOT see skin color. Perhaps we could all learn from his example.
@ Justin from Iowa on Jamal:
Very well said!!! AMEN!
For the record, I voted for Obama and very happy with his victory. I am hopeful he will take the US in a new and exciting direction.
My comment is this … Why is Obama being heralded as the first black president, when really he is the first 1/2 black AND 1/2 white president? He was raised by a white mother and white grandparents. I don’t understand why the white aspect of his heritage is being disregarded!
In my mind, we are missing an even greater opportunity to create a bridge bringing the races closer together in that Obama is in fact BOTH black and white!
One man does not make a more equal world. We hear so many people say he is a role model for “our” black youth. That may be the case but he is not the only one.
Condie Rice, Clarence Thomas, Booker T. Washington to name a few. If “our” black youth want equality then they must stand up and work for it. Stop taking the easy way out. True equality will happen when people stop using the past as a reason they can not get ahead.
Frankly, I am stunned at the political capital Obama has brought out all around the world. I expected a lot in the US but this outpouring from the rest of the world is just amazing!
So now I wonder how he can most effectively use this world political capital to better not only the US but to help those outside the US who have taken inspiration from him.
This is a new development that I certainly did not see coming.
Such new possibilities have opened up that I can’t even imagine, it is just mind boggling to consider.
These are exciting times indeed!
Social changes in the US do not always translate to the rest of the world. To think that something like this will make the world more just is ridiculous as it stems from the premise that the rest of the world has the same type of social unrest and this is not accurate. Different countries have different problems, this is a great for the US but I think it will not affect other countries.
Obama represents hope and change, but we must not forget that he is not the first black president in the world. What makes his story interesting is that he is a minority in one of the most powerful countries in the world and now will lead it. Obama has achieved great things but for me he will always be the presidents that happen to be black, rather than a black president (to portray him this way belittles all his good work).
Listeners,
Republicans made the comment that Obama hasn’t done anything, and is inexperienced.
Being elected President is an accomplishment. Short of going to the moon, that is a pretty big one.
What issue in the future as president can he not tackle after succeeding at this endeavor?
Cheers,
Joey
Colorado, USA
@ Dorothy
Hitler wasn’t even a German!
I like the points I’m reading though. Jackson, Sharpton, and Jamal would be out of jobs if blacks picked up books and studied, like Obama did. It works. The victim card doesn’t work. Follow Obama’s lead. if you work hard, you can make something out of yourself. Shunning school (i recommend everyone watch Hard Times at Douglass High), you will not amount to much and will likely wind up in jail.
Berlusconi :”I told the president that (Obama) has everything needed in order to reach deals with him: he’s young, handsome and even tanned.”
with idiots like that running a major european country the world is still a long way of from being equal.
what about intelligent and well educatated with a grasp of world politics.
if anybody would asses my scientific capabilities by stating, that i am ” young, handsome and white”, i would smacking in the head so that he realized that i am also taller and stronger than him.
jeeezzz, could we have just a little bit more superficiality like “he is well shaved, smells nice, athletic and married to an attractive woman”. no wonder palin’s percieved “hottness” lead some fools to vote for her….
I think just by Obama winning, people are looking at the world as more equal, giving them strength and hope, and just by that happening at once I feel the world has taken a step towards equality. It makes me feel good BTW
-Anthony, LA, CA
Oh, and don’t forget we still have our “after show” blog. Bob has a great one going, but if you’d like a simpler one like the old page, here’s http://whysers.wordpress.com/
The world has changed, Barack Obama is just a representation of that. Based on what i’ve seen during this election campaign, he is a good person, with a great vision on what he can do for his country, but by winning the election he hasn’t changed racism and opportunity; he’s proved that it has changed.
A true leader leads in all levels: hearts, souls, minds, policy.
Success is equal parts inspiration and perspiration.
A true leader opens worlds onto worlds.
In our country, and the world.
My white children (ages 6 & 8) don’t even flinch at the thought of having a Black man as president (nor have they ever even thought his name was strange.) We can’t deny that an entire generation will now grow up to see that anything truly is possible for Blacks; the idea that someone can’t do something because of their skin color will see more foreign.
I think that your speaker is not accurately describing the problem. The election of Barack Obama proves that for the most part, the remaining issues between blacks and whites in America are cultural issues, not racial ones. Barack Obama is black; there is no arguing that, and yet tens of millions of white Americans voted for him. I agree that had he associated himself more with the african-american community in the United States, he would not have been elected, but that is because white Americans are still largely not comfortable with the culture of the African-American community in the United States, not with the black race itself.
Jamaal,
I am white but my family had nothing to do with slavery. My great grandparents came from Ireland long after slavery. On my moms side, they went to war to free the slaves. My family never owned slaves so why to I have to say sorry?
Perception matters. For many Americans, as well as people around the world, simply seeing a black man as President of the United States will change their perception of black people and their role in society. Some small credit is due to Hollywood for giving us the vision of Morgan Freeman as a capable black president. Just as The Cosby Show gave America a different (however realistic or unrealistic some found it) view of black families, positive images of black people can change perspectives. If you are a white employer, or a white voter, who has little personal experience with black people, having a positive frame of reference could make a huge difference when you are presented with a black candidate.
There is a typo on the last sentence. It should be “seem” not “see”.
The major point that is being missed here is that Obama has not yet brought anything into being, other than getting himself elected on the basis of his stated intentions.
The entity that is to be congratulated on bringing a new impetus for all sorts of realistic hopes into the world is: The American People.
The American people have have come from way behind, thanks to the Bush aberration, to surpass the rest of the world’s expectations in a spectacular manner.
In doing so, they have endorsed the principles of sound egalitarianism which bases equality of opportunity squarely on ability. Obama was not elected because he is “Black”, but because he has the ability to inspire a new vision for the US and the world.
He may fail. But no-one will be able to take away the American achievement in being willing to give him the opportunity to make a difference.
I understand where Jamal comes from but his attitude will never get him as far as he could get in life. What has happened is terrible but to focus on that and to say Obama compromised his blackness is ignorant!!! Who is he or anyone for that matter to question Obama’s blackness!!!????
Obama is a smart man that understands that having a militant attitude will not create change. We live in a different world and we need to adjust our attitudes accordingly.
I don’t believe Barrack Obama being elected president should shock the world as much as him being nominated for President. People should say he’s the better person for office, not based on looks, but based on policies and character.
Obama has 8 years of wrong to undo, as well as living up to his vision for America
We are still on the edge of promise.
hey everybody…
well he can hardly have created a more equal world in only one day can he?
he’s not superman…
however…how can anyone doubt that he’s articulate and intelligent and just so TOTALLY different from the previous incumbent that he can’t fail to do something to create a better world, or at least a better USA??
love from spain..
I’m really disappointed by the reaction of some of the black or afro-american guests on the show today, This Jamal character and his vitriolic hatred towards white people is part of the problem. Yes there are plenty of bigoted people in America, and they are both white and black. The hatred that I feel and hear from some (and I stress ‘some’) black people when I ride the bus here in the US and their prejudice thinking that all ‘whites’ are the same is just as bad.
I have a feeling that these angry voices thrive on their hate and vitriol and will never be happy. Don’t you dare lump me in with the slavers of past American history. I’m a recent immigrant to this country that came from a poor working class family with $250 in my pocket. I have had to work very hard to make any life here- so don’t hold me responsible for slavery or racism in the US. I don’t get any special treatment and have been turned down for loans and jobs just like everyone else. I treat every black person I meet with as another human being and don’t prejudge them (believe it or not). I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay reparations or feel guilty for something I didn’t do and my family or ancestors had no part of. How about we focus on the positive and celebrate this amazing change in the US while realising there are many challenges ahead and the nation will need to unite together regardless of race or creed.
