“Our time has come”. This was the rallying cry of Senator Barack Obama, during the American Presidential campaign.
I decided to use that phrase whilst addressing a crowd of 2 million people, in Nigeria’s Lagos Stadium, during the recess. This was an extraordinary moment in my life. I felt privileged at the high level of attendance.
The ecstatic reaction of the largely black audience gave me a glimpse of what it must be like for President Elect Obama in such situations. I had met him previously, about three years ago, at a conference in Washington D.C. It was clear to me that this was a man on a mission.
Next week, he will become America’s first black President. Although he represents hope for people of all races around the world, Mr. Obama’s success has a particular resonance for black people.
Until the election result was confirmed, there were many people who thought it impossible that a black person could become President. In the U.K., there are many who believe it is even more difficult for a black person to become Prime Minister.
Barack and his wife Michelle are tremendous role models – not only for black people – but for people of all races. They prove that success is not limited by the colour of our skin.
Yet the history of Man is blighted by the tragedy of the black experience. The black community has been associated more with slavery, social discontent and under-achievement. As a black person myself, this perception has affected some members of my own family. In America and in the U.K., there are more black men in prison than in college.
When I visited Nigeria, to talk about “Investing for the Future”, I was struck by the enormous potential of the country which is rich in natural resources. But, with its troubled history, many of the people are poor.
However, I believe that with strong, positive role models, like President Elect Obama, change will happen. The world is facing some serious problems. A global recession, terrorism and conflict in the Middle East are just some of them. Hopefully Mr. Obama will help to build bridges between nations, not walls. The time has come for people of the world – of all races, languages and cultures – to work together and build a better future.
I don’t think that there has ever before been a Presidential campaign with such powerful rhetoric. In the UK the PMQ’s after the election was an embarrassing mess where all three party leaders claimed to be like Obama in their ideas, all three lacking the real charisma needed for the role. I would also question if someone of Obama’s charisma would work in the British political system, but that’s not the point I’d like to make. Not that Obamamania was isolated here, Europe seemed swept up in the drama, maybe not quite on the Kenyan scale, but just as in 2004 this was a truly world wide election.
The face of America changed in a matter of a night, from an old White Texan vilified for being an idiot, to a young intelligent, compassionate, charismatic leader who is black. Meanwhile the Senate and Congress made no significant improvements in their representation of 50% of women and 20% of the non-white ethnicity of the population.
The word “Change” became a key component of the Obama’s campaign, enabling him to mean many things to many people, but the positive energy and idealism he put on it really did transfer around the world. In the Ghanaian Presidential election both parties sought to use the word change to represent what they gave to Ghana (Web sources to back this up are limited for obvious reasons). Both parties were optimistic and there was, from the sources I read, very little negative campaigning, instead focusing on what the future could be.
I hope that the future of Africa is much different from its past and present. In Ghana I worry that the NDC will retaliate for some of the political actions taken against Ghana’s 1992 President and former coup leader Jerry Rawlings and his wife. On the other hand there is also a great deal of hope for Ghana, oil means new wealth. Gold and other resources are in good supply and the amazing people and nature of Ghana mean that it has potential to be a drastically different country to the one it was.
On the other hand that wealth could also bring civil strife; Nigeria’s oil is both a blessing and a curse. As is parts of West Africa acting as a hub for drug transportation. Expectations in Ghana, like America are high. The question for me is, in four years time, from what these Presidents promised what have they delivered/could they actually deliver? When the energy and idealism fades, what is left to govern on? And will the electorate forgive them for raising expectations so high if they fail to meet them?
If nothing else Obama’s humble background, in America at least, demonstrates that where you can provide social mobility and opportunity, one life is all you need to improve what you are born with. The real hope for the future is that the one specific example of Obama can be made to become more representative of wider populations.
I would love to agree with Lord Taylor, but sadly much of his oratory is worryingly ‘Blairite’ in its approach, and in America there is so much ‘cash and carry’ Government with special interests, lobbying and the pernicious effect of the Israeli lobby, the NRA and the like, that I think people need to manage down their expectations.
He can decide to tack the ship to the left, rather than the right, but he is not going to be turning the super-tanker round in the opposite direction. Evolutionary change, not a revolution, is all he can achieve and he will certainly need a second term to achieve anything like lasting change in America.
That said, I wish him well, and hope he succeeds, but it will be a long and difficult journey. Let us hope his good intentions aren’t worn down too quickly – rather like Lord ‘Digby’ Jones at the hands of the civil service…
Sorry, ‘sadly much of his oratory’ referred to Mr Obama, not Lord Taylor of Warwick – apologies !
I am tremendously pleased with the election of Barack Obama as the next President of my country. This is for a myriad of reasons not the least of which is that we have moved from the theory that anyone could become President to seeing that happen. Come on U.K. and Europe…
Lord Taylor: Have you any idea at all why so many countries in Africa begin with the letter ‘Z’?
Thank you for your thoughtful response Noodles. Obama is faced with many challenges. I too hope that he will not be overwhelmed and that he does not forget his heritage.
The fact that he mentioned fighting Third World poverty in his inaugural speech was an encouraging sign. African countries have so much potential but this is often stifled through a history of troubled leadership. This, I found, was the most frustrating thing about my trip to Nigeria.
Countries like Nigeria need to work with the developed world to move forward. However, they also need to energise this journey themselves. They need a clear focus and direction. Africa needs to change from within.
I too do not think that Obama will change everything overnight, Bedd. Or, for that matter, during his term in office. However, he has the right intentions and I believe that progress is made by small chips rather than a great blow.
Obama’s election, as U.S. President, is a positive step forward. I share your optimism, Robert!