While perusing the CNN headlines last week I stumbled upon an article entitled “White valedictorian: A first for historically black Morehouse.” I initially didn’t think much of the piece (surprised that there were actually white people attending Morehouse). But I clicked on the link anyway and found:
The article proceeds to describe the ways in which Packwood is one with the black community. Packwood explains that his mother’s second marriage was to a black man. The relationship didn’t work out and things were tough at home (another fact the CNN reporters highlight during their schpeal about Packwood’s ability to identify with the black community). Because of these conditions, Packwood was forced to live with a close friend and his family (also black) where he finished his high school career and prepared for college. Packwood states, “A large majority of my friends, like all my girlfriends have been minorities… So it was very, it was kind of strange that I always gravitated toward the black community.”
Joshua Packwood (left) & brother (who will attend Morehouse next fall) pictured with unidentified ethnic child
A group of my friends attended a Barack Obama rally on Friday where they managed to claw their way to the front of the crowd and take their place at center stage for the event. Upon their return, I asked about the rally, and one of them exclaimed, “WE TOUCHED HIM!” She then explained that they were given the opportunity to shake Obama’s hand and tell him how much they love him. I took issue with the description of their interaction with the presidential candidate for it bore an eery resemblance to a familiar story. If the woman with the issue of blood (the one who touched Jesus and was healed) had been a college student, the aforementioned encounter would fit seamlessly into either of the synoptic gospels. However, I doubt touching the hem of Barack’s garment (or even shaking his hand) will produce similar effects.
The media is having a field day with what they’ve dubbed Obama’s “rock star status”. His competitors have also latched onto this idea in their attempts to discredit his ability to lead the country, attributing his success during the election to the fact that he is a rock star (which implies that Paul McCartney could too run for president and give Hillary Clinton and John McCain a run for their money. I am not sure what they are attempting to say about themselves with this argument.) As far as policy is concerned, the only person who should be worried about this pedestal Obama is being placed upon is the man himself. It seems nearly impossible for him to live up to what some are expecting of him because the expectations can only come to fruition by the stroke of some minor miracle.