Powers of deduction, jamal?!?!
You said someones opinion didn’t qualify because they were white… Way to be part of that same deduction your blaming the emailer for.
I wanted to comment to your guest’s view that Barack Obama had to play off his “Blackness” to get elected. I am a white male between the ages of 19 and 35, and I voted for Barack Obama in the state that had the highest percentage of voters for John McCain (OK). I did not vote for him because he was black, I did not vote for him because I wanted change. I voted for him because I agreed with most of his policies for the future of my country. Yes, Barack Obama had to pander to the White voters. John McCain lost the election because he could not pander to white voters. If you are going to run for president in America, you need to pander to voters, and I am sorry if you feel he has in some way neglected what you think he should reflect about the blackness in America, but that is how politics works. You aim for the most voters, and appeal to the most voters, because in the end the man with the most votes wins.
I am a first generation American on my British Father’s side. And at nearly 45 years old I have come to believe that the Bill of Rights and the Constitution is little more than a fairytale while the American Dream is really a nightmare in the 21st century.
I voted for Barack Obama, not because he is a man of color or because I believe one man can fix all the problems in the US. I voted for Barack Obama because he was the lesser of two evils and a vote for any other person besides Barack or John McCain, was a vote for McCain, and I found that prospect terrifying for both Americans as well as the rest of the world.
While it true, in spite of my pragmatic and realistic approach, that the election of Barack Obama has inspired in me hope for the future that I did not think that I would ever have in a US President. I have been saying since early on in the election, ONE MAN can not change the world. Even if he becomes the best president in modern history, he does not have the power to change the power that runs the government behind the scenes and it is not going to change the mentality of Americans who put race, bigotry and love of money before liberty and justice for all.
If Barack Obama can keep one promise .. that he will be honest, he will listen we will have seen a change in the US government. No administration will be able to fix the damage that has been done to this country and brought us where we are today, in 4 years.
As to the American dream … I am not sure how he came from a single parent household (presumably poor) to making not only 1 million + per year, what do know is that he needed and spent MILLIONS of dollars to run this race. Without that kind of money, one has no hope to run for president. No matter how smart or how qualified one is for the position.
Finally, I think there are two things his election has and can indeed do. First, I think the election of Barack Obama will be instrumental toward healing the race relations and his election will indeed help repair our relations with the rest of the world ….. provided he walks his talk.
Your guest (giving rebuttal on his comments on racism) is a blooming idiot! I agree with all comments read on air, get over it.
I think the election of Obama has brought inspiration to the world that we can do what we want no matter whre we find ourselves. Barack will bringing change to world not sometimes not in economic terms but how we as a people see our circumstances and how to handle it.
We can make it if we want.
I hope our African leaders have learn something from him to inspire their people and themselves to
achieve higher and stop begging the world over.
In the UK you are more likely to be able to get elected as a black man than as a white woman. Being a woman is more of a barrier to becoming a member of our parliament than being black or Asian, according to a survey by the Fabian Society.
Obama has shown where the world currently is. The world has a long way to go including closer to home than many people think. Let’s get women into our awareness about equality and human rights.
first, i can’t say iam happy with obama’s victory yet and am also wondering why the whole aworld are! coz i beleive it is not the right time to do so.
by the way,it is all just astart. maybe the man can be a glib and persuassivea just to attract and win the people’s allegience and at the end,fails to fulfill the promises he made. the world actually needs to pre-consider their satisfaction with the man.
i will only appreciate the man if he gives the first priority,the withdrawal of american troops from iraq and afghanistan and solve the economic crises in the world.
Whites and blacks in the United States aren’t having magically better relations. Nothing has changed. We have only shown that we will elect a president that will best lead us regardless of race. I hope that he has an outstanding presidency without scandal to show that there is a higher standard for all the following presidents. Maybe just maybe he will be the man to abolish the electoral college.
This is an historic election, just as Jackie Robinson palying in the majors was historic, just as a Martin Luther King National Holiday was historic. We are step by step becoming a better world. There is still racism and sexism, but what a powerful symbol it is that the leader of the free world, arguably the most powerful single person on the plane,t is part African American. But before we are too sure of our labels, lets call him what he really is, a multiracial man, in a world where hopefully these sorts of artifical distinctions are begining to fade.
Jamaal,
Jesus was more Middle Eastern not black or white! This is because of where he was born.
As a white family with two small boys I look forward to my sons growing up seeing a black man as President. I am hopefully that their generation can begin to break down the barriers of race. It may take a number of generations to do this but having Obama as a role model for all children to grow up with can only move us forward.
FOR JAMAL, THE GUEST ON THE AIR
Why do so many people look to Obama to accomplish so many much needed and long overdu changes in America and around the world. Obama looked at the world and took action where he though he could make a difference. He did not achieve his victory alone. Millions of people helped. He will need the help of more millions if he is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Americans and others outside of America.
People need to look to themself. As Michael Jackson sings about “The Man In The Mirror” we need to follow Obama’s lead by looking at how we can make a difference in our individual life, the lives of those we care about, and the lives of those we have never met and will never meet.
Jamal, the obviously angry Black Man on the show today, does not seem to understand that the path Obama took was the home he needed to take. As one angry Black American Brother to another, ligthen up. Obama did not experience the depth and intensity of American discrimination, at least to the same degree as those of us who have lived on the America mainland our entire life. How could he be as angry ? There is a role and part to play for all Black Brothers and Sisters. Not everyone needs to be as angry as us. Did you see the look of admiration on the faces of white people during Obama’s exception speech ? I was born in Chicago and lived the vast majority of my life in Chicago. There were parts of Chicago a Black person could not go and there probably still such places. For White people in Chicago to actually vote for Obama in such large numbers is a great statement. If nothing else, Obama put a knife in the heart of many sterotypes about Blacks. Bigotry will always find a home in weak minds and evil hearts. But on November 4, 2008 in the United States of America bigotry against Blacks loss an important and decisive battle. The war was not won and may never be won, but bigotry suffered a major setback. For now, its enough..
Who ever said that everyone should or can be equal?
Clearly Sen. Obama is intelligent but not all people are.
Are the intelligent not worthy of more recognition than those less well endowed?
Also, on the matter of the proportionately larger Black incarceration rates: are these people in prison not responsible for choosing to commit their crimes?
How complicated are we planning to make all of this?
Hi All,
I’d like to comment on something that your guest said which seemed to insinuate that Obama doesn’t really qualify as black because he didn’t play up his association with Rev. Wright or wearing Dashikis, or because he ‘played the game’ and went Harvard… I would like to respond to that in two ways- first by quoting Michelle Obama who responded to these very criticisms made by the black community during the primaries; “Stop that nonsense… We’re messing with our children’s heads.” Obama should be a role model who children regardless of race should aspire to emulate! It seems to me your guest’s idea of what it means to be black is incredibly limited! Going to Harvard isn’t a white, black, Asian, or Hispanic thing-its a thing that the best and brightest do! Obama is an inspiration- no he won’t be able to change the world in a day or even a term- but his election is an indication of the changes that have occurred in our society in the last generation which should fill us all with hope for the future! Also, in regard to your guest’s attitude towards white people (yes some white people have done horrible things as have some black people) but to suggest that white people who are at the bottom of our socioeconomic system don’t also deserve help from our society at large seems incredibly hateful. That’s exactly the sort of societal division someone like Obama has spoken out against time and again- we’re all American’s and today we have to be proud regardless of race of how very far we’ve all come!
