Barack, I think you're snappy!
I have emerged from the woods after another great season of camping and, like many world citizens, will be eagerly watching the Democratic National Convention tonight. For many, many people Senator Barack Obama's acceptance speech, delivered on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream", will be a momentous and powerful event. In my house, this will be particularly true.
For me, it's not so much about historical significance, or making change, or putting a stop to the color of someone's skin being that proverbial elephant in the room. Don't get me wrong, those things are important (and, IMHO much overdue). For me, it's much more personal than that.
Like just about every human being that has ever reproduced, my child is the most amazing thing that has ever happened upon my life. I have watched him learn to walk and learn to drive, and everything in between. He's my gift to the world, my legacy. He has my heart, my soul and my jawline. But not everyone can see that.
It's funny how sometimes small, seemingly meaningless events can leave such an imprint.
When Nigel was a few months old a very nice little old lady approached me in the supermarket. She wanted to get a better look at the baby. I braced for the onslaught of unsolicited parenting advice that would almost certainly accompany this encounter. I got something very different. "What a cute baby! Where is he from?" At first I had no idea what she was talking about. "Worcester", I said. "Oh, he's American!" she cooed. "How nice of you." She turned to my son, "You're a lucky little boy."
Then I got it. She didn't get it.
My initial reaction was that I had been cheated. I wanted credit for the 30 hours of labor and delivery I went through 3 months back. I wanted her to see that the shape of his face and the slope of his nose was like mine. I wanted her to take back those assuming words and join me in the twentieth century. I wanted her to say "I see the resemblance. That's exactly how you would look if you were a little bit darker, and male". But that never came. I walked away and that was that.
My son is older now, almost a grown man. I wonder how many times in the intervening 17 years people have looked at him, looked at us, and made assumptions about our family.
I have also pondered, as I watched the 2008 Presidential Campaign unfold, about people on all sides of the road fixated on race. Whether they're cheering or jeering "a black man for president!" I wonder if they can't see the forest for the trees. The next chapter in American history won't be a black one, or a white one. It won't be Asian, or English or Spanish. The next Americans will be all of these things, any many of them all at once.
Yes, Barack, I suppose I am ready for a change. Could you make it snappy?
Nigel and Me, spring 2008
For me, it's not so much about historical significance, or making change, or putting a stop to the color of someone's skin being that proverbial elephant in the room. Don't get me wrong, those things are important (and, IMHO much overdue). For me, it's much more personal than that.
Like just about every human being that has ever reproduced, my child is the most amazing thing that has ever happened upon my life. I have watched him learn to walk and learn to drive, and everything in between. He's my gift to the world, my legacy. He has my heart, my soul and my jawline. But not everyone can see that.
It's funny how sometimes small, seemingly meaningless events can leave such an imprint.
When Nigel was a few months old a very nice little old lady approached me in the supermarket. She wanted to get a better look at the baby. I braced for the onslaught of unsolicited parenting advice that would almost certainly accompany this encounter. I got something very different. "What a cute baby! Where is he from?" At first I had no idea what she was talking about. "Worcester", I said. "Oh, he's American!" she cooed. "How nice of you." She turned to my son, "You're a lucky little boy."
Then I got it. She didn't get it.
My initial reaction was that I had been cheated. I wanted credit for the 30 hours of labor and delivery I went through 3 months back. I wanted her to see that the shape of his face and the slope of his nose was like mine. I wanted her to take back those assuming words and join me in the twentieth century. I wanted her to say "I see the resemblance. That's exactly how you would look if you were a little bit darker, and male". But that never came. I walked away and that was that.
My son is older now, almost a grown man. I wonder how many times in the intervening 17 years people have looked at him, looked at us, and made assumptions about our family.
I have also pondered, as I watched the 2008 Presidential Campaign unfold, about people on all sides of the road fixated on race. Whether they're cheering or jeering "a black man for president!" I wonder if they can