I am in shock. In disbelief. Although it was what I wanted, what was anticipated, I never dared to assume too much. The 44th president of the United States of America is Barack Hussein Obama. I am yet to have a proper reaction, there's been no laughter, no crying, just hands on face, staring at the TV. This could be due to exhaustion, after all it is tiring to stay up all night watching the numbers come in, state by state.
All I can say for now is thank you. Thank you America. Once again you have proven that you are the land of opportunity. The land I love to hate, the people I love to mock, have proven me wrong and I could not be happier. Obama's victory may not be beneficial to Africa in terms of funds and aid, but his victory means so much in the battle of race and ethnicity across the world. To think that people in their sixties can remember a time when they had to sit at the back of the bus, will now salute a black president. The man who was only the third black senator in American history, has made it to the top.
What makes it even more beautiful is the fact that he is a mixed raced man. A product of love between Africa and America, growing up in Asia. What person could personify unification of the world more?
Naturally, we should not forget that it is because of his competence that Obama was elected and as such, I look forward to watching how he handles the critical situation his country is now in and I hope and know he can handle it successfully. Lastly, I must say McCain showed great dignity and humility in his speech conceding defeat and I think he deserves all credit for that.
Now, I hope to be off to bed shortly, knowing that I will wake up to a world that is facing a brighter future. Once again, thank you, America!
6 comments:
Yes, we can. Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.Yes, we can.
Hi Maya,
You are so well gifted in taking us all along memory lane.
I really can't imagine what the election of Obama means for the older African-American who have lived through the whole struggle.
I hope he becomes a voice against inhumanity throughout the world.
YES WE CAN!!!
I agree with you Posekyere, we can't know the extent of what his victory will mean to that generation.
I do however think that his victory will have an unmeasurable impact on the world in terms of how Africans, black people and Muslims will be considered, especially in the more ignorant societies.
He has also provided hope for Africans and foreigners all over the world. A black child growing up on Sweden will now know that despite there hardly being hardly a black doctor or lawyer in the country, the greatest white nation is lead by a black man.
To me, that will play more of a role in our future than what Obama's government will do for Africa.
Let's all celebrate!
Only in America!!! I am certainly one of millions changed forever by this election, how has this changed me:
1) I am humbled and inspired that the cynic in me was repudiated, during the height of the Rev. Wright scandal I sent a tearful email to my mom and cousin that Obama's idealism was misplaced and not warranted. I am just as guilty as the 'Obama is a Muslim' trolls in being captive to fear, misconceptions and stereotypes. This election has taught me that you must rise to your better self, always. It also proves that we all inadvertently create our own realities.
2) the brilliance of a society that DOES strive for a more perfect union. America has lived up to its brilliance and potential, and it is an example that all people should try to emulate within their own societies. As this election has proven, a very ordinary but capable and talented man was allowed to reach the pinnacle of power based solely on merit and hard work and in spite of deeply entrenched odds.
3) As an African who had the privelage of voting in this election, it re affirms that the politics of racial and ethnic grieviance is bankrupt and now dead, whether it be in Africa or the West, and that truly we are the change that we seek.
Congratulations to Obama and congratulations to the United States of America.
Thank you Sijui, beautifully put! I love "we are the change that we seek". It really sums up this moment in history.
Post a Comment