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Obama Mania, European Style
Catherine CullenPosted: Nov 15th 2008 7:05AM
Filed under: US Elections, Featured Stories, Brown UniversityCatherine Cullen is writing for Bright Hall from Galway, Ireland where she is completing a study abroad program and enriching herself in Anglo-European culture.
Barack Obama's historic presidential win means a lot for the United States and all Americans. The change in executive regime, the revitalization of the White House, the palpable change in public political perception: all good things.
Additionally, Obama's election has meant a lot to us Americans abroad. It also means a lot to Europeans in general, triggering what the New York Times dubbed a "European euphoria" over the election results. The imminent end of the Bush era has ushered Americans back into the good graces of our European counterparts.
There seems to be a sense throughout the EU that Americans have finally come to their senses. General goodwill now meets me in stores when the clerk hears my American accent. "Ah, American! How about that election, huh?" This is followed by big smiles all along, sometimes a fist-pumping in the air (by the clerk, not me) and a quick "Obama!" chant. The Irish students are even less subtle. At a house party the other night, I was standing with a group of other American students when a slightly... ahem... inebriated Irish guy comes over to our group, gives us the once-over and nods. "Americans!" he cried. And then, drawing the attention of everyone else in the crowded kitchen, he began to yell "Obama! Obama! Obama!" And people joined in. Enthusiastically.
Although the full-fledged fervor of the moment reminds me of the recent South Park episode parodying Obama's acceptance speech-- more accurately, it reminds me of the parody of the excited viewers running around shouting "Yeah! Obama! It's change!!"-- I'll take it. It's certainly a nice change (ha) from telling people I'm Canadian.
Barack Obama's historic presidential win means a lot for the United States and all Americans. The change in executive regime, the revitalization of the White House, the palpable change in public political perception: all good things.
Additionally, Obama's election has meant a lot to us Americans abroad. It also means a lot to Europeans in general, triggering what the New York Times dubbed a "European euphoria" over the election results. The imminent end of the Bush era has ushered Americans back into the good graces of our European counterparts.
There seems to be a sense throughout the EU that Americans have finally come to their senses. General goodwill now meets me in stores when the clerk hears my American accent. "Ah, American! How about that election, huh?" This is followed by big smiles all along, sometimes a fist-pumping in the air (by the clerk, not me) and a quick "Obama!" chant. The Irish students are even less subtle. At a house party the other night, I was standing with a group of other American students when a slightly... ahem... inebriated Irish guy comes over to our group, gives us the once-over and nods. "Americans!" he cried. And then, drawing the attention of everyone else in the crowded kitchen, he began to yell "Obama! Obama! Obama!" And people joined in. Enthusiastically.
Although the full-fledged fervor of the moment reminds me of the recent South Park episode parodying Obama's acceptance speech-- more accurately, it reminds me of the parody of the excited viewers running around shouting "Yeah! Obama! It's change!!"-- I'll take it. It's certainly a nice change (ha) from telling people I'm Canadian.
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shelia
1:23AM 1:23AM Nov 16th 2008
Since Obama is starting on a good foot accross the pond, I hope that America will take note and give our new president the support that he will need to clean up the mess that our last president left behind. It will take the efforts of everyone to get things back on the right track. Hopefully one day we will ahve world peace.
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LtlHugo
10:05AM 10:05AM Nov 16th 2008
Whether or not you voted against Obama, or that you don't like seeing a black as president, let's face the facts people, he is an intelligent, nice looking, presidential looking, and a very knowledgeable man. I personally did vote for him and glad of it, I think he will be a terrific president, will change our economy around, bring world peace to us, and will make health care more affordable. I just wish the bashing would stop and give this guy due respect, support him in a time of need, and just accept the fact that he is your president elect.
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jan
10:56AM 10:56AM Nov 16th 2008
The writer has nailed it. From a daughter in the African Peace Corps to relatives in Europe to friends and relatives living and studying around the globe, it's the same. My daughter tells me the same thing - it's as though a weight's been lifted and she doesn't have to claim pseudo-Canadian citizenship, but for the first time is free and proud to acknowledge her American citizenship. And it wasn't a question of simply pride that prevented ex-pats from admitting this...it was real safety issues. They were warned by schools and embassies to do this, and what a bad feeling it was.
