I have been a little reluctant to bring politics into this blog, but I would be negligent if I didn't express my feelings this morning. I am not very good with words, so please bear with my attempt!
Many of you know that I have been an Obama supporter throughout the past year, so I'm obviously very happy with the election results. But, as I watched the results come in last night, and our next President's speech, I felt the full impact of the historic moment. In my lifetime, I have often taken for granted the equal rights that were secured for me by other courageous individuals. As a woman, a hundred years ago, I would not have been allowed to express my opinion by voting. The idea seems ludicrous - just as ridiculous as a person not being allowed to vote because of the color of his or her skin. I am not naive - I realize discrimination still exists today - but it is hard for me to imagine that level of hatred. It is then with amazement and excitement (and a small sense of shame that it has taken this long) that I witness this historic election.
As I watched the election coverage, a particular moment really stuck out to me. A reporter relayed a story of interviewing an African-American man in Harlem who was asked how he felt about the election. The man responded that now, when his son asked if he could be anything he wanted to be, that he could look that son in the eyes, and honestly answer yes. In that moment, I thought about my own son, and how, he too has all the opportunity to choose his own path through life.
Anyway, thank you for bearing with me through my soap-box post. I do hope that this election may have the power to unite the country, and that we can all truly work together to make it better.
Many of you know that I have been an Obama supporter throughout the past year, so I'm obviously very happy with the election results. But, as I watched the results come in last night, and our next President's speech, I felt the full impact of the historic moment. In my lifetime, I have often taken for granted the equal rights that were secured for me by other courageous individuals. As a woman, a hundred years ago, I would not have been allowed to express my opinion by voting. The idea seems ludicrous - just as ridiculous as a person not being allowed to vote because of the color of his or her skin. I am not naive - I realize discrimination still exists today - but it is hard for me to imagine that level of hatred. It is then with amazement and excitement (and a small sense of shame that it has taken this long) that I witness this historic election.
As I watched the election coverage, a particular moment really stuck out to me. A reporter relayed a story of interviewing an African-American man in Harlem who was asked how he felt about the election. The man responded that now, when his son asked if he could be anything he wanted to be, that he could look that son in the eyes, and honestly answer yes. In that moment, I thought about my own son, and how, he too has all the opportunity to choose his own path through life.
Anyway, thank you for bearing with me through my soap-box post. I do hope that this election may have the power to unite the country, and that we can all truly work together to make it better.
4 comments:
It was really amazing -
i love the way you expressed your feelings about it - I feel the same way. I'm in such a good mood this morning!
Britt
Danielle, I feel the same way as that man in Harlem. I grew up with racisism and discrimination-being followed at music stores by the cops, refused help at the mall and at school-and still feel it to some degree today. That is one of the things I always worried about before Olivia was born (thank goodness she looks like her dad-she'll less of it because of it). Thank you so much for sharing that!
I was in the best mood yesterday... it was like Christmas Morning! You expressed your feeling so well. Go Obama!!!
It has been a very long time since a presidential speech has brought a tear to my eyes. I too am so excited for what the future holds for us as a nation, and for the boundless possibilities that lay ahead for my children. Dang, it's about time!
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