This afternoon Professor Thomas F. Schaller came to the University of Tampere to give a guest lecture entitled: "The US Presidential Race and the American Voter." It was a 45 minute talk, full of statistical and background information on the current presidential race and Republican contenders, as well as a revisit to the 2008 elections. To sum up: Republicans aren't happy with their candidates (Romney being at the top); Ron Paul is likened to Ralph Nader; and Obama's not doing so well, but the Republicans may be doing worse. Professor Schaller projected that Obama will win, and that 2016 may be a time of stronger competition.
I'll admit that it was a strange feeling to be in a room full of international students and teachers, with the presidential race in my home country as the guest speaker's topic. Everyone there was aware of and interested in the impact of the US on the rest of the world. Back at home, American life and issues dominate. When do we talk about French or Finnish or Nepali or Nigerian politics or culture in a way that doesn't exoticize them? I recall lectures in Oregon on critical areas and events in the world, but these places seemed so far away. Now I'm far away, physically and mentally outside. I no longer see the US and its politics as an exclusive, insular entity that I'm a part of and am affected by. I would feel more comfortable saying that I'm a part of humanity and am affected by it. Bridges seem more real than boundaries, connections more than competition. It's a bit idealistic, but I guess everything is. And maybe when I learn more about animals and the environment, I could extend myself and sympathies.
After the lecture, we were given little booklets called President Barack Obama in His Own Words. It features the 44th President's Inaugural Address, as well as excerpts for campaign and pre-presidential speeches. Our professor invited us to a conference room for "beer and politics," where I took a look at the booklet. My Finnish classmate Hanna wondered how Obama was able to say things like: "In reaffirming the greatness of our nation..." and "We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth." She said that in Finland, some politician said the same thing about their country, and everybody just laughed. I think it's just a part of American history and culture to say something like "America, number one!" And for the people who believe it, I guess they've found some way to justify it. I'm all ears, especially when we see other countries with more equality, tolerance, happiness, and better education and health. Anyway, it's a pretty bold undertaking to look at the world and start to fix it. If we pick a smaller place with boundaries, solutions don't seem so far gone.
Well, I've got to cut this post short. I haven't been feeling so well. Uzair has told me several times to go to the doctor. "[H]onestly, no body should be telling you this...you get one life, you should be taking care of it urself," he wrote. He's right. I can't continue to disregard my health until someone shines flashing lights.
This reminded me of a video my younger brother recently sent me:
I'm so amazed at how much Kainui has grown and learned in the months I've been gone! I don't see that same little annoying brother anymore (partially my own shortcoming). I really admire him and his thoughts and motivation. He'll study abroad in Japan next year, so I don't know when I'll see him next, but I'm so happy we're in contact...
Lastly, I'm excited for transnational journalism tomorrow!
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