Obamas victory is awesome,and a great thing to the world.but i dn’t think there is equality in the world yet and the world shouldn’t be overexpectant.
Hello World Have Your Say,
As a 47 year old white South Afican who had to spend most of his life under the force and negativity of Apartheid, I can honestly say that this Thursday was the most important historical event for me since Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa.
On a global scale it is even bigger, the most powerful man in the world will be a Black Man, and that idea is a seed which can anchor determination and self belief in black people around the globe, that they can shape their own destiny, that excuses are things of the past.
I cried out loud repeatedly on that day, sometimes shouting YES… YES!!!! because it seems so unbelievable.
@Wow…some adds.
“Condie Rice, Clarence Thomas, Booker T. Washington, CLARENCE THOMAS, MARTIN LUTHER KING, HARRIETT TUBMAN, W.E.B.DuBOIS, MALCOLM X, COLIN POWELL, TIGER WOODS, MUHAMMAD ALI, JOE FRASIER, SAMUEL L. JACKSON, SIDNEY POITER, LAWRENCE FISHBURN, RICHARD PRYOR, SAMMY DAVIS JR., CHRIS ROCK, to name a few. If “our” black youth want equality then they must stand up and work for it.”
I added a few names that quickly came to my mind but the real statement : “IF OUR BLACK YOUTH WANT EQUALITY THEY MUST STAND UP AND WORK FOR IT” Freedom is never given it is taken. Obama is one man who will not fulfill your dreams.
To your Guest Jamal–
Remember the reparations that the former West African slave traders are owing to your people. There would have been no slave trade outside of Africa were it not for slavery IN Africa.
And there is something to be said about moving forward. Obama’s election can be a symbol for this.
The election of Obaba shows only that the US can accept a person, regardless of color or gender, that is educated & willing to work for all of the people, also helped that he is not a republican!!
I have supported Obama because he is so good for the U.S. I had no idea of this powerful inspiration he provides to people all over the world. What a delightful bonus.
Obama can’t make the big change in racism just like paying off the bankers hasn’t turned around the stock market.
The president need to instill the sense and inspiration that (in the case of the stock market), to turn it around, we all need to invest in it. To turn around the racial problems, we all need to change our attitudes. I never heard about McCain being referred to the “white” candidate. The news media is to blame for this. Obama is not African American. He is an American. Not to mention that he is only half African.
We tried to impeach Bush ….. and we failed because we did not have the support of our government. Clinton was impeached for committing perjury but we could not get the government to impeach Bush for lying to the American people to get support for the war in Iraq or for violating the sovereign rights of a nation who had nothing to do with 9/11
I believe that in this case:
Those who support Obama judged the candidate, the man,
“By the content of his character, not the color of his skin”
Americans were starved for a leader with integrity and that is what we need to embrace, we’ll never be able to compensate. Or be compensated for, the crimes committed over the history of our country, we can only recognize our faults and go forward. I hope this race discussion can subside as we concentrate on Obama’s leadership and look for his character to develop, while we develop ours as well.
Steve~
C’mon… It’s absurd to imagine that those delusional people represent the majority of the voters who supported Obama. Even those people who believe in a god don’t EXPECT miracles in the real world.
I think the heart of the topic here has to do with self-image among people who have historically seen themselves as less-than and have-nots, and in that respect the simple fact that Obama has been elected president of the U.S. and symbolic leader of the (white) Western world has broadened their horizons and fired imaginations that would otherwise have accepted their fates without question.
A brief response in reaction to the “reverse racism” claim. Oh my! By that logic couldn’t we say that every election pre dating this one was a confirmation of racism? And furthermore, doesn’t that also make us an incredibly sexist culture?
I think it’s fair to say the election of Obama does say good things about how far our country has come. Perhaps this isn’t the most politically correct thing to say, but we elected the whitest looking black man I’ve seen. Had Obama been darker skinned or broader featured would he still have won?
What we have is a good start. Again, Obama’s approach to race has been very indirect. Perhaps as president he will address it more directly. I don’t personally agree with financial retribution, but strongly believe in restrengthening affirmative action and in recognizing that the over representation of the African American population in our jails and living under the poverty line is a direct result and constant affirmation of the past and continued presence of racism. I hope Obama is willing to tackle that directly, although in some ways I feel it would be politically easier for a white man to do.
Barack believed in himself that he would have a chance to ascend to the highest office and he was never demotivated because of the colour of his skin he persevered and his victory and his confidence will impact and boost every person who believed that they could not but now we all know yes we can.
I’m tired of listening to angry old black men justifying bad behavior with (their) history and saying Barrack is not black enough. It’s no longer about race. It’s about humanity. Today more than ever in the USA we are becoming color blind, that is why so many young (white) people voted. Life is about today. Get on with it!
Jamal’s view is cliched bore. It is a milestone, even without the racist history of the USA, for a minority (12% of the population) to be elected to lead a country.
There is racism in America, and there is racism in every country. How much of it is the important factor. Clearly many minorities are also racist and perhaps more so then majorities. Minorities were apparently responsible for the bigotry against gay people in California, had they abstained from voting, gays would have the freedom to marry in California.
Blacks in America don’t need to get over the racism, but they need to move on. Everyone needs to move on—Jews, whites, gays included.
I believe Obama’s election will have an impact on the future, but it is not a magic pill. The change will not happen overnight. However, I think it will have an enormous impact on today’s children. Previous generations grew up with the possibility of a non-white-male president. We’ve been telling our children of color, religion, and girls that for years. But it was still only an opportunity. Now it is history and that will make their experience radically different. I am proud that my 3 year old daughter and 1 year old son, who are white middle-class, will have a different ancestral history that I had. As a white american, I felt shame and dispair about the atrocities of my ancestors, but I couldn’t undo it. Now my children have a generation of ancestors who have done one small thing to prove that we have learned and grown.
And as a side note, I noticed that everytime Jamal doesn’t believe with anothers point of view, he puts them down with accusations like “Well that persons beliefs show a cultural immaturity” and so forth. Why not address the comments or questions head on instead of trying to make personal accusations stemming from poor judgement?
You somehow seem to think that you are correct, everyone who doesn’t agree with you is incorrect or somehow less than you or ignorant. Who made you the cultural and racial authority?
It would be interesting to set Jamal up with a hosted page on BBC WHYS to allow a larger discussion to take place on all of the issues and gripes he brought up; Granted many of which are justified but for whatever reason presented in an aggressive and divisive manner
No matter what one’s skin color, there is not doubt that the world will be a much better place than it has been the last 8 years. There is no way it could be as bad which has nothing to do with race.
Obama has already changed America b/c of the way that he ran his Presidential campaign. He organized individual communities to work for his election. I met more of my neighbors working on Obama’s campaign than I had in the 20 years that I have lived in my home! We learned that working together we achieved a goal that had seemed unreachable! We now know that as a united America we can solve the difficult problems that confront our nation.
yes, his election states to the children of today that they can be anything they want and that regardless of the barriers that stand in the way they can overcome them.
I wonder why the whole world has such enormous expextation from an election victory of one man — Barack Obama! It is good to be positively expectant, but I think the this has gone beyond the limits.
Obama is a man. He is not God. He is not a Messiah. We should therefore know that although the whole world expects so much, Obaama is an American president and therefore is to put American interests fisrt priority!!
@ John
I’m not too sure of that. I really think people think Obama is going to be able to deliver some kind of personal miracle for them. When they don’t get it, they will be upset. What’s all this talk of change, and if things remain the same, is that change? Hence, I really think people think he can deliver magic, and expect him to deliver magic.
