As I sit here on the eve of a historical day, I reflect on how I truly feel about this moment. I was not born when Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous I Have A Dream speech. I was not even a thought when he gave his Mountaintop speech in Memphis, TN. It was in the year before I was born.
I have no recollection of my parents discussing the tribulations they experienced, I have only historical media to teach me, which is known to not be accurate. So I have no tangible experiences to compare life 40+ years ago and now.
From the general election to now, I have wondered why I don't have the enhanced spirit for the President-Elect as it appears others do. Is it because of my age? the lack of comparative experience? That can't be the case because there are so many younger than I who are hyped for the pres-elect.
Is it because of my lack of knowledge of all the actions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches in this nation's capital? Surely I can't be the only one have life activities that prevent reading political periodicals all day.
So what is it? Why do I feel this way? I do know that hubby and I have full-time employment that supposed to be "good" jobs, but we are both concerned about stability. Next term, son will be back in public school, since current school is only primary education, and we're concerned he will be taught to just to pass the test. We are concerned about medical expenses. New ones are created as others are paid.
Maybe time will tell. Until then, I'll live day by day in prayer and hope to do the best of my abilities.
2 days ago
Each of us has a reference point; it is where we begin and base the identity of who we are. Who we are is formulated from that identity. Each of us will view today from our own reference point; "what matters", "what is relevant", "what requires urgent attention".
ReplyDeleteAs one who lived through an era when the inconceivable was not thought, today has merit and significance; but it will not mask issues which face our nation. The economy, unemployment, healthcare, education and domestic/international terrorism will not be "magically solved" at the end of the day. It will take vision, commitment, and faith to face these issues and make "tough decisions".
A new family will take up residence in the White House today, they will need the prayers of a nation as each assumes a position of leadership.
underOvr
I agree with underOvr. I can't get hype about this day like some people, and my theory is that that's because I'm so pragmatic. It's silly to think Obama can fix everything, and it's especially silly to put so much on today when today is really only the beginning. And I too wasn't alive for any of the civil rights movement, so that angle is all bust lost on me as a reason to be hype. I'm happy about today, but it'll take great things in the future to make me hype. I just can't get excited yet, this is way too early IMO
ReplyDeleteMy view is that a true reference point cannot be appreciated without viewing the historical, social, economic, and political landscape in which it is currently situated and helped bring it into being. We just weren't dropped out of the air to arrive where we are. Something helped to shape who and where we are. I don't even fully understand myself without having some understanding of my parents, grandparents, etc. and the context that I was born out of.
ReplyDeleteI think that one of the things that would be extremely helpful is for to make it mandatory for true American, World, Black, and ethnic history to be taught at all levels of our educational system. Not just the listing of facts with some symbolic, commercialized representations of personified figures, but the teaching of the actual significance of the facts, which is what history is truly about.
I am excited, but I cna't wait to see what the President will do while he is in office. It is truly a historical event and only God deserves the glory for it. I just pray that Obama will allow God to use him and influence him this term.
ReplyDeletewe all have the same concerns hon
ReplyDeleteWe can't look at the tribulations of the past for our experience. The past is there to instruct and caution us not lead us. We have our own experiences of racism and injustice to draw from that are uniquely different from our parents and grandparents yet unjust just the same.
ReplyDeleteJaycee
I thought it was just me. My wife is totally excited. For me, it's cool, but I don't have my hope for a brighter tomorrow tied to Barack. I'm glad the nation is embracing the brother, but I'm not overcome with emotion about it. Which is pretty typical for me. I'm not easily excitable.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention, most of my struggles have seemingly been personal ones. Although I was born in 1967, I never bought into the notion that white folks could hold me back or anything like that. Hell, life is just hard. Some folks seem to have an unfair advantage, but ain't nothing I can do about that, so why bother.
Barack making it to President is historical, but my life hasn't changed one iota since he came onto the political scene. The only thing you can credit to his election is peoples attitudes are seemingly changing, and that goes for both white and black.
I have excitement and pride about a "first black president," but I honestly have a wait and see attitude about whether Obama is THE man to effect all the change we need in this country and world. Lord knows I pray that God will bless and direct him. But REAL change happens at the grass roots level. We the people. WE have to make things change by loving and understanding each other.
ReplyDeleteExcellent comments all. I am grateful that a person of known African descent has been elected President of the United States and I had never heard him mention race in his campaign. His message of all citizens can make this country better is simple and true.
ReplyDelete