I don't think many Americans who haven't experienced this can appreciate this reality or the stark change in attitude. They've literally been waiting for us to become ourselves again, and for those suspicious sour grapes folks, no, they've never wanted us to fail. They want to look up to us again to lead, to join the world, to become a sort of symbol. Listen to the foreign broacasts; read their papers. There are of course exceptions, but by and large it's a palpable thing.
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reidgator
1:47PM 1:47PM Nov 18th 2008
I have to respond to this nonsense. I made 16 trips (48 weeks total) to Asia over 36 months. Worked and socialized with hundreds of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, French, Italian, Russian, Brits, tons of Aussies, and so on. I NEVER was treated improperly. Only one Chinese person ever confronted me about US policies, and that was over Taiwan.
There are seveal reasons why Europeans are glad Obama won:
(1) It gives them a chance to act self-righteous about our racist past, competely ignoring their own racial issues. How many non-whites or immigrants are elected in France's and Germany's national governments? This is all a smoke screen to hid their own failure. A diversion from their own racism.
(2) It is seen as a stamp of approval on their opinion regarding the Iraq War. But, then Europe has always been apathetic about oppression and injustice. They forget about Resolution 1441!
(3) They are jealous and want the US to be weakened. Remember - what is good for Europe is not necessarily good for the USA!
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picard1709
4:03PM 4:03PM Nov 16th 2008
Disheartened! That another American citizen would disown their patronage to this country for the sake of acceptance. That they would find the path easier to lie about their origin rather than define the position of their compatriots.
President Bush is the face of our nation and a controversial person. It would be expected that Americans abroad to face criticism and negative opinions from our hosts, but does the President solely define a nation? No! What define a nation are its people.
The writer and others like her have the opportunity to dispel stereotypes, to proclaim their American citizenship in spite of the stereotypical ignorance of others. They do not have to proclaim their support for our leadership to remain patriotic Americans, but they should at the least proclaim that they are Americans and extol their opinion as a representative of our people.
It is the ignorance of people to judge a nation solely by its leaders that has supported some of the longest standing walls of misunderstanding and divisiveness. It is the reason people in the Soviet Union believed Americans wanted to kill them and American’s believed every Russian was a loyal communist. It perpetuates beliefs like every Arab is a Muslim, and every Muslim is a terrorist.
To disown their nation may have proved convenient in times of disapproval and I’m certain it would prove convenient to return to being American in the wake of our election. However, it is unfortunate that the writer will not be able to join us in saying her vote helped mold history and usher change in America….after all she’s Canadian!
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Diane
8:13AM 8:13AM Nov 17th 2008
Great job! YOU are a GREAT AMERICAN!
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Catgirl
3:13PM 3:13PM Nov 17th 2008
Picard, you hit the nail on the head. I read the entire article without much reaction till I read the line about pretending to be Canadian. THe comment disgusts me and fills me with contempt for the writer. How dare you distance yourself from who you are for even a moment. I voted for McCain, but if you think I would lie about that or the fact that I am an American or that I will stand 100% behind Obama because he is my president is absurd. Do us all a favor when you're done studying abroad Catherine and stay in Ireland where you can be from any country you want at any time to avoid conflict or perhaps finding a backbone.
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JimH
5:16PM 5:16PM Nov 17th 2008
Maybe we are too insulated here at home and in the narrow roads most of us travel when abroad but I doubt very much whether picard1709 has had to face the reality of the antagonism towards America and Americans in the streets of foreign countries. My daughter spends a lot of time overseas, especially in Europe, and has been dismayed at the change in attitudes over the past eight years even in countries which have historically held a strong allegiance to the USA. She has frequently told me about very sobering and dangerous experiences in places where she used to be greeted very warmly. It is all very well to suggest Americans abroad should have the courage to admit their nationality. It is another thing when you are defenceless and facing groups of aggressive young people whose opinions have been formed not only by propaganda but also by a reaction to what they see as Bush arrogance and an insensitivity to other peoples and other countries, both friendly and foe.
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mahalapril
9:10PM 9:10PM Nov 16th 2008
Americans should not care what the rest of the world think. We are the only superpower in the world.I am ashamed of Americans who elected a man without a respectable background and no accomplishment record.Obama is worshipped not only in the US but the whole world including the islamic fanatics.Obama is very cool under pressure and has the ability to lie away his naivete in foreign,ignorance about US having 57 states and associations with radicals,American terrorist,anti-America and anti-white racists ,corrupt businessmen, and Acorn responsible for voter registration fraud.Obama has the hallmarks of a pathological liar.