I agree with many hear that one man does not make a more equal world. I disagree that he does not see skin color. He sees it and takes it in consideration when interacting with the individual as most successful African-Americans do. You cannot succesfully interact with others if you ignore their background which shapes their current perception and colors their hopes for the future. I think that if more people follow the “golden rule” and treat others the way that Barack Obama treats them, the way that Christ and many other prophets of that time state people should be treated, this will be a more equal world.
I think Obama is valuable to the world because he hasn’t made it about him, or the democrats….he makes it about us as humans. He takes out the “look what I did” attitude and actually empowers people to take responsibility and agency for his own future
I have the opportunity to send my 13 yr old son to this Presidential Inauguration. I hope that he is inspired by President-Elect Obama and that he sees that with hard work and dedication that anyone can achieve anything despite of the color of their skin, religion, socio-economic status or where they come from.
President-Elect Obama is a great role model for all people. He also demonstrates that it is the responsibility of all citizens of the world to care about other and help those less fortunate.
Your guest Jamal is no different than the other bigots in this country that he condemns. Plenty of people have pointed out the flaws in his logig and no need to repeat anymore than that.
I do not why Africa is taking more interest in Obama elected president of America, Obama has got lot linen to take care of In USA, also Mahatma Gandhi gave the opportunity to make real change in Africa long way back when he started his movement in Africa, but the Africans did not use that opportunity.
Doe sthe Indians also have high hopes if the future propective candidate, may be from republican Party Mr Bobby Jindal,
I suppose BBC is airing useless program.
I think that although Obama’s election brings hope, it is muted by the state elections in California. The passage of California Proposition 2 – preventing cruelty to farm animals – and the passage of Proposition 8 – limiting the rights of gays and lesbians couples – says that Californians think that animals have more rights than humans. The implications of the same voters make this decision is indicative of how little regard some people have for others.
I think it is quite interesting that Barack Obama is being portrayed explicitly as a “black” man.
He is NOT a “black” man ~ he is like 98% of all of us ~ mixed ~ and the fact that his skin is dark should mean nothing.
I find it arrogant and offensive that your black guest is not even acknowledging the above fact. He presents himself as a leader and having a particularly acute scope of view on the black experience, yet he does not speak to the homogeny of Mr. Obama’s lineage.
I think it incredibly short sighted to believe that one man can be held as the key to relieving the anguish of people around the world. It is unfair to him as a human and applies an undeserved level of ethnic responsibility.
I think that once the fervor of his skin color passes and people embrace his humanity they will see that he can only do what he can do and nothing more.
Who invited Jamaal to pop all the balloons at the party?
The question for today’s show is horrible. That’s why people are confused and scrambling to respond.
We have the ingredients for a cake, i.e. a better future for our children, the world, etc. We have most of the main ingredients for the cake, i.e. an intelligent new president, a more united US, etc.
You are asking people what the cake will taste like, who will have an allergic reaction to the cake, how long it will bake, how high it will rise, whether it will inspire others to bake cakes, etc. IT’S TOO EARLY FOR SUCH QUESTIONS!
Let the man at least finish gathering the ingredients before you start judging the cake.
I hope Obama will stand and inspire us all. His idealistic offer of a plan for unity should be not be critized simple because of who he is or where he came from. Most voted for what he had to say, and the content of his character, the color of his skin should never be an issue. I’m proud that our world is becoming more accepting and diverse and that we can now see the change with our own eyes. And as much as we shoudl cherish our independence and diversity, those who focus only on our diversity have found their flaw.
@Jeanne
Clinton was impeached because he lied to a grand jury. He lost his law license for that.
Bush lied to the American people and should be impeached for that!!?? Name me one politician that hasn’t lied to the American People.
Obama has proved that there is opportunity if there is will and preparedness to progress in life. His victory is not an end by itself; hence we can not say that today’s world is a more equal world than that of a few days ago. Rather, Obama’s victory signalled the end of an arduous journey in his combat to the highest office in the world and the beginning of another journey, which would need time, energy, patience and consistent hard work. His success to the presidency, however, sets a milestone for many people around the world, especially for those willing to succeed in politics and other fields and help their countries.
As an African, I always worry as to how much we Africans are prepared to take up on the good achievements of the likes of Obama and internalize and use them for the benefits of our peoples. That especially lies on the contemporary leaders who should avail the opportunity and be open enough to foresee success in the long run. At the same time success needs preparation from every one who needs it and hard work to achieve it. As the saying goes, “success must be worked for”. It is only if every individual is ready to discharge himself/herself responsibly that we can all go the right way to success and consequently to a more equal world.
@Steve, remember your con law! Constitutional rights are not subject to the will/whim of the majority as expressed in elections. And yes, it’s exactly “unelected judges” who do and should interpret the constitution when those rights are threatened. Neither the electorate nor their representatives have any place in the matter.
Lots of things are appropriate for voting on. Human rights and especially minority rights, by definition, are not and cannot be.
I have been listening to the programme (in Kingston, Jamaica) and most of the comments, even those of your two panellists, appear to ignore the basic fact of willingness to integrate. Barack Obama’s father may have been Keynan and his mother of Irish heritage, but HE SAW HIMSELF AS AN AMERICAN.
He shed his africanism identity, his Irish identity and his dougla identity and embraced AMERICANISM. Therefore, regardless of how much of an inspirational leader he is, or how much his win is capable of motivating a person to glory, that can only happen if the identity change comes first.
No matter how bright, articulate, wealthy, charismatic or any other description you may want to heap upon a minority, if he/she is not prepared to shed his native identity and embrace becoming an American – or Frenchman or Englishman or Chinese, no amount of change of life will occur. This is true for America as well as for most other countries, that espouse homogeneity in their social – NOT CULTURAL, NOT ETHNIC – fabric. A veil wearing Muslim woman in France cannot expect to one day become the President of France, if she does not shed her hijab. Similarly, a openly homosexual male or female in the US cannot expect to ever become President of the United States. After all think about Mitt Romney. You think that McCain would have gone for Palin had she been a Mormon?
Please, couch your question with the caveat of Integration if you want to elicit more structured responses.
Austin
“Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.” – Churchill.
Obama, a liberal at heart and a conservative in thought, brilliant.
Brett ~
I think a discussion page would be great. It is possible that we misunderstand Jamal by the presentation of his words. The reality is life is not fair and we can work towards a more peaceful existence without dismissing past atrocities. Focusing on the past and ignoring progress that has been made is just as closed minded as ignoring the millions of additional people that have ancestral histories that included violence and suffering.
so could the mods explain to me why my post was not posted, while many others here that express the exact same point were????? or is the term kick up his bottom a censorable offence?
@ Laura
I agree with you. In a more rational society, women would fill a bit more than half of all positions, powerful ones not excepted
g
@Brett
It would be an even better idea to simply ignore Jamal from this point forward, not provide a platform for his tiresome, toxic cliches, and let him sink beneath the surface of well deserved obscurity without so much as a bubble. Just one opinion.
“America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past. For part of what has been lost these past eight years can’t just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose – our sense of higher purpose. And that’s what we have to restore.” Obama, 2008 DNC speech.
“What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose – our sense of higher purpose. And that’s what we have to restore.”
I have a sense that we are in the process of finding that purpose.
No one is going to like this but what hope does Obama give anyone?
Clarence Thomas, Condi Rice, Tiger Woods and even Obama did not sit on their asses waiting for “HOPE”. They went out and used the resources available to them and made a success of themselves.
They learned to speak the language, soaked up all the knowledge they could in school and made a success of their lives.
