Race and Feeling
I expressed my exuberant joy at the official nomination of the first African American to the top of any national party last night (see “Yes”). As I watch replays of those stirring images on television this morning, I am moved anew to tears. About 400 years of my ancestors’ emotion, in addition to my own, keeps me crying. I know the impact of those 400 years can not be reconciled in 8, but this cathartic moment still feels good.
Of course, other African Americans have run for this office. Aside from Sister Shirley Chisholm, none has elicited such an emotional response from me. I think that is because of the incomparable policies, issues, and image of Barack Obama. I am excited not just because a Black man is running for elected office; I’m excited because the right man is running for elected office, and he is Black. And white. And Asian.
Obama reconciles the key binary that has shaped the US. He is Black, while being also white and Asian, leading the way for us to reconcile race. He, of course, represents the future, the real America, reconciliation, and, yes, change and hope. That he self-identifies as African American is the sweetest icing I’ve ever tasted. This is it – for all of us. Makes me extra proud.
I must add, my tears began during the roll call. As delegates introduced the beauty and quirky facts of their home states and enthusiastically submitted their votes for his nomination, my waterworks began. I could see America, described so beautifully in a wide array of accents that express our diversity, united and making history.
And then the nomination by acclamation. Wow.
Bill Clinton’s Speech
No one can make a substantive lecture full of important facts and compelling ideas seem like a friendly conversation better than Bill. I was pleased with everything he said, and no one could have said it better. In this historic convention, both Clintons got it right.
I am still adamant about the need for both of them to hit the ground with both feet running through November. The racial antagonisms they exploited through the primaries must be reconciled, as I expressed in yesterday’s blog post, “My Thoughts on the DNC Day Two.”
Joe
I’m starting to be convinced that Biden is Obama’s best choice for VP. My husband loves his sharp, witty, frank style, and my uncle loves that he’s a “firecracker.” Last night, I liked his description of his Scranton roots and the early years of his career in Delaware politics, particularly because of the way his personal life and professional life came together. His family is beautiful, and he, like Obama, exudes genuine love for them with every gesture and word. Nice. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better in the next two months – and the next 8 years.
P.S.
Expect tons of hateration from the Repub-pubs.
Comment(s)
Eisa,
You could not have expressed the stong emotion that follows yesterday’s action and speeches any better. I , too, was in tears, thinking about my parents, who were part of the fight for civil rights, and the joy that must be on their faces looking down. Yesterday was my dad’s birthday. When Obama was nominated by acclamation, I just looked up and said,”Happy Birthday Daddy.”
Comment(s)
I went out last night and walked the pedestrian mall downtown, or we should call it Obamatown now. What a feeling to be surrounded by thousands of folks all wearing Barack t-shirts, hats & buttons! What a feeling to see the store windows lined with posters and photos of our next president, who is such a beautiful man, and photos of him and his beautiful family! To see people of all hues sharing the same enthusiasm and hope did my heart so much good, better than therapy!
Comment(s)
Don’t worry Niece, you weren’t the only one in the waterworks. My wife, son, daughter and his girlfriend who happens to be white were all down at the waterworks with you. We had long discussions about this event and will probably continue this for quite sometime. This was not only the first person of color to win this position but the bigger issue is that this is a shockwave that has struck around the world.
Barack has given hope to all, he is like a giant meteor who struck the ocean and sent shock waves over us all. We, the babyboomers used to have a slogan “the whole world is watching” and yes we are. I am not only a proud blackman, but now I’m a proud American. You and I once had a conversation about what your gneration could do to emulate the sixties activist. If you remember you were told by one of us that you had to find your own way because times have changed, circumstances are entirely different. The person who told you disappointed the both of us, however since then I’ve been more vigilant aout the state of our nation and I see and understand more now, especially in light of this election.
There is a movement in this country which I see more clearly now. We the babyboomers were from the streets, we marched, we fought, we demonstrated and we were strong and taught you what we knew;we questioned everyone especially those over “thirty” :-)we gave you the free breakfast programs and we brought an end to the Vietnam war.However, what I see now is that you too are in the streets but the streets of your generation are here on the internet, are here in your writings,your McDonald generation has brought food for our stomachs but food for our minds as well.
As Sly and the family Stone sang “somebody is watching you” (referring to “Big Brother”) It was true but now somebody is watching big brother.No where to run and no where to hide.News of a Rodney King incident or the likes is around the world in a matter of seconds. I’m sure the ruling parties weren’t prepared for this but it out there now and the buck stops here for the whole world to see.