blog #5

Impact of the global perception of the U.S.

This election is groundbreaking, race barriers seem to be broken down. It is a very Dr. Martin Luther King moment, as white and black people alike are coming together to judge a man not based on the color of his skin but rather his integrity. As Obama said in his speach, "It was a long time coming." This election will never be forgotten and has changed the way world will view us. It will also set the example for what other countries can aspire to. I read an article where a French man said, "Maybe this will happen to us to." It is not based on race, but rather acceptance of different cultures. As a country, the majority of the people have accepted Obama for the man he is, not the color of his skin. McCain, the defeated party, focused on working together with Obama. This is showing the world that America is united! He was a gracious loser, and when the crowd booed at Obama's name he tried to calm them down and concentrate on the importance of being one country united!

Impact on the Civil Rights movement

Obama focused his speech around a 106 year old woman from Georgia who was there from when Rosa Parks wouldnt give up her seat on the bus, hoses were used to keep riots in check, and MLK was spreading his word. She lived to see it come full circle and actually be able to vote to see a black man become possible. This is coming from a woman who lived in a time when parents told their children no such thing was possible. McCain admitted that this is a historic day, what happened in this election will go down in history. By recognizing the significance of this accomplishment he is showing a readiness for republican's to move forward. He is setting the example he wants people to follow...be accepting of the change that is inevitable.