I think the celebrations may be more somewhat more subdued in the U.S., but I wouldn't say the effect will be more profound anywhere else because this presidency most directly effects us. While Africa may see a larger presence in the future, all of President Obama's actions will have implications for the United States.
However, the celebration in Kenya is understandable. Africa, for all its geographic size and resources, has had relatively little representation and influence on the world stage. To see the U.S. seat a president whose father - not a distant ancestor - comes from their country must engender great pride, a representation of their own culture running a dominating society. It must also offer the people great hope that their country's concerns may no longer be highly visible, but largely ignored.
Many of us in the U.S. are grateful to have a president who speaks of reason and diplomacy instead of threatening the rest of the world. I feel like the views detailed in the Constitution have re-emerged after eight years of obscurity.
As long as President Obama acts in accordance with his rhetoric (and I believe he will, to the best of his ability), I believe the world will be well served. Please enjoy celebrations in Nairobi - I'd love to see photos! Here, I'm watching a very slow motorcade with patient,enthusiastic bystanders freezing in D.C.
Source(s):
Master's degree with emphasis in International & Intercultural Communication Studies.
"Communication and the Transformation of Society" by Peter O. Nwosu
"Global Communication and International Relations", Frederick


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