Culture in the Blender

So now it’s over – the world has its first third culture kid president, and Americans their first Black president. I have nothing to add to the ramifications of Obama identifying with the American African American community and the history of racism in the US. Others can say far more consequential things on that (important) topic. All I can contribute is my third culture perspective.

Obama is the only politician in any country that I have heard who really touches my heart. He is like me in a way no other politician I’ve seen. His message, approach and attitude are like balm on wounds. This man can allow me to feel like I have a place in the US after all. The neocons have lost, hopefully permanently. It’s not just the wow factor of a TCK getting elected in a fantastically nationalistic country – his attitude and approach feel so intimately familiar. He is averse to burning bridges and acts as if he himself can be one at any time. He understands that any of his words may be picked up by news media and broadcast anywhere in the world, and addresses a global audience accordingly. He thinks about whom he’s talking to and makes changes to make them comfortable – by, say, wearing a silly American flag pin. I wouldn’t have worn one either.