"We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak".
I'm sure some of you were worried about me. Wondering, what is up with her? Does she not understand the magnitude of this election? This historical moment? This promise of hope? Isn't she proud? Does she not understand what this means for all people but people of color especially? What's her deal?
I've studied this election more fervently than any other political event in my immediate history-meaning anything that a grade and subsequent scholarship weren't riding on. There were moments when this election turned into a study of myself, family, and friends. There have been many an anxious evening. There have been many moments of doubt, self-doubt, doubts about justice, equality and supposed freedoms.
Have I always been supportive and faithful? Absolutely not. There were times when I felt I'd flee, which is so unlike me. There were times when a win appeared at some deep subconscious level as a loss with a title and a ribbon on it. Fear. Legitimately so in a campaign where I found myself so frequently checking and double checking facts. Could it be? Maybe. Perhaps, the historical racial construct of the America I know has made it near impossible for me, a black woman, to believe in the possibility of a black president?
So divisive, all of these thoughts, these beliefs, these ideas and ideologies. And, then comes hope-the final divide and the fatal chasm of fear that separates those who have none and those who do, like us. The Mercado Family proudly supports the Obama Family, yes we do.
I've studied this election more fervently than any other political event in my immediate history-meaning anything that a grade and subsequent scholarship weren't riding on. There were moments when this election turned into a study of myself, family, and friends. There have been many an anxious evening. There have been many moments of doubt, self-doubt, doubts about justice, equality and supposed freedoms.
Have I always been supportive and faithful? Absolutely not. There were times when I felt I'd flee, which is so unlike me. There were times when a win appeared at some deep subconscious level as a loss with a title and a ribbon on it. Fear. Legitimately so in a campaign where I found myself so frequently checking and double checking facts. Could it be? Maybe. Perhaps, the historical racial construct of the America I know has made it near impossible for me, a black woman, to believe in the possibility of a black president?
So divisive, all of these thoughts, these beliefs, these ideas and ideologies. And, then comes hope-the final divide and the fatal chasm of fear that separates those who have none and those who do, like us. The Mercado Family proudly supports the Obama Family, yes we do.
-Peace.
15 comments:
Last night's victory was nothing short of amazing! When you saw that Virginia went "blue" I hope you thought of me! I can't tell you what a source of pride it is to be a volunteer for Obama's campaign in Virginia.
Tameka, I can't even express how happy I am today and how insanely joyful I was last night as Obama was declared the winner. I've been so emotionally invested in this election and I feel so damn good about the future of our country today. I just know that an Obama presidency is going to bring wonderful things to our nation. I know that as a person of color, with children that are of color, you feel joyful on a level that I can't fully grasp. I have the utmost respect and deference for all that have survived the struggles to defeat racial division in our country in order to get us to this point. I know that the world is watching and it's beautiful to see that America is finally living up to her creed. Today, America undertakes its redemption. I'm so proud to be an American today.
P.S. I'm glad you liked my slideshow:)
Isn't it beautiful?! So many of my friends are so overjoyed that now their sons have proof that they truly can be/do anything that they want to be/do in life. Its another door that has opened.
Thinking about you and your family, I think about how powerful an example this must be for your son. The wave of possibility for him as not just a "black" man, but as a "biracial" man! Its it oh so beautiful =)
I am proud and happy about the election results!
Yesterday was a bad day for me. Too much stressing over "what might be". After a BIG glass of vino, and watching some truly mindless tv, I was prepared to sneak over to ABC to see what was what. (Pray to God, NOT McCain, puh-leeze!)
I was positively overcome to see how well Obama did. I truly hope this was not a one-time deal as far as voter turnout goes. I am so grateful to everyone who voted for Obama. (I wish I had one of those shirts that says "Old White Woman for Obama"!).
I am so happy that we have come to this place, culturally, that this event happened. I think he is a great man, capable of truly great things.
Kate
I expected the minority support. The thing that amazed me was how the world seems to be embracing this change.
I too, spent more time reading articles, checking facts, researching for this election than ever before. I felt involved. I actually wanted to be involved. Not just doing my duty and voting...but participating, daily, in the process. And all because of hope. Very powerful.
Excellent photo, btw :-)
It's amazing how many ways Obama is a role model and a source of hope for so many. Kids of single parents can dream of being President, bi-racial skin can dream of being President, kids with funny names can dream of being President, young black boys can dream of being President, kids from strange states (Hawaii-strange not really, but that's what they said) can dream of being President, Kids who's parents have used public assistant can dream of being President. NO LIMITS! I love it. In addition to all of that, we can all dream of feeling empowered as it relates to our government. That's foreign to me and I'm excited!
Sooooo glad that Obama is in. A good man for the job with a fresh perspective and what a statement about empowering the people.
I am so proud to be your neighbor now! Congrats and best,
Stacy
WoooHooo!
It was quite an inspiring evening last night. It stayed with me all through today and is still with me.
inspiring thoughts, thanks for this one
well said.
Hope is an incredible thing, isn't it? I'm so glad that we really can say the word to our children now, and mean it for real, for real.
As usual, beautiful post.
Man, I was so hoping that my dear home state would flip blue. We didn't, but we came closer than we have in ages.
Tuesday was great. I really think Obama wasn't just the best candidate this year, but the best candidate I've seen in my life. This was a win for everyone, even those who don't know it yet.
there should be nothing to fear hon - never ever - have a great weekend
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