(Please click on the photo to listen to the inaugural speech)
Yesterday evening I went for a religious meeting. At the end of the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours (It was actually a gathering of a few to pray) after the benediction, as people were beginning to exchange pleasantries before departing for their respective houses, from the blues, the voice of one of the leaders rang in the background; “tomorrow is world changing day”. What is he talking about? I quickly ran though my calendar in my head in an attempt to remind myself of any special global event for the 20th of January which I may have forgotten. Nothing came to mind. As I joggled through my memory, he announced that Barack Obama is being inaugurated tomorrow (today) as the first black president of the United States and we should pray for him. As a typical African, the prayer would not commence without a prologue – a presentation of logical reasons why prayers for this man of history was crucial.
While in the car on our way back home, my lift was also all about this son of a Kenyan immigrant who has risen above all odds to become the most powerful man in today’s world. I was quick to remind her that Obama, will be sworn in not as president of Kenya, Nigeria or Ghana, but as president of the United States of America – the nation to which he primarily owes his total allegiance and loyalty.
As it often turns out when I speak with (most) Africans since the Obama race began, a subtle debate ensued and I thought in my mind, the world is missing the point. And if care is not taken, the world, the smae way they stood by Obama to victory may drive him to an embarrassing state of being sorry.
I hope someone would not get me wrong here. And I am careful not to create the impression that I do not wish the new US president well; my point is that I am really afraid for him. His rhetoric (like British journalists would say) and skin colour seem to be clouding people’s judgement of the real man whom I have no doubt has got what it takes to deliver.
In the media, almost every report on Barack Hussain Obama begins with or make reference to his "black" heritage - "the first US BLACK president”. It was only on BBC Radio 1 that I heard a slightly more modest description of him as “the first mixed race American president” Obama, just like any American sought the highest office in the US, he campaigned just like any other person had or would, he fought really hard and won a very well deserved victory. But I wonder why no one would speak of him and his historic feat without reference to his skin colour. It worries me that most Obama supporters, especially those of african descent do so because of racial and religious sentiments. The guy is good, full stop! Africa has not moved beyond where it is today because africans have allowed religious sentiments and tribalism to delude them for so long. It's time somebody woke up and see life beyond their doorsteps!
The above drives me to a conclusion; the world is still far from winning the war against racism. Until we get to a point where a man’s colour or gender do not bear any relevance to what we think of them in light of public service; when this has no basis in influencing our opinion about them, we still have a long way to go. Don't be deluded, as long as colour or race still matter in the way we see people, the world at large still remains to me, a haven of racism.
As I drove home from work today, I listened to the president's speech on radio. When I got home, I went online to check the transcript of the speech and lo, there's an avalanche of interesting comments about the speech. Below are selected comments from diverse fora on the speech. It took 27 years old Jon Favreau the last two months, working at about 16 hours a day to put this powerful speech together.
While in the car on our way back home, my lift was also all about this son of a Kenyan immigrant who has risen above all odds to become the most powerful man in today’s world. I was quick to remind her that Obama, will be sworn in not as president of Kenya, Nigeria or Ghana, but as president of the United States of America – the nation to which he primarily owes his total allegiance and loyalty.
As it often turns out when I speak with (most) Africans since the Obama race began, a subtle debate ensued and I thought in my mind, the world is missing the point. And if care is not taken, the world, the smae way they stood by Obama to victory may drive him to an embarrassing state of being sorry.
I hope someone would not get me wrong here. And I am careful not to create the impression that I do not wish the new US president well; my point is that I am really afraid for him. His rhetoric (like British journalists would say) and skin colour seem to be clouding people’s judgement of the real man whom I have no doubt has got what it takes to deliver.
In the media, almost every report on Barack Hussain Obama begins with or make reference to his "black" heritage - "the first US BLACK president”. It was only on BBC Radio 1 that I heard a slightly more modest description of him as “the first mixed race American president” Obama, just like any American sought the highest office in the US, he campaigned just like any other person had or would, he fought really hard and won a very well deserved victory. But I wonder why no one would speak of him and his historic feat without reference to his skin colour. It worries me that most Obama supporters, especially those of african descent do so because of racial and religious sentiments. The guy is good, full stop! Africa has not moved beyond where it is today because africans have allowed religious sentiments and tribalism to delude them for so long. It's time somebody woke up and see life beyond their doorsteps!