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mary
10:50PM 10:50PM Nov 16th 2008
Not so fast!
East Europeans, still slowly recovering from the disaster that sociaism brought to their contries for 50 years, are sending condolences.
God bless and save America from Barack Hussein Obama and his radical liberal plasn for this great nation.
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haven
12:46AM 12:46AM Nov 17th 2008
I've lived overseas for the past 4 years as part of a us military family, so if anyone shoud be hated it should be me. In my early day of living over here there was a definite attitude i'd get from people when they heard my accent. We are not encouraged to tell people that we are here with the military not because europeans hate us but becaue terrorist still do and terrorist live and work here. If we make it well known that we are American's and that we are US military we make ourselves a target for terrorism. But I never once denied I was American and I started working at a british grocery store 2 years ago and never had any problems, in fact people always made a big deal out of my Americanism and asked for advice on where to go for their holidays, etc, I've even been told on numerous occasions that I have a lovely accent. However, I do live in a more rural part of England, so maybe people are nicer here, but in my travels throughout Western Europe when people ask me if I am an American I always say yes and they always tell me how they'd LOVE to go there some day and proceed to ask me if I've ever been to LA or NY..which I haven't, and they then nod politely while I try to describe where Missouri is. I have never, not once, felt the need to pretend I was Candanian, the thought honestly has never crossed my mind. People have lost their lives, limbs, families defending your right to be an American, regardless of who our president was or will be, we are still the most free people on Earth.
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Joanie
12:56AM 12:56AM Nov 17th 2008
Europeans love Obama because they would love to see America weakened. They would them become top dog. Thye know Obama stands for socialism and since they have it, misery loves company. They also truly believe that we went to war over oil and they are more dependent on Arab oil than we are. After being there the equivalent of a year over some extended assignments over there, I think they will see that the inflated oil prices have much to do with China and India's demand for it. Time will tell. Used to like Europe-- it bores me now.
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rrdh3
3:14AM 3:14AM Nov 17th 2008
Joanie,
That's because you're a piece of shit, and it only suits you when you're the beneficiary. Typical white, KKK trash. Your GUESS that Obama stands for socialism only highlights your ignorance, racism and radicalist attitude. Until we begin to see what Obama brings to the table, we should all just chill out and let the man have his turn. Amerikkka was here long before you were born and it will be alive and well long after your departure. Shut up, sit back, and enjoy the ride asshole!!!
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maritza
4:13AM 4:13AM Nov 17th 2008
europe has euro why noy here too ,maybe another change again,let see
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Diane
8:20AM 8:20AM Nov 17th 2008
Ummm, that would be converting to the AmEuro and that would mean ushering in the New World Order and that would mean the end of live as we know it! Good job, a$$hole, EDUCATE YOURSELF before spewing your ignorance here.
While your educating yourself here's something else you probably need enlightment on:
Since Michelle Osama has openly admitted that “her husband’s family (himself included?) is more that 80% Muslim”, I think it's high time we learn just EXACTLE what being Muslim MEANS. So here's my attempt to enlighten some of the readers, if you don't take it upon yourself to GET EDUCATED, you have no one to blame but yourselves!
***************************************************
I'm going to ask that EVERYONE who wants to know the TRUTH about how Muhammad started his 'religion' (movement) please, please Google "The Prophet of Doom". It's a free online book and it tells everything you ever wanted to know about Islam, and much more.
You will never again believe it's a peaceful religion!
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Mokele Mbembe
12:11PM 12:11PM Nov 17th 2008
I've read enough to know that NONE of the Abrahamic religions were "peaceful".
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Mokele Mbembe
12:16PM 12:16PM Nov 17th 2008
I've read enough to show that NONE of the Abrahamic religions were "peaceful". It's no surprise to me if you cherry-pick your sources.
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Mokele Mbembe
12:08PM 12:08PM Nov 17th 2008
Best of luck to the new Obama cabinet. Let's hope his presidency is as efficient as his campaign was.
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Mokele Mbembe
12:19PM 12:19PM Nov 17th 2008
...I see dumb people...
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Tom
6:28PM 6:28PM Nov 17th 2008
Why is everyone so full of hate? Aren't we all Americans?
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