Obama's Victory: The Meaning and The Hope

OBAMA VICTORY ENHANCES INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PERCEPTIONS OF AMERICA

by Forrest Broman

The November 4th victory of President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama will stand as a major historical event in this century. Despite the fears of many that a racial backlash would derail his quest for the White House, Americans voted for him by the overwhelming margin of 53%, to 46% for his popular opponent, Senator McCain.

Whatever their political preferences, most Americans appreciate and applaud the fact that a gifted, intelligent Black American could be elected to the nation's highest office. In a November 5th Gallup Poll, 67% of Americans were both "proud" and "optimistic" about the election of Obama, revealing the belief that this step reaffirms the nation's adherence to its highest ideals. Both Senator McCain and President Bush expressed their sincere appreciation of this aspect of the election.

This election represents a watershed in American History, leaving behind 400 years of racism that not only prevented the progress of Black Americans, but that deprived them of basic rights such as voting freely until 1965. Working in anti-poverty programs in the Sixties, I recall how most educated and intelligent Black men could not get a white collar job, outside of the government programs spawned by that era. One also remembers that during WW 2, Blacks fought for their country in segregated units, a policy that was ended by President Eisenhower only in the early Fifties.

For non-Americans this event also resonates with enthusiasm and excitement. As noted by the British historian, Tristram Hunt: "Obama's election the narrative that everyone wants to return to-that America is the land of extraordinary opportunity and possibility, where miracles happen." Perhaps we will witness a new page as well in the perception of America as a nation that embraces its ideals and still has the capacity to be the beacon of the free world.

One fears, of course, that expectations are running so high for immediate economic and political solutions to the world's current, dire problems, that disappointment is inevitable. But rejoice we must, for the reaffirmation of America as a nation that welcomes and embraces those of every race and religion who want to share in the ideals of equality, freedom and the opportunity too realize their inherent talents.