I was an infant child in the sixties. Those of you who, like me, were school children or younger at that time have the original and distinct advantage of always existing with an image of Earth— from the vantage point of outer space; and especially from the moon.
Unlike all of our older brethren, even the boomers who’d just preceded us (though we’re often wrongly characterized as amongst that group), our inherent reality about our home is one of Earth without any borders at all. This is a perspective entirely at odds with even the faintest notion of the concept of nation-state. It is a perspective that is different from any generation in western culture which came before. We have never known a reality which dictates confinement to our planet, let alone a single country or even state.
The dilemma is that we have lived amongst those, most that have been in power, who do not possess that inherent perspective.
In Obama, we have elected a candidate for the first time in history who shares this way of perceiving. This, I submit, is the essence of this so-called sea change; this generational shift.
A new era, we say. That’s the phrase, worn out recently from overuse. The victory . . . so overwhelming; so different in so many ways than what any expected as the ultimate result. It wasn’t just the shear numbers of voters but, of course, the younger demographics, plus the reconfiguration of the political party map . . . C’mon, Indiana. . ? North Carolina. . ?
Everyone says that this now shows what’s really possible for America . . . or for a black man, or any other minority in America. Everyone marvels at those qualities, so eloquently illustrated on November 4th, 2008 . . . which make our country such a marvel and, now once again, such a beacon of faith and hopeful idealism made concrete.
We’ve broken another barrier; they say the world over. . .
But . . . I cannot forget the days leading up . . . and neither should you.
It’s been argued for so long, say, against affirmative action, by misinformed if not misleading persons, that we are a free nation now; no longer a nation of double standards for different classes or cultures. Therefore we no longer need special consideration for people who should be able to achieve, to be truly fair, on their own merit; all conditions on the playing field now being proportionately even. I’m afraid that in all of the current commotion we might even confuse the current achievement as proof of this belief.
Despite this race’s magnificent outcome, we’ve all had the opportunity to observe that the terms are anything but even.
His middle name, Hussein, and his foreign born father were used to make him appear more alien.
The place of his elementary school beginnings was made twisted-history in order to make him appear Muslim, and perhaps anti-Semitic. Guilt by association was used to make him appear a terrorist. The candidate could not even break a sweat, let alone get angry, for fear of being perceived as an “angry black man”.
Despite all of this the man and his campaign stayed steady; no wavering, no distraction from the goal, the dream.
It is not because America is a level playing field that he has made it to where he is; it is in spite of the double standards that he has thrived. This is a tremendous testament to the character and discipline of this man and the people around him. The celebrating, the speeches and all of the praise are about this strength and foresight and persistent perseverance.
And there is also another insane irony; that of a tyrannical public in one so-called “liberal” western state, disallowing the individual freedom of people who love each other, from entering into a private contract together. Over here, so much good, so much hope; over there the dam is bursting with the inhumane monstrosity of vindictive, thoughtless fear.
It’s like we’re attempting to gulp down a kind of giant messy hope sandwich. The large and tasty dripping mouthfuls are glorious, but we’re losing a large bit of it out the back as some spews out the other end; and messes in our laps.
There is one comfort I take though, as I watch my 5 year old child sleep, and alternately turn back to the television to take in Obama’s acceptance speech: That my son’s perspective will forever be different from mine; he will never know an America where a man of color could not be President.
Jerry'O
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
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Copyright © November 2008 by Gerald Ollison. All rights reserved (Excepting the photos, maybe... My bad, Tee-hee...).
I have been dealing with what, I guess, some call a midlife 'job' crisis. As a result, I've been dealing with a particularly unusual Jungian projection...
