Maybe the best moment of last night
From Obama’s acceptance speech:
“…it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or who you love; it doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, abled, disabled, gay or straight — you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try”
The real-time Tweets started popping and fizzing, and then exploding like textual firecrackers the moment Obama said this. I realized something important was happening when MPS’ friend Frank Chow tweeted, “Obama mentioned Asians.” Chow’s tweet was immediately followed by gay boys and lesbians I follow. There was a shocked tone in each one: an American President admitted that they existed. An American President had called them out by name.
Three simple words, Obama mentioned Asians but they told us a story about being invisible, and now being seen.
The world of white male privilege is a world of blinders. I can walk across a dark parking lot in a major city, something my sisters cannot do. Something so simple as going to my car alone after a movie is a foreign experience for them.
I can walk into a department store and not wonder when store security is going to follow me. I’ve never had to feel that I was being tried and judged just for being me. I’ve never had anyone cross the street to avoid walking near me.
The American experience changed last night; We the People has a new and better ring to it. It is no longer a world of white male privilege, it is women, gay people, people of color, and yes, Asians. Maybe now, finally, We the People means all of us, every damn one of us.
Whilst watching President Obama’s victory speech, I was enjoying a glass of champagne and I mentioned to my gal pal that “who you love” was a supreme sign that reflects what is to come for the next four years. Obama opened up. I think he needed this second term to get the right words out (man is that a loaded pun-filled load or what?) for all, as in justice for all. I think we will be able to add fearless to the words we define him with.
I noticed that he did not mention any orangutans. >sniff<
I didn’t hear anything about short, bald guys, either.
That was…kinda lovely, TG.
A great variation on the spitballing.
Yeah good stuff TG. Well said.
Zaius and TCR: nothing about zombies either.
But I am used to that. Sigh. The last group it is acceptable to be bigoted toward.
Beautiful last line TG!