Lately, I’ve begun to feel sorely lacking as a member of Generation Y, born in the early-mid eighties, and educated at a liberal arts college.
Many of my college friends and colleagues are touting the power and potential of one man, with a zeal I had yet to see in my lifetime. The adoration of this “rock star” resembles something like Beatlemania, or the worshiping of golden idols in biblical times.
What’s wrong with me? In this incredibly close and incredibly important race to the White House in 2008, I sometimes feel like I am on the sidelines scribbling angst in my journal while my peers participate in a Red-Bull-fueled pep rally.
I like to discuss politics, and everywhere I turn, at bars, at restaurants, at parties, I’ve been getting into arguments.
I’ve always been an individual, and an independent thinker. I’ve never believed in what some dub, “the wisdom of crowds” and I tend to take a critical stance against the popular tide. Perhaps my feelings toward the 2008 Election are an extension of that tendency.
I see my fellow twenty-somethings chanting at televised rallies. “Si se puede” they write in support of Obama on their Facebook accounts. Does Obama even speak Spanish?
I am trying to be as open-minded as possible when it comes to this presidential election. As in every election year, it becomes clear how many problems we face as a nation (although I’m pretty sure we face them every year in between elections as well.) Something must be done! We must change! Hope! Change!
I am hopeful. I believe in change, as well. I don’t believe the power to change lies with one individual’s leadership. I do appreciate inspirational speeches, and I believe the circumstances of this election as well as the personalities involved have already inspired dormant voters and apathetic citizens to get off their couches.
Is it possible to feel inspired simply by this increase in civic engagement? Can we move forward?
As I drive around Los Angeles, I see various bumper stickers and posters in support of candidates in apartment windows that face the street. One that has caught my eye is of Obama’s face spray-painted with a stencil with the caption “Hope.” It seems to be an image better fitted for a tote bag or a tank top at Urban Outfitters than for the Leader of the Free World.