If you’re sitting there waiting for hope, blaming others for your failings, promoting an ethnic language not native to your country then you will have wasted your life.
Get off your asses and get moving to help yourself.
Yes, a black man being elected president will change things for real people.
Backward people discriminate the group as a whole. They treat the group
as a whole. They don’t look at people as individuals.
They see a black man, and they think he’s just one of those.
They see an asian man, and they think he’s just one of those.
Now we have this strong, intelligent, charismatic black american president, who people can’t ignore or look away from. He will be on television every single day. It will force people to redefine their understanding of that “group”. It will force backward people to modernize their views of african americans, dark skinned people, and all minorities. It will force them to see them as individuals. It will force people to slightly elevate their expectations of minority individuals – on the street, in the office, during an interview. Slightly less fear. Slightly more understanding.
From now on, their is a slightly better chance that a white man interviewing a black man will stop his old thinking and think “this young man could be another Obama – I think I’ll hire him.”
It is a small, but very real, change.
I am concerned about this talk, “Is Barack Obama going to create a more equal world.” I believe Barack Obama is the elected leader of the United States and the favored leader for our country by the citizens of the world because he is a reflection of who we see Ourselves as being and the direction of who We will became.
Thinking Barack Obama is working to create a more equal world is a set up for failure. All of us around the world have to work together to visualize and create an equal world.
Our selecting Obama allows us to hold a leader before us who exemplifies Our vision and belief in the best for Ourselves and for All. Good for us for creating that vision and good for Obama for seeing that he could step up and fill that seat. Let us be very aware that Our responsibility in these matters cannot now be transfered to Obama. We need to continue taking daily actions toward equality and taking responsability for Our failures. We need to hold an unwaivering belief in our success for equality.
Perception…unless I’ve missed this topic being discussed already this is what we need to think about.
I’m a 30 year old white male and I voted for Obama, not because of his skin color but because of his political stance and ability.
The excitement that surrounds the election of Obama I feel can only be considered the stage being set for what is to come. I have spent a good deal of time in Kenya and whether I am speaking with people in metropolitan Nairobi or rural Oyugis, the United States is seen as a promise land by many. Sons and daughters leave for the states with dreams of success and in turn support for family still in Kenya. However…for many those aspirations do not take into account the great divides that still plague our country, only a fraction of which are race and sexual orientation issues. Upon arrival to the states the Kenyans quickly find out that the playing field is not equal and their task is going to be a greater struggle than they had imagined or even been told to expect.
Kenyans will no doubt celebrate the election of Obama and young men and women will see it as another reason why coming to the states will benefit their familes.
Let us then place that perception in contrast to the black community born and bred in the US, which is unarguably very diverse in and of itself. As your guest articulated, the black Americans that have in one way or another, found footing in the middle upper-class economy will see this election as a victory that affirms the choices, and paths that they have followed or been assisted through. Their children will more than likely see this as an affirmation of the life that they live and gain encouragement to “follow in their parents footsteps” and reach beyond to make their own impact on their communities. However, it is, and arguably so, fair to assume that the more impoverished black community, will see this as still something that they will struggle to ever achieve because they are still facing the same marginalization that they face every day.
The ironic thing about the difference of these different perceptions of the election of Obama is that in the end it leads to the same place for all of them…a stage that has been set.
I feel Obama’s election will have a stronger indirect effect, which will be more powerful than being briefly swept up in the emotion. This election will MAKE PEOPLE THINK and DREAM. The Kenyan that chooses to come to this country may very well become disenfranchised by what they find when they arrive…however, the drive to become something will have put them on a better road than simply scraping by in the slums of Nairobi. The impoverished black American that may not relate to the world in which President elect Obama lives… will no doubt think about what it was that got him to that place, and somewhere in their hearts they will come to a crossroads…do they explore the possibility of chasing a dream and creating a better life or do they allow the dream to fade in the face of their current struggles. The choice then is theirs but the exciting thing is that they were challenged to dream where as, before the election the dream, for many, never even existed.
The perception…can inspire reality.
Peace,
Garrett
I do think it is important to “get over” things that are farther back than living memory, American slavery being one of them. That doesn’t mean we should ignore or get over the results in today’s society of that slavery, or ignore the lessons of history. The Irish side of my family is over the fact that just before the American civil war they were forcibly removed from their land, their homes, and their country by the English. They were put on boats and sent to a country they didn’t know and didn’t want to go to, where they were considered to be trash. All of that is horrible and unfair, but it isn’t my reality, it is my history.
To take personally something that happened long ago between people long dead leads to things like ethnic cleansing and race wars: in Bosnia, in Serbia, between Tutsis and Hutus , between Sunis and Shia, and on and on. People are killing each other over things that happened, or may have happened, hundreds if not thousands of years ago.
So yes, get over it.
Understand then. Learn from then. But live in the now. Deal with the problems of now. Fix now.
I think that we are all aware that this is part of the ‘revere/ fear’ effect of having a new character on the scene. In the case of President-elect Obama’s case, he is atypical. Hence, there is still no sense of how to gauge what he will actually do. Let us, however, just step back and breathe! He is only human. If we are all foolish enough to wait for the actions of one man in one country to trigger real and meaningful changes in terms of equality and other noble social issues in all corners of the globe, then, we are all more foolish than we actually think.
How is it possible that one man should bear the burdens of all the world’s oppression and injustices while people in their specific locale do nothing more than dream? Let’s not open and close the discussion of race and racism in America and elsewhere with these especially limited ideas. Sure, it is great to dream the impossible and to rise to the highest heights. However, there is a limit to which reality/ practicality can go in our blissfully unrealistic fancies.
@ Dan,
I wondered whether you might clarify the significance of the comment in relation to “learned to speak the language” in your post above? While, there is an explanation of sorts, afterwards, I am not so sure I understand why this is an issue, in and of itself. Is it it not the objective of all citizens in any country, to learn to speak the official language of instruction?
Is it also, at all possible, that the economic/ class system in the US which allocates resources, traditionally, based on race-privilege may have something to do with whether people are able to maximise the advantages at their disposal, in terms of learning to speak the official language of country? This is especially in instances where they themselves are not ‘native’ speakers of that language. How much of language acquisition and facility a function of economics and class?
I’d also like to know why my comments weren’t posted!
@ Eleanor Pdx,
I seemed to have missed a rather interesting discussion today on-air. Whereas, I did not listen I would, however, like to clarify an over simplification of a point made above by Eleanor regarding whether slavery outside of Africa would not have occured without slavery inside the continent.
While, I do not wish to make excuses for tribal enslavement within the continent, previous to the arrival of European pirates/ enslavers, I do wish to highlight that the policy to enslave non-white/ ‘lower class’ peoples was a a very developed strategy under the Mercantilist policies of the UK and, at the time, other competing European powers, for control of the then known world.
Free and forced labour of a, largely, non-Christian and, presumbaly, unenlightened people from no less a place than the ‘dark continent’ (Africa), was the desired option. This was, in part, because Feudalism had been receding at the time (or so the historians say!) as Europe moved towards a more diversified economy. In addition to which, the Amerindian Holocaust had only resulted in the destruction of the native populations of the Americas in places like the Caribbean, where some of the most ‘viable’ slave colonies existed, with Jamaica in lead as producing the best quality sugar at the time.
History tells us, therefore, that the policy of the British government, then, was explicitly committed to enslavement, at the very least a kind of regulated labour system in which labourers were at the mercy of Capital, for its own enrichment. It took steam and other developments, themselves, part of the Industrial Revolution to the weaken capital’s stranglehold on labour but without the requisite compensation.
