Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Opie sez: Obama winned!

That's what he announced to his preschool class as soon as he walked in this morning, and his teachers responded with great enthusiasm.

I wanted to wake the kids last night so they could watch Obama's speech, but I know better than to mess with a sleeping child. We can watch the speech together today, online, and marvel at it all. At 3 and 6 years old, Opie and Jo are old enough to know that Mommy and Daddy were "cheering for" Obama, but not old enough to really grasp why.

They are also not old enough to understand why this is such a historic moment, and I don't know if I can or will explain it. Should I describe racism to children who haven't been spoiled by it? Who have friends of all colors and creeds and think nothing of it? By not confronting the issue, do we defuse its power, or feed it?

Images from Newseum.org, where--if you are very very very patient--you can see front pages from newspapers all around the world.

10 comments:

Lady M said...

We didn't really get into what the candidates meant. Just that Obama was "like Duck" and would be president. Except without feathers.

Binkytowne said...

So funny! Finn announced McCain "losed". He also thinks "barackobama" might give John McCain a job because he talks funny.

kirida said...

the election's already decided, but i saw this and thought of you, since you live in mayberry and everything ;)

http://videosift.com/video/Ron-Howard

Suzanne said...

My kids both asked about the winner as soon as they woke up. I hope they remember this day!

Grace said...

I woke up excited too!

I really wish racism ended with this election, but I was so shocked and embarrassed to hear the reasons why certain people were against Obama (especially since it was broadcast overseas).

While you and I and a whole lot of good people can see past faith and skin color, our kids will still have a lot to overcome.

...but for now, let's celebrate!!!

Kimberly said...

My daughter asked right off the bat who won too. She was very pleased. :-)

JGH said...

DH heard on CNN that the newspapers from today would be collectors items, but by the time he got to the store, they were all sold out.

My kids had a mock election at their school that predicted the outcome quite accurately!

Kate said...

Go Obama! Or as my 2 year old says, "Bahk Omama". We're happy here in the now "blue" state of Ohio. :)

I was truly moved by the whole moment. It was history happening before our eyes and I was forcing myself to stay awake to make sure I would remember the moment.

Vodka Mom said...

Years from now they will all talk about where they were when they realized he won. wow.

Kelly said...

I, too, was marveling at the fact that my girls have no idea how momentous an election this was. Obama was just a guy we wanted to win. Someday they'll understand.