The above drives me to a conclusion; the world is still far from winning the war against racism. Until we get to a point where a man’s colour or gender do not bear any relevance to what we think of them in light of public service; when this has no basis in influencing our opinion about them, we still have a long way to go. Don't be deluded, as long as colour or race still matter in the way we see people, the world at large still remains to me, a haven of racism.
As I drove home from work today, I listened to the president's speech on radio. When I got home, I went online to check the transcript of the speech and lo, there's an avalanche of interesting comments about the speech. Below are selected comments from diverse fora on the speech. It took 27 years old Jon Favreau the last two months, working at about 16 hours a day to put this powerful speech together.
SELECTED INTERNET COMMENTS ON OBAMA'S SPEECH:
“The speech was inspiring and has challenged us all to unite in a comon cause - making America the country our forefathers faught for. Let's not let them down” Posted by:Linda Agnes
“Not as good as his audacity speech but clearly he doesn't have the expereince necessary to be truly great---three years as a Senator--perhaps his next speech will be better--when he learns what' he's doing. Maybe by that time, he'll start being called the President rather than the black President.” Posted by:Speak English
“He isn't any less experienced than President Clinton, or better yet more experiecned than Gov. Palin. If he were white would you feel different "Speak English" because your title alone bares your opinions. It is so much more than his being black that makes this a magnanamous event; Like President Obama said in his eloquent speech "That less than 60 years ago a black man could not walk into a resturant and not be served and now his son stands before you." Are one of the cynics that he spoke to? This was a powerful speech the President told the story from all points of view. God Bless you and yours and maybe one day your memory will extend pass the past.” Posted by:Sabrina_Palmer
“I loved President Obama's speech.....he spoke to everyone, not just one race or group of Americans. I did not vote for our newest President, but I am an optimist. With his election to the highest office in the land, I believe that this may be the final step to ending racism, oppression, affirmative action, etc., in our United States. This man is Anglo-American/African-American; a Christian with a Muslim background. Barrack Obama is, without a doubt, a 'melting pot' who will lead us, using the many facets of his own existence. Godspeed Mr. President!” Posted by:analisa41
“It was amazing. I felt so touched and I cried. My favorite: "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." It opened my eyes and hopefully those all around the world to work and be there for one another, to not hold hatred within ourselves or within each other. Obama's speech enlightened the dark ways and lifted the spirits of the world for HOPE and CHANGE that anyone can fulfill the dreams for humanity. God Bless Obama, 44th and first African-American President of the United States. May our country and the other third-world support our Change. “ Posted by:BlissfulMirage
"I think Obama's speech contained truth and hope. He has a message for everyone including our enemies. I am proud this day and have great hope for a new future. I look forward to see how our nation responds and look forward to how I as a person can contribute to this great nation under God." Posted by:Darchamois
"His speech seems more to be directed at the rest of the world, rather than to americans themselves. The example set forth by the US in times past, and in the worst of times, seems to be the object of his statements. To recall that the best is in all of us and guidance is what is needed; guidance set by example instead of oppression, leadership delivered by action instead of force. The hopes of a better world once again are placed at America's feet by us all; let's hope if was deservedly done so" Posted by:Fabrizziov
“Enlightening speech for a Dark Age in humanity. May the United States and third world countries support the 44th President Barack Obama, the first African-American President in our times of new Hope and Change. The speech was so heartfelt and reflected every human being. Congratulations to the first step of change. Peace & Love to our President and country!” Posted by:BlissfulMirage
“To answer the question regarding 44 Americans having taken the oath of President. Grover Cleveland was the 22 and 24 president. Looks like President Barry Obama needs to do better research. It may be a mere detail to you but wouldn't it be nice to have the facts correct. After all he is going to fix all that is wrong with America. You want him to fix it correctly the first time don't you?” (I edited this comment. The original version contained some offensive language) Posted by:Nmbr1stlrsfn
“There have only been 43 unique presidents since Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms as the 22nd and 24th president.” Posted by:Maustin31
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