@ Raw
Though we don’t have an official language in the US, (though some states have official languages), english is the predominant language, but at my voting place, the signs were all bilingual in english and spanish. I’m curious as to how many US citizens don’t know how to speak english? And what did these people do before they had bilingual signs for the US citizens that apparently don’t speak english?
@rawpoliticsjamaicastyle
My family were immigrants to America. They INSISTED that we speak English. They INSISTED we learned the language, how government works and customs of America.
Today, as a business owner, I run into people, some of which have been BORN IN AMERICA, who cannot speak English.
Do not misunderstand me. One of my very best customer and now a good friend is a Vietnamese man who, while being incredibly difficult to understand, does the very best he can to speak English.
I am curious to understand how someone who cannot speak the language goes to vote and the ballot in in another language. How did they ever become a citizen?
The same is true for drivers license tests. How do they read the signs and traffic regulations?
As an immigrant family and although I was born in America we did not have the advantage of being politically correct and blaming our miserable lives on “economic/ class system in the US which allocates resources, traditionally, based on race-privilege”. What politically correct crap!!!
We studied, we learned, we spent endless hours in the library, my parents became involved in my school to make sure I was getting all the education I could assimilate and lastly they scrimped and saved so that I could go to college. I also worked nights & weekends to put myself through college too.
Now do you know what I mean?
RE “Has Obama created a more equal world?”
—————————————————————————————————–
——— Someone transposed the question which should have been a statement:
A more equal world was created for Obama to succeed in. He’s not strong enough, not ruthless enough to ever be one of Africa’s ruthless strongmen. Doubt he’s as tough as Mandela.
It took an America for an Obama to come up in. Very irksome to see all this messiah like worship by many who are no doubt atheists. He’s a man for gorsch sake, not a miracle worker. Potentially he can do some great and wonderful things, but lets remember that he will never match the post 9/11 popularity peak of the current despot who was also poised to accomplish many great things before it all imploded.
Geez, Louise, give Obama some time to smoke his cigarette, breathe and contemplate his choices. He’ll be rushed enough as it is without a horde of lackey’s tossing themselves at his feet, impeding his progress.
Prediction: There will be a controversy over where Obama sends his kids. If he doesn’t send them to the DC public school system, he will get heavily criticized. However if he does, then the Secret Service’s concerns will be more pronounced.
So what does he do? Send his kids to the horrible DC public school system and win applause, or send his kids ot private school to get a good education and be safer? I think he’s got a dilemma.
@ Dan,
Other than the fact that the insult in your tone in direct relation to what I have said is so obvious, I am almost tempted to look past the rest of the entry. However, there is an exception. Please do not for a minute think that I am suggesting that there is no room for people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, if, indeed, that is the process to which are gesturing in your remarks above.
What I am, however, not sure that I can agree with is that issues of resource access and a deeply ingrained sense of racism do not work together, directly, or otherwise, to ensure that there are limitations placed on the levels of access that people feel they have in a country.
At the risk of comparing pain, as a marker of who has the more ‘knock-out’ story, I experienced similar challenges in terms of my acquisition of a college education, specifically with parents who, for all intents and purposes, were super-regular working class people in Jamaica. The determination to succeed, such as it is, has to be instilled and kept alive through constant nurturing even in the most difficult of times.
You have the advantage (?) of having immigrant parents who went to the US in search of the ‘American Dream’ and had all the optimism of possibility. There are those, in real terms, who exist on the fringes and live a nightmare! There is no reason for hope in many instances, a function of race, class and education, among other factors.
Those are not imagined concerns they are real! People are deliberately and routinely directed into other areas of study because of the colour of their skin and how they speak. Resources are directed elsewhere to people who “need it”. Unless, I am imagining these things but that does sound like a combination of racism and classism which has real consequences.
Two days in, and rather than the “stabilization” the pundits and the press touted would follow Obama’s election, the world’s markets are in free-fall at a quickened pace.
Is it that the financial and commodity markets are behind the times – or is it that they are harbingers of an unpleasant future?
@Rawpolitics: slavery was universal. Africans had been at it longer than Anglo-Americans. If slavery by itself made a country rich then Africa would be the richest continent in the world, and would have been so for thousands of years. Africans were just as responsible (if not more so) for the trans-Atlantic slave trade as Europeans. It simply isn’t an issue in today’s world and Blacks across the world need to make use of the opportunities that they have in places like the US, as Obama has, or set about creating those opportunities for themselves in their own countries. Living in the past contributes nothing to the present or future.
“Is it also, at all possible, that the economic/ class system in the US which allocates resources, traditionally, based on race-privilege…” You need to be disabused of several mistaken notions. Class and economics are not synonyms (e.g. the impoverished aristocrat). Class is not a function of race. W.E.B. Dubois was black but upper middle class by attainment. Joe the Plumber is white and working class by profession. And a free market economy – which is the most approximate description of the US system – doesn’t allocate resources according to race, but according to the price mechanism.
I suspect that Obama’s victory isn’t going to assuage black rage and resentment anytime soon.
Are we expecting way too much of one man? selena
“We have a dream that one day the capitalist system based on materialism, which has resulted in the overexploitation of the natural resources and uneven distribution of wealth, will give way to more sustainable and eco-friendly economy based on material and spiritual satisfaction and redistribution of wealth so that there will be no poverty and hunger. Yes Mr. President, we are one people and we have only one nation- Earth.”
An open letter to President-Elect Barack Obama
Mr President, We Too Have A Dream
By Abdul Basit
http://www.countercurrents.org/basit051108.htm
@rawpoliticsjamaicastyle
Do not interpret my response as any insult or means of an insult. It is just the way I talk. My employees know me and know my heart.
I have never said and no one on WHYS knows my race but suffice it to say that I did not have it easy growing up but I saw the light at the end of the road. I understood that I had to get out of my circumstance. My brothers also understood this. We fought to get our success.
I understand that in many countries there is not as clear a path to success as there is in America. That does not mean that there is NO path to success.
Through the largess of America there are resources in almost all countries that one can take advantage of to improve one life.
The time has, I think, long since past where one is directed into a career path determined by the color of ones skin. To the best of my knowledge that only exists in Hollywood movies.
I believe that People can help themselves if they let go of the politically correct nonsense and face reality.
You want a topic of discussion for the 7th? How about this …
I have just heard and am looking into a story that, on the campus of Baylor University in Waco Texas, that there was a noose placed in a tree and people were burning Obama signs. Baylor University, renowned for it’s religious backbone and it’s academics. A place where people go to better their minds, which costs approximately $26,000.00 u.s.d. a year to attend … and apparently, white and black students were in a stand-off or a fight of some sort.
You want my crazy spin, I called my wife and said, call your mother and father in Germany and let them know that on short notice we could possibly be coming to live.
If this underline hate of the past somehow manages to take this man’s life, my hope for this country will be gone, and I will leave it before it consumes itself.
I dont think Obama has created a more equal world. that said, I think he deserves to be commended for leading the thoughts of Americans back on the right track. obama personally has not based his campaign on race, however, the subtext of the change theme is tacitly racial. We see this in the tears of jesse jackson and Operal winfry among other chapters of the unfolding narrative. Yes,this is the way the America many look up to should be thinking,colour blindnes is the viision we expect the United staes to have on the journey to true egalitarianism, not the freaud in Florida back in 2001, not the one man or one family personal vendetta that took a fraction of the world into blood spilling spree in Mesopotamia/Babylon that turns the tigress river red. Iam talkiking of the babarities of Iraq, and certainly not the arrogance that makes America slight and even spite her allies.
