When Will Europe Be Ready to Chose a Leader Like Barack Obama?

As Barack Obama is sworn in as the first black president of the United States, Europeans wonder when — no make that if — they will ever see their own “Obama” in Europe.

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama waves to spectators as he leaves his hotel in…

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama waves to spectators as he leaves his hotel in Berlin July 25, 2008. As Barack Obama is sworn in as the first black president of the United States, Europeans wonder when — no make that if — they will ever see their own “Obama” in Europe.

(Markus Schreiber/AP Photo)
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Could a second-generation immigrant with roots in the black Third World be elected prime minister or president in Europe?

My American friends find it difficult to imagine an immigrant overcoming Europe’s white-dominated, slow and elitist political systems anytime soon.

“Does anyone really think that Britain would chose a second-generation Pakistani as its leader?” Yale professor and intellectual heavyweight Harold Bloom said.

“Would Germany choose a child of Turkish immigrants? Or France someone whose parents emigrated from Algeria?”

But European friends and intellectuals also seem more optimistic, even if most statistics say otherwise.

Raj, a teacher of postcolonial literature whose Indian parents moved to Great Britain in the 1960s, said he could envision a European Obama in the next 10 years. Particularly in Britain, which had a Jewish prime minister in the 19th century, and is perhaps seen as one of the better-integrated European countries.

ABC News: Is Europe Ready for a Barack Obama?.

“Without You”

On the surface these may be unrelated, but not in my mind & heart. As I contemplate & anticipate this historic  inauguration, I can’t help but think of my Dad. He passed away in 2006. He was my best friend. When the announcement came that Obama had won, I cried. My tears were mixed with joy & sorrow as I wondered about how my Dad would have felt about this election and Obama. Likewise, whenever I hear this song I think of  him. Thanks again, Ayo, for another “heart song.”

Discover Yamile and her art HERE!