Dispatch from Copenhagen
Dispatch to Brooklyn:
Things are surreal here in Copenhagen. 8am, I arrive at the U.S. Embassy's Post Election Breakfast. Expected heaps of food and formal setting. Instead I find Denmark's Prime Minister and other prominent Ministers to what amounts as a sort of informal goodbye to our Bush-appointed incumbent.
There is Pia Kjaersgaard--the forewoman for the Danish People's Party, Denmark's right-wing, anti-immigrant party (I would have really enjoyed speaking to her to hear her thoughts on the results) and a multiple cast of other Americans.
I am, as usual, the only Black there.
Walking down the street was strange today. Felt a little George Jefferson pep-in-my-step. Felt all eyes on me. Paranoia? Ghosts of my well-meaning middle-class wannabes ancestors taunt: Don't act too proud, you'll make white folks feel bad and hate you.
But we could not have gotten to where we were today without the white vote. Is racism dead? The court has only now adjourned. CNN suggests that no other Democratic candidate has EVER received such a high percentage of the white vote.
The cool thought is: He has brought people TOGETHER. People from all walks of life. I still hate the whole two party system, but hey, I'm not mad that history was made yesterday.
Zero in on the lone blackgirl (woman): Denmark's National Radio finds me like the speck of dirt in your oatmeal. Could they interview me?
Do I have to speak Danish?
Yes.
Yikes. But I do it. Why? Cause I'm happy to be part of what has happened.
At DR (Dansk Radio) the atmosphere seems jubilant.
Did I ever think I would ever see a Black President?
No.
Why?
Cause we have inherited the idea of the glass ceiling.
How did I feel?
Proud. I cried.
My friend Amy put it brilliantly: When I saw them come out on the stage I was like, whoah, that's a Black family!
Haven't I been telling you guys that the image is mightier than the sword?
And I'll tell you something else, and mark my words: We are in for quite a ride.
Buckle up, put on your thinking caps (they might be a bit dusty by now!) and insist upon critiquing all information you take in, just as our digestive system breaks down our food. Yes folks, it's kind of like the same thing.
And if you're like me, you're probably suffering from a bit of indigestion by now. It's time to work.
farvel,
the lab
P.S. the picture is my cheesy attempt at capturing my moment of media glory today.
Comments
i know it isn't the important part, but i'm so interested in knowing what food they actually served. do they put chocolate on the bread there???
do you think you'll be treated differently on a day-to-day basis?
here in japan a few people have said "congratulations" to me, and some people even offered handshakes. the general consensus is that people are relieved.
i get so flushed when i imagine michelle, sasha and malia waking up in the white house. i'm elated.
All kidding aside it is all so amazing! I think what i love about it is that we all stepped aside, away from the color thing and just looked at the MAN (at least i hope)...i love that his background, race and cultural is so diverse...we need that! I too felt like that when they walked on stage, WOW they are a black family and that they are the 'first family'!
I watched the election savoring the last day like a long luxurious meal...from soup to nuts, one course being more sumptuous than the next,just trying to digest it all. Now he is the 44th president and i am ready for desert.
Anyway, off to work, a bit taller as a person of color.
love you, shell
Yes, they do put chocolate on bread here!
I'm not sure how I'll be treated--it's an interested question, and one that I can only take one day at a time. How about you?
Hey SIS! I miss you!
hugs,
lab
I've been thinking about you especially in light of this great election victory. Your 'cheesing grin' looks just great and I am so proud that you did an interview with Danish Public Radio (in Dansk). Sounds like the post-election reception at the US Embassy in Copenhagen was really lame compared to similar events held at US embassies worldwide. They brought the house down in Nairobi, Kenya (2000+ visitors, mainly students).
The job of US Ambassador to Denmark is open in case you are interested. Are you? I've got good connections in Washington D.C. and Chicago now (Brooklyn too!). Perhaps you can propose some ideas to the new US administration about how America can better promote itself and support its many citizens living in Denmark.
You and a select group of blog authors are up next at Jewels, so stay tuned. This sure is hard work researching and analyzing information before one writes about Obama's overwhelming and historic victory. There's so much good stuff already out there, my Lord!
Lots of hugs (and tears of joy) from your friend down in Bremen, Germany.
P.S. Got your mssge re: Facebook. Just give me some time to check it out. I'm not a member of the global Facebook community, yet.
I look forward to being mentioned on your blog--you make a woman know that her efforts are not completely in vain.
Very warm regards from a dark Denmark,
Lesley-Ann
The New York Times
'For a Washington Job, Be Prepared to Tell All' - Nov 12, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/us/politics/13apply.html
See, you thought that I was kidding, didn't you? There's a link in the NYT article sidebar for the official questionnaire downloadable in PDF format. Make sure you get your application in early (before all them New Yorkers and folks from Chicago) and good luck.
Blessings
Tim Weedon
soulacademy.com
thanks for the sentiments: certainly reminds me that i have company! always great to know.
warm wishes,
the lab