The day I missed America
Ξ November 5th, 2008 | → | ∇ Hong Kong, I miss this, On being me |
Election Day. It’s a special day. I think this year many people will agree it became extra special for the first time in a long time. I’m not going to get into the politics of it all*, but I will say I got a little choked up during Barack Obama’s acceptance speech. Much like my experience listening to Nick Clooney once, I felt like I could stand there listening for hours and be happy. I got choked up because of how united the moment seemed. Halfway around the world, I felt like I was there experiencing the moment with the rest of America. I also realized how different it is to be living outside the U.S. at times like these. I didn’t feel left out. I felt like I was part of something bigger, stronger, global. America’s presence stretches much farther than I ever realized while I lived in the States. It reminded me of the way my brother Andrew described his new feelings when he heard the Pledge of Allegiance recited at the end of U.S. Navy bootcamp. He said it would never be the same. I feel ya, bro. I felt stronger, I felt prouder. Today I learned more about myself as an American in a room with other Americans: toddlers, 10-year-olds**, teens, college students, suits, and the League of Women Voters***.
I missed being in America today. Seeing the crowds on TV and reading about the gatherings back in Bloomington made me miss it. But I had my own crowd here. It didn’t matter that they weren’t being heard by the throngs in Chicago, the world citizens gathered around me cheered just the same. Until today I’ve not understood why people clap, cheer or jeer at a basketball game on TV. Now I get it. It’s about feeling like you, too, are part of something bigger. Something you’re passionate about and proud to be a part of. That’s America. And, hey, that’s the world.****
* My professional code of ethics requires my neutrality on all things political. This post was meant to be more patriotic than anything. Any political leanings you may interpret are accidental. Thanks for reading.
** The mock election at the event allowed everyone to vote — kids, noncitizens, etc. Would’ve made a great photo. Oh, and aren’t serial commas great?
*** This is a nice way of saying … well… old ladies. Older ladies? I don’t know the P.C. … ah, you get the idea. Young and old. In harmony.
**** I think my blog post went deeper than deep. Eh, take it with a grain of salt. It’s past 3 a.m. If I don’t do this post now, I never will.
As always, click on the photo or the word awesomeness to view more photos from my Election Day.
on November 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I think my blog post went deeper than deep. Eh, take it with a grain of salt. It’s past 3 a.m. If I don’t do this post now, I never will.
Eh, don’t sweat it. Mine went deeper than the usual stories of drinking and meeting people. Glad you wrote it and I know just what’cha talkin’ about, Willis. Had a couple pangs of wanting to be running around downtown Anywhere, USA today.
on November 5th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Go America! I love voting.
on November 5th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Nathan, your stories of drinking and meeting people are always entertaining and insightful. Keep up the good work.
And get those creative juices flowing!
on November 13th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
[...] to the post “The Day I missed America,” my friend Mike asked if I’d share impressions of the U.S. election in Asia. Well, [...]
on July 26th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
How’s this for a late comment about a subject? Came across your webpage randomly (or not so randomly after talking about “googling oneself” with some friends, realized I wasn’t that important after only finding 4 results, and started trying old friends and “where are they nows” instead!).
Got to teach the election unit last fall, and wish I had known about your blog then - could have added some perspective to my kids! Glad to see you’re doing well!