Well thats one man's opinion on the issue. If I were a publicist or an author I would certainly put a positive spin on the issue, for the children's sake, (now how's that for political spin?).
But seriously, I really do think the Obama story will be presented FIRST from the aspect of a man with a humble beginning rising to great status. True or not remains for the reader to contemplate. Secondarily as a black man. I DO believe he is an inspiration to ALL young people of varied heritage.
The African American population will put their own spin on what it all means. Certainly some will say he's not black enough. Just like the argument I see here so often, he's not Hawaiian, or local, or Portagee "enough". And yet, there are folks who are admired and inspire beyond their personal heritage, for the man, or woman, first, heritage second.
When I lived in Key West for a couple of years it was clear I was not a "Conch", nor ever COULD be one. I was never "from" D.C., I just happen to live there. In the South I was a Yankee (and thought to myself, where was Oregon during the Civil War on that issue)? Virtually every state and community I've ever lived in ALWAYS put's SOME kind of "spin" on how "local" you are, how accepted you are. Now were talking about a National Audience, it will be interesting to see how historians deal with it. There will ALWAYS be that little footnote, "America's first black President", that's for sure!
Actually, I'm rarely wrong, my thinking is just so advanced most folks have a hard time grasping the reality.
Threaded Mode
