I wrote another diary yesterday here and I wanted to follow up on and add to it because I feel I left something out. Something important that hit me later as I was reading and responding to comments.
One of the comments by cryptodira got me thinking more about what it was the inspired me about Obama. This was the comment:
The thing that kept running through my mind as I read this was to wonder how many people today would call Jackie Robinson "weak."
He did the same ground-breaking President Obama is doing - taking every sling and arrow and NEVER giving back in return. It took almost superhuman strength to do that. But in the end...he was successful. Just as our President will be.
Indeed, I felt this was a terrific example and I tried to put my finger on what it was about both Robinson and Obama that struck a chord in me and then it hit me: dignity.
The way both men carry themselves when faced with not just adversity, but viciousness and hate. And it wasn’t just your everyday type. They were focal points and vessels for this poisonous vitriol from a whole nation. And yet they never gave in. They never lashed out. They did what they had to do and persevered thoughtfully and made progress and yes, succeeded.
Dignity. Yeah, that’s it.
I think what truly upsets a lot of people here is that Obama is not angry, like they are. They are angry, and outraged and therefore, why isn’t Obama? Why doesn’t he reflect their anger? It’s puzzling, and aggravating.
Maybe he is angry, but he chooses to control it and continue to act with dignity. That takes a strong will, and perhaps some people are also angry and aggravated because they can’t admit that utilizing that strength of will makes Obama a better person. They can’t admit to themselves that that dignity he carries himself with is something they don’t possess, and therefore, they feel inferior.
Guess what? You can possess it too. Nothing is stopping you from doing so. Obama isn’t doing this to rub your faces in it, he’s doing it because he feels it’s the best way to behave. In the long run, it’s better for the country to have a leader who carries himself with dignity. Who responds thoughtfully and effectively, not in anger.
By observing Obama I’m learning a lot about myself. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for his self control, restraint and dignity. Honestly, seeing how he perseveres in the face of historic adversity, obstruction and hate is truly and inspiration. And yes, he’s teaching me. I see what he’s doing and I aspire to that behavior. I want to improve myself. I don’t want to be rash and motivated by anger and petty desires.
I am though.
These unfortunately hold far too much sway over my daily life. But if Obama can overcome these baser instincts given the situation he’s under, well, I think I can too. I’m learning that. And so can you.