Going back to the issue of equality, I think that much as many won’t agree, tht white race, to put it mildly, is up there. You have to be in my part of the world to know this is beyond debate. Even in america, its the white vote that got Obama there and not the black vote. so ,I think the election of Obama only further establish the edge the caucasion thinking mostly have. so, obama as a person, i will give 20% mark for inspiring the world to take a step towards equality, I will give the civil liberty activists of modern times and the Freedom fighters of yore in America 45%, and then finally, I will give the white electorates 35% mark for connecting the global psyche to march twoards a more equal world.
@selena in Canada
November 6, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Mr. Obama, we have a dream to:
“We have a dream that Capitalism that has lifted more people out of poverty and allowed them to achieve the full potential of their God given gifts be realized be expanded around the globe so that people can realize the dignity of work and success and not living in the futility of simply relying upon hand outs and Government to make their lives better.”
dear ros, I think the topic should have been caped HAS OBAMA GIVEN INSPIRATION TO PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR AIMS AND ASPIRATIONS? The answer is a big yes. And I know that in the present turbulent global society both economical and political we all need tons of it. But be sure of this, Obama cannot and will not be able to create a more equal world.
Obama hasn’t yet created anything the real question is have we created an equal world and the answer is obviously no. We elect the first “black” president but we in California take away the right to get married for same sex couples what kind of progress is that? For the record I didn’t vote for Obama I voted for Nader and the reaction I got from other people was you put your vote in for a Mexican (Gonzales Nader’s running mate). I am shocked at just how much progressiveness this country lacks and if anything this election has shown us we have a long way to go. When we can get beyond categorizing everyone in different little boxes, then the world will be more equal. It is our duty and in our power to create the equal world.
the truth is this. To create a true and equal global society is just beyond the capabilities of the global political set-ups as they are now. We need to look elswhere. All of them are PAWNS in the hands of a more sinister group.
President-Elect McAbel is machine-tooled for The White House. In that sense, his electorate will not be disappointed.
How can BBC-Word propagate the news of Obama’s choice as chief of staff (Rahm Emanuel) as cavalier as they do? The core of all the problems associated with the so called war on terrror that aflicts the world today is the ongoing injustice metet out to the Palestinians since the ill-advised creation of the Israeli state. It was created by the UN – consequently it can be uncreated by the UN.
There will never be a two state solution – the only solution is a New Palestine, with the Jews as a welcome minority.
The BBC World Service is as biased as Fox News – you fall dismally below what one wants to expect from journalists.
Niels Sorensen
Copenhagen
Denmark
kxxv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9299373&nav=menu509_2_1
The story as reported by local news.
@ Jonathan
The people of california amended the CA constitution to ban same sex marriage. So any state court couldn’t find part of the constitution to be unconstitutional. It would require a federal lawsuit,a nd what are the odds a federal courts will say same sex marriage is a fundamental right? Even if it does, it would only be mandatory for the district it’s in, and within the circuit if affirmed on appeal. So it could be legal in one circuit, but not others.
The vision of those to brave the world … to challenge and change it … will always be assaulted by those whom do not want it to change and the ignorance of those blinded by fear of change.
@Niels Sorensen
….and I guess the Holocaust didn’t happen either.
The TRUTH is that the Palestinians could have had their state 60 years ago but instead followed corrupt and immoral leaders like Arafat who fed them lies about how they would kill all the Jews and then they let Arafat put the Palestinians into refugee camps while the PLO pocketed the money.
There never were Palestinians. They were under the rule of Jordan and NEVER wanted or demanded a homeland nor did they ever build anything.
Israel made a garden out of the desert.
The Palestinians have created havoc in every country that they have been invited into. They are the pariahs of the Middle East.
Now that they have publicly stated that there will never be a peace, the Israeli’s should deport all living in the West Bank to Gaza or maybe the Dutch Government would welcome them?
The BBC tell more TRUTH in a minute than all of the history books you have read about the Middle East and at least the BBC and Fox are fair & balanced but do not met your criteria of being politically correct and biased about the subject.
Check out this liberal “tolerance”
Hope that teacher gets fired
Sorry BBC, wrong link to the video:
RE “” It was created by the UN – consequently it can be uncreated by the UN.”"
———————————————————————————————————
———Indeedy, lets return the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Bengledesh, India, Iraq, Afghanistan, and all of TransJordan to the UK which is responsible for granting these lands their independence.
While we’re at it. return Lebanon, Syria, and Morrocco back to France, Libya to the Italians.
Now we’re cookin’ with gas!!!
Niels Sorensen November 6, 2008 at 11:26 pm,
There will never be a two state solution – the only solution is a New Palestine, with the Jews as a welcome minority.
That’s such a moderate proposal. Why not be honest and admit that you are encouraging another Holocaust against the Jews? I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your notice that ‘Palestine’ is currently completely Jew-free.
Now American historic White House is already sold out that would be sign of the Islam will be ruled the universe soon, within Obama’ tenure of office Iran will be succeeded its long range nuclear program and Iran will become super power in Middle East. Also Iran will strongly tie with communist China, Russia, North Korea and all anti American nations in this world. Obama policy will be strengthened the power of terrorists, communists and all anti American nations. Perhaps Obama can make his African Black history but he can’t make any great history and good direction for America. He can’t lead to this super power nation with high profile, because he already declared that he wants to talk with Osama Bin Laden or terrorists that would be his quality and status.
Actually including 911 event and as the current history of US is the effect of Democratic president Bill Clinton tenure of office. If Americans have great political knowledge and high philosophy it’s easy to find out the most responsibility person for 911 and current history is whether president G.W Bush or former Democratic president Bill Clinton ?
Note…. I have concluded this comment with a note that if by any chance my political focus proved to be in error or adversely affected Obama in anyway due to miss predictions I have tendered my assurance that I would bear the liability for what I have predicated.
Re: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDEAYgm0Dv8 Video
I can understand the teacher discussing the election with her students but she shouldn’t be asking the kids who they would vote for or making a spectacle about any of their responses. A grown woman bullying a little girl is pathetic. Poor little girl.
Steve~
I figure Obama will send his kids to the Cathedral school… or the Friend’s school like other Presidents have done.
I have an Obama hangover; too much already!
Drove along the seafront of my little town and saw no less than 7 Southern Right whales at it in the bay. Two of them breached. On big fella was lolling about quite close inshore, just beyond the rocks. People, locals and visitors, crowded the shore to share the delight and bask in…what is it…Whale-effulgence? Every year these creatures bring us the same happiness, and we never tire of it or take it for granted.
Just wanted to share this.
yes the election of obama is a step toward equality but there is long way to way.talking of our region in Nepal high position are held by leaders of higher caste.it is true for india which also show same kind of politics.if someone from dalit becomes prime minister of india then only it will have a great influence in this region.but definately it will be inspiration to many leaders of so called dalit class in thjis region.
Hi,
Believe it or not but the president elect Obama has truly changed the world and his everyday been in the oval office is history been written.He is truly creating a more equal world in the political divide as you know that politics is king.White Americans who did not vote for him must face the reality of a blackman in the white house.
Rgds
Chabala-Lusaka
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of…er…Hawaii
(Why warn’t he born in Noo York, goldarnit?)
No, Obama will not make any difference to foreigners. He might be the solution for the US citizens, but for foreigners, it’s equal…remember the rally in Berlin few months ago, when he was more than welcomed there, but when it’ll come down to support the war effort in Afghanistan, the Germans won’t deliver. It’s the same story with Rumanian troops. I’ve been told by one of my buds stationed there that the Rumanian top brass is considering an early pull-out. Because it’s all about money and control. And with these dark perspectives of the global crysis, it’s no wonder that each nation would want to contain national wealth for its own benefit.
