The election of president Obama as the 44th president of the United States was historic because he is the first black president. This was the first time a person from the majority group became a president. Hillary Clinton also comes from a minority group of women. This is a clear sign that the American society has changed and the minorities can now take elective seats and lead the Americans.
President Obama and Clinton are individuals that have extraordinary traits. The voters chose a black African American and a white woman over many men is something that Americans are happy. It shows what it good in America. It indicates that the historic prejudices are easy to overcome. It brings out a fact that the values buried in us are nit permanent. It is a matter of deciding and making the right choices without having to judge someone in regards to race, sex, religion and origin. The attitudes that people possess changed after this election because this unique thing in the history of America. It shows the Americans to look beyond color and realize the character and substance of an individual.
Gender and race are issues that in the American history took a center stage because no woman could seek a powerful elective post. This was a big achievement because it has opened and gave chance to those women who think they can lead. The women can lead in various capacities in the economy of America. Women can now hold the posts that men hold. The racism and sexism are now outdated and do not act as platforms for measuring performance. President Obama has demonstrated this in his first term by giving the people of America the changes they wanted and fighting the great recession (Heillemann et al, pg. 98).
The history of America shows that the opportunities and rights for women and the black have always faced a myriad of challenges. The blacks have championed for their recognition in the society and some even sacrificed their lives. They have risked their careers, fortunes and health to champion for opportunities for their groups. What happened in the progressive era about the women rights was not good. After the World War II, women still faced the challenges and could only work for their husbands.
Their election to office was a breakthrough on understanding and giving every American an equal opportunity to attain the American dream. This was a change and even the campaign slogan for president spoke it. The existence of a black president in the White House has changed the way people see each other and address each other.
So many women in America’s history have tried to run for presidency. These women were unknown but they represented the women of America by speaking out. Few black people have run for president but they some have championed their rights through civil movements. President Obama and Hillary Clinton reap on the triumphs and promise of the civil rights movement that occurred between 1950 and 1960 (Wilson, pg.71). There is also the women liberation movement that existed between 1960 and 1970.
The nation took these great strides. It gives every American hope of a better future. The first term of president Obama saw him improve the economy. He finished the war in Iraq that was very expensive to the American government. The equal pay for women is also a very important achievement of president Obama administration. This earned him a second term in office. He is now making changes in the health industry, which will see every American citizen to have access to better medical care. The scheme will also provide an insurance cover to the citizens of America.
America will certainly not be the same again because of this historic election. Obama received funding from across the races and gender lines. He raised more money than all his competitors did. His candidacy looked alike a social movement. He received backing from the young and the old. During the inauguration, people from all races came to witness this historic. It was a defining moment and even president Obama acknowledged. Americans can now elect any person either black or white provided they show ability to lead the nation. American gives every person a right to have his/her fair share of living.
The changes that President Obama has done have really created tremendous criticisms. The good thing is that the attacks do not have a base on the color of skin or race but on the content of character and ideas. The other races in America feel comfortable and are on their quest to achieving the American dream. The Latinos, Hispanics, Muslims, Asians and Africans are comfortable in this nation. The women can now have a say in the society that had domination of men. They can now participate in the policy making process of the United States. This now eliminates the idea that women cannot deliver to in the public service. This is a motivation to the young generation and people from all nations of the world.
Works Cited
Heilemann, John, Mark Halperin, and Dennis Boutsikaris. Game Change: [obama and the Clintons, Mccain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime]. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2010. Print.
Wilson, Richard L. American Political Leaders. New York: Facts on File, 2002. Internet resource.
