Thoughts On Obama’s Victory
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008Talking to a lot of people here in Canada, not many can understand the complete indifference we tend to have in Singapore towards politics. I’m one of those indifferent people, but ironically, not when it came to this year’s US presidential election.
Tonight, walking home from a movie, I heard loud cheering from houses along the streets. I peered in and saw the elections on TV, Obama posters on the windows, and knew he won. I made a quick detour to the business school here in Queen’s, and the student lounge was packed with people watching President Obama giving his victory speech. I heard from a friend that earlier in class, laptops all around her were monitoring the presidential ticker counter.
And all this happening in Canada, for a president not even theirs, in a demographic not usually associated with politics.
Seth Godin would say we’ve joined President Obama’s “tribe”, for whatever reason it may be. I will be the first to admit I don’t know a thing about his policies, but I identify with him because he’s involved in politics during a world of change, and is embracing that change. Just look at his efforts in social media.
I don’t think I know any people my age who aren’t part of his tribe during this election. He spoke to us where we were, online. Whether it’s race, support for his policies, embracing the American dream or any other reason, we’ve embraced this change and I truly believe the world is much better off for it.
Yes, we can.
Tags: canada, president barack obama, queen's university, US presidential election