Yes, I heard many people talking about normalizing (within NATO) the relationships between the allies US -Europe, but this, simply won’t happen.
RE “” Baylor University in Waco Texas, that there was a noose placed in a tree and people were burning Obama signs. “”
——————————————————————————————–
———– My goodness man, and you’re gonna leave the country because of this?
What do you think uni students do every weekend during football season? They mass, hurl insults, epitaphs, and burn things in bonfires while cheering their heros.
Do you know how many times just Nixon alone was hung or burned in effigy? They do the same thing in politics as the Baylor students. Facts are they do these things all over the world. Where ya been all this time?
You any relation to Alec Baldwin? Yeah, I’d expect a bit more decorum from these elite future leaders of our country, but their immaturity is exploited by the football hungry collegiate powers, so is it any surprise when their behavior spills over into other contests or competitions.
Well, in a point of supreme irony, not Obama inherits the presidency at the point when the world’s economy is projected to shrink for the first time since the end of WW2. Well, the dems are always big on their revered symbols, so now Obama gets to walk in the shoes of FDR and Harry Truman.
Guess you can read about it safely ensconced from Germany.
Obama’s first foreign policy priority should be trying to get the global economy going again. It is going to be critical that he work with western, and other developing nations to stimulate the global economy. Once we have that done, then afghanistan, and Iraq…
I hope Obama will make very great change in the world, becuase the whole world whether Islamic or any other they hope beleaf that Obama is the leading president who will give more chance to the people.
Regarding Obama’s victory – I would like to make two points that I cannot believe no one has made before now.
1. As much as I dislike him, George Bush is to thank for getting America ready for a not so white top politician. Firstly, he put Colin Powell in a very important position and after Colin Powell he went for Condoleezza Rice (or Condi as he calls her) and look at what she has achieved. She is a black woman, which is even more uplifting. As Secretary of State she goes all over the world signing documents, meeting world leaders and making speeches. Maybe she’ll run for President in 2012!!!
2. Thanks also to Kiefer Sutherland for playing loyal employee to a black President in that series that went on forever, but which I enjoyed when I lived in England. I think it’s called 24. That series went a long way to changing the mindset of certain viewers in a subconscious way, of that I am sure.
What happened in the US is great. And it’s great to hope that this significant event will help bring equality all over the world. That will only happen if the people are willing. Africans are understandably rejoicing; however, what happened in America should make us ashamed of ourselves. We are so consumed with our difference in language, tribe etc and are unable to accept another man different in these respects no matter his other qualities. There can not be a greater difference than in skin color, yet the whites accepted Obama. That is why America will continue to remain the greatest country in the world. This ability to accomodate others is the source of their successes.
Europe too should take a cue from the US, and be more accomodating to other races than white. Or else, all its countries will continue to decline. It is up to the rest of the world to take instruction from what has happened in America.
To all of the Naysayers regarding President elect Obama. Just about everyone with the ability to walk upright and communicate on this forum understands that the election of President Obama will not magically change America or the world. A great many people have suffered meaningless physical and emotional pain for countless years. President Obama represents “HOPE” for a change. We understand its a long, long road for any manifestation of this home to enter into reality. But for now, we enjoy this all to brief moment which will quickly pass much too soon. The inspiration President Obama represents can serve to energize us for us to bring to our own unique and individual situation more hope, determination, and energy. We cannot look to President Obama to solve our own unique and individual struggles. He may, in some small measure smooth out some of the road on our journey; and perhaps reduce or eliminate some of the barriers. But in the final analysis, it is our responsibility because it is our journey, not his.
Unfortunately, there has always been and undoubtedly always will be individuals and groups like Jamal who are so filled with negativity, doubt, anger, and hopeless they will always live in midnight even at the dawning of the sun. As a Black Man who has, perhaps, traveled some portion of the road Jamal now travels I sympathize with him. Without a doubt he is otherwise a loving, caring, and intelligent human being. We can only hope that at some point on his journey Jamal discovers an exit from this part of his journey. The Black Community in its history and struggles needed and relied heavily on leaders such as Jamal. It is the world which is changing and it is my hope that Jamal will eventually change as well. Who can say, perhaps the time for leaders such as Jamal may not have entirely passed. But for now, let us enjoy this moment of hope and inspiration.
Obama is W.Clinton Mk11. If anybody is “inspired” by that, I’m a banana.
Mean Machine,
Wise words and well articulated! By what you say you offer inspiration just as does Obama. If only more people thought like you and expressed themselves in a similar vein, then we’d all be better off somehow.
Barack Obama will offer us hope, nothing more and nothing less, of a more equal world. But it won’t happen overnight, next week, next month, next year, and as he says maybe nothing will come to pass of major significance or achievement within what will be a long first 4 years not just for him, but for all of us.
Like him we have to make great strides, and venture beyond our comfort zone, and each of us contributes in our own way, so that it becomes a collective effort of all concerned. The road and path we have chosen to take is going to be difficult with so many obstacles to overcome, it is going to be painful and not one of our choosing under normal circumstances. These are not normal circumstances though are they, far from it, unfortunately. If we choose to sit back and ignore the fundamental barriers and difficulties staring us right in the face, then we will inevitably falter, fail and quite possibly stumble into oblivion. Defeat is not an option.
In the cold hard light of day we must all stand up to be counted and call upon all our many individual strengths, so as we can summon up the will and self-belief to overcome the seemingly insurmountable, and defy all the odds!
We must all look to ourselves and realise the possibilities of tomorrow. Whenever that better and new tomorrow comes, it will manifest itself in a way never before witnessed. If we hold forth upon the promise to one another to ensure and not just for ourselves but to pass on to succeeding generations a more fulfilling, richer, spiritually cohesive society, one that is not wanting to constantly out do others and not wishing to belittle efforts of other less significant nations. Always encouraging the minority to take a stake in their own lives so as they can tear down their insecurities, by facing the challenges head on together and no longer stand in isolation to all those around them. I want to remind you of an ever so wonderful and inspiring poem which we all owe a great debt of gratitude to its writer. And more than ever in the incredibly daunting times that lay upon the horizon fully take on board its fullness, depth of meaning and resonance. Above all learn from it that we all have within us a greater self, a spirit and determination to rise above and succeed where others have failed. Ours is the world and the bounteous riches that lie inside to enhance and benefit our own and simple daily existence that we can all strive hard to achieve something of lasting value. The legacy we leave behind will be a lasting one and we can all look upon with pride and satisfaction. The eventual and fruitful outcome outcome would have been worth the struggle ten times or more. Cont’d.
Well, I have just traveled FOUR YEARS into the future. Here is what I saw:
See this link: http://www.form.tv/FTP/OBAMA_LTRBX_30.mov
(don’t worry, its not “spam”)
Cheers!
B!
Are we talking about a politician here – or is it some kind of religious cult ?
Don’t be silly, the world and its populace will stay the same – their viewpoints: as open/close minded as before, their stereotypes of other races unchanged. The only difference is that electing someone non white for the most powerful job in the world creates hope for non whites in white populated countries.
Note that the reverse has always been true since colonisation – in the Far East (even in progressive countries like Singapore) especially, being White meant automatic status and preference. In Africa, while they may despise whites based on history, they still respect them.
Only when this default, subconscious viewpoint that white is automatically “the best” is broken can there even be a chance of an equal world.
well, he worked hard and studied a lot …maybe hung out with some gangsters and we may be looking at a world further effed up than it already was …i think he still has to pay some people who worked for him …ch ch changes …spread the wealth around