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.
4 comments:
It is interesting how other countries such as France look towards us for inspiration. Many countries disaproved of our actions for the past few years, which may change with a new president. Also, the story of the 106 year old woman is interesting because it puts our countries progress in perspective. Within one persons lifetime, so much change can happen and things that may have seemed impossible at the time, can in fact be achieved. The 106 year old woman possibly knew veterans of the civil war (1860's) which was fought on the basis of the right to own slaves. It must be amazing for people then to believe than in the span of only a little over one lifetime, an African American can be elected as president.
This is definitely a pivotal moment for the entire African-American race, whether in the US or elsewhere, because a man of the historically most beaten-down race alive today, is President. It shows the world that the US can be accepting of all people. This election also shows that people from poor origins can achieve greatness.
I agree with your post, this moment is one that will go down in history. It is a changing point in the United States and will globally change other countries perception of us. I am excited to see what this change will bring, I believe it will result in the United States being more accepted by other countries. When it comes to having diverse leaders the US is way behind the times. I think it is about time that we have an African American leader and I think it will change everything for the better.
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