The Fulfillment of Hope

    On most days, I wake up, attend class, eat food, socialize with friends, and fall asleep in the library. Tuesday January 20^st, 2009 would be different. This Tuesday was the inauguration of the 44^th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Now there are some clear reasons for the significance of this event. Some may point to the racial implications; others will point to the exit of former President George W. Bush. My own view however points to the generational importance.

    Not too long ago, Barack Obama humbly appeared on the national stage unknown to the average American. Over the course of his historic rise to power, his message of change became clearer, more refined whereas one might label him as having the audacity to hope for a better future. It should not be ironic for he chose this as the title of his New York Times Bestseller, "The Audacity of Hope". Fast forward to January 20^st and it is apparent that this same audacity launched President Obama on the political arena has spread like wild fire throughout the American populace. The two million D.C. spectators that attended the inaugural are case in point. So where am I going with all this?

    By focusing on President Obama's past message along with his new inaugural address, this perspective will become clearer. If one recalls, I stated that the ultimate affect that President Obama's success had on me was the generational implications. In his inaugural address, President Obama states that, "And yet, at this moment- a moment that will define a generation- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all". In plain terms, President Obama is basically saying that this current state of America will define a generation and a spirit of hope must inhabit all Americans. Of course, many will probably wonder what generation is he speaking of. Nevertheless, I argue it is our generation-those born between and including the years 1983 and 1990.

    I say it is our generation because President Obama can only do so much in the few years one is allowed to serve as President. In reality, while he has introduced the audacity of hope, it will ultimately be our generation-those between the ages of 18 and 25- that will reap the fruits of the fulfillment of hope. Too philosophical for you?

Here is a less profound approach for my fellow factual types. Consider for instance, President Obama's consistent supporters throughout his political campaign; 18-25 year olds. With that in mind, jump 25 years ahead and those same 18-25 year olds that elected President Obama in 2008 will be the 43-50 years olds entering the zeniths of their professional careers. This is significant because they will finally be at the age where they can successfully execute the ideals that so strongly compelled them to support President Obama. Yet what about the generation that is scheduled to take over once President Obama leave office either in 2012 or 2016. I argue that this generation will not be as significant because they were dichotomized when considering who to elect in 2008. In other words, I argue that their differences have clouded their foresight.

    The clichéd saying goes "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". In the event of our generation, we have a plethora of new tricks, including facebooking, blogging, i-chatting and hoping. These along with the professional aspects of our generation have yet to reach their full extents. As a result, it will take 25 years for the generation that elected the President who had the audacity to introduce hope, to ultimately, fulfill this monumental hope.

A New Nationalism

As I sit here with my friends, on the third Monday of the month in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday-one day prior to the inauguration of America's first Black President- I find it difficult to fully explain the extent of my joy. Forty years have passed since the loss of the great Dr. King and the discussion of skin color remained a contentious issue up until the 2008 election. Accordingly, I am cognizant of the difficulties that face Americans in the years ahead but I acknowledge these difficulties with a new air of optimism. We have begun to emerge on a national arena where the ideas or imperatives of both White and Black Americans can consolidate into a universal national initiative. This initiative includes, but is not limited to, rejuvenating the economy, finding innovative sources of energy, transparency within the government, and a better foreign relations policy. In other words, I am saying that we are witnessing a new stage of nationalism in America. Moreover, this is not to be confused with patriotism; I'll address their differences in a later post. Better yet, I'll end this conversation here and follow up after the inauguration. Feel free to weigh in and give your perspective of this historic moment.