RubySoho
Winston
This Photo Makes Me Want To Cry...
October 29th 2008 03:45
This photograph, taken at a cold, windy, rainy Obama rally in Chester Pennsylvania is one of the most moving I have seen come out of this- or any- Presidential election. Chester is a poor neighbourhood, plagued by unemployment, drugs and violence.
Look at that man. Look at his face. look at the faces of the people around him. Now try and comprehend what this moment means to them. How they must feel to finally be a part of their country's political process. I'm not saying they are or should voted for Obama just because he is a black person. I am just asking to think of what it must feel like for a population that has been marginalised, demonised, disenfranchised, segregated and oppressed to attend the rally of a presidential nominee and at long last, after all the pain and humiliation, to look up at the speaker...and see themselves.
I look at that man and I think of the poverty he probably lives in. I think of his hardship and then I look at his homemade sign dripping in the wet. I picture him at the local store buying the cardboard and the paints. smiling in anticipation. And I picture him at home, making it, the materials spread out around him on the floor, like a schoolboy doing a Social Studies project. And I think of what this election means to him. And I am so moved by his hope and wish for a better world. And I feel that bond, that human bond that connects us all, even when we try to deny it.
And there, right there in that photograph is why I, a non-black woman from a country on the other side of the world cares so much about the American election. Because I also dream of a better world. A better world for all people, not just for my self.
It's not that I think Obama is perfect or would make a perfect president. He is only a politician, he cannot change the world. And he is bound to disappoint sometimes. It's what Obama represents- namely that we, all of us, are ready to move the world in a different direction, that change really is in the air and Obama may not be the instigator of that change, but he is certainly indicative of it. We the people, we are the ones to bring about that change. The fact that Obama, a black man with a funny Muslim name, stands so close to being leader of the free world shows that that change is already underway.
To borrow the famous phrase from another political party in a long ago election in my own country: It's time.
Now look at that man's face again. And now tell me that this election does not matter.
Look at that man. Look at his face. look at the faces of the people around him. Now try and comprehend what this moment means to them. How they must feel to finally be a part of their country's political process. I'm not saying they are or should voted for Obama just because he is a black person. I am just asking to think of what it must feel like for a population that has been marginalised, demonised, disenfranchised, segregated and oppressed to attend the rally of a presidential nominee and at long last, after all the pain and humiliation, to look up at the speaker...and see themselves.
I look at that man and I think of the poverty he probably lives in. I think of his hardship and then I look at his homemade sign dripping in the wet. I picture him at the local store buying the cardboard and the paints. smiling in anticipation. And I picture him at home, making it, the materials spread out around him on the floor, like a schoolboy doing a Social Studies project. And I think of what this election means to him. And I am so moved by his hope and wish for a better world. And I feel that bond, that human bond that connects us all, even when we try to deny it.
And there, right there in that photograph is why I, a non-black woman from a country on the other side of the world cares so much about the American election. Because I also dream of a better world. A better world for all people, not just for my self.
It's not that I think Obama is perfect or would make a perfect president. He is only a politician, he cannot change the world. And he is bound to disappoint sometimes. It's what Obama represents- namely that we, all of us, are ready to move the world in a different direction, that change really is in the air and Obama may not be the instigator of that change, but he is certainly indicative of it. We the people, we are the ones to bring about that change. The fact that Obama, a black man with a funny Muslim name, stands so close to being leader of the free world shows that that change is already underway.
To borrow the famous phrase from another political party in a long ago election in my own country: It's time.
Now look at that man's face again. And now tell me that this election does not matter.
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
But everytime I heard about Palin or Obama a part of my mind just goes...."Whoa. The world has changed. A woman and a black man all involved at once" Like literally, that was unheard of when I was a kid.
I think he looks too poor to buy his materials - That actually looks like the back of something, and it looks like he just borrowed his kids paints - or even a work texta? - and threw it together a few minutes before he had to run out there. I envision his creation a little differently - "shit, shit, I want to hold up a sign...What can I use....Aha! That'll do, the laminated sign at work that says 'wash your hands' I'll put it right back when Im done....Now what to use...AHA! The red texta we use to mark off orders...Oh shit! It ran out! I'll use the blue one....Now quick, quick, the mans comin! Get out there!"
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
It's fair enough if the election hasn't gripped you personally but I'm getting rather tired of some others questioning why anyone would be interested. It's immaterial to me whether I can vote or not. I just want to share my thoughts on the subject.
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
that photo is a real tear-jerker . . . theres just something about grown man crying that conveys more emotion than anything else
too right sista!
the American people deserve better, they should all go out and grab this opportunity by both hands and never relinquish their rights ever again!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
I think America deserves better. I don't think Obama will be able or even willing to deliver it all but I certainly feel he is a step in the right direction.
Comment by Janet Collins
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Yes. Hope is about all they have got at the moment.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Hi Anonymous,
I think you misconstrued my words. Firstly, I never said anyone should vote for Obama just because he is black. I just wanted to point out the historical significance of having a black presidential nominee is all.
Secondly, 25% black? What does that mean? Obama has black genes. he is black. How many black people in America do you think have other races mixed in? Does that mean they don't or shouldn't identify with their black heritage?
Comment by Jeff Musall
Secular Humanity
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
Light Within
How do You Express Your Creativity?
Food Leaf
Did you see Obama on the Jon Stewart show the other night? He is one funny guy! McCain seems like the kind of guy you laugh at, not laugh with. I'm with Obama. If only the rest of the world was allowed to vote in this election! My vote from Australia wouldn't be the only one!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Actually about 73% of Australians would be right along with you.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Moving indeed.
You know, here in Australia we didn't import our slaves, we just barged into the country, shot most the men, then grabbed the women, children and labourers we needed, shipped them about the country and put them to work for us.
I don't see much difference, nor do I int he absolute relief of our our nation the day (a few weeks back) when our new Rudd government finally apologised to, what is called here, those stolen generations.
It was a day of tear shedding of equal magnatude. It didnt change the social structure much, but it has bought a quiet peacefulness to our coextence. IT has indeed given hope as to your displaced indigenous people there.
I think both colonies have taken a step away from the the Imperial British empire in some respects, albeit they are the ones who ended up with all the immigrants in the end, anyway. A bit of karma there too I think.
Waves of relief for many around the world, no doubts... and without being overly emotional about it, another good post from you on this subject.
As you said earlier, Luthers dream is realised, Lennons too and ina way even Ghandi himself must be smiling at the loss for white supremacy rule.
I am reminded of one of my favourite songs growing up. Melting Pot, by Blue Mink. *chuckle* funny how that tune never went away.
Lilla ...
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
And yes, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief so now that that's out of the way, I may join in the Rudd bashing and ask how on earth he can advocate censorship?
But I just want to clarify, I don't think that Martin Luther King's dream has been realised. Not at all. My intent was to focus on his words and write a post honoring his work and honouring the fact that we at least appear to be moving towards it.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
*lol* my bad. Welcome home.
As for election candidates?
The ruling elite place who they want there to keep the traditions, not change them. They are puppet kings really. As i said, Obama suited the agenda, thats all.
I must stop being ignorant and acquaint myself with more of Luthers dream. You think it would have dawned on me earlier that he was shot for a solid reason?
Well youve woken me up to that at least, but it will take a long day before you convice me that America is able to lead the world anywhere.
Cheers... again, I enjoyed this post and pic.
Lilla ...