Today appears to be a historic day in the US. As I read through blogs, twitter message and the like, there this huge sense of pride and patriotism towards being an American and voting today — more so than any other recent point in history. It’s the first time that, potentially, a POC will be elected as a president of the US. A notable thing in itself. And even more important since it will mean somewhat of a policy shift (US politics, like many other nations, it is the wealthiest that get elected — and primarily their interests — that the political process is all about). If the polls are correct and Obama wins, he will likely be the most criticized and watched president yet. There is a lot about the US culture that has skepticism about a non-white president or other political leader. And it’s a fight against historical stereotypes.
Hopefully, regardless of who’s elected I can only hope that this election generates hope and belief in the future for the US. The past 8 years have been trying for the US and for many the future has seemed rather bleek. Regardless of the stock market, if the citizens have hope for what is to come the future tends to go better. Everything is pointing to Obama winning and if he does, it will represent a bit of a watershed as to where US politics will go. It doesn’t mean that discrimination will end nor does it mean that white privilege has stopped. But it does mean a step forward at potentially eliminating both of those.
For me, I’m hopeful that if Obama gets in, the market will shift towards a more positive outlook, that more options will be opened for those that come here looking for dreams and love, and that transgender/transsexual individuals will have more protections. Either way, this is a historic day and it definitely feels like it. I wonder if the turnout will be a record one, particularly in comparison to Canada’s recent election where only about 60% voted. At some point down the road people will ask: where did you vote in 2008 to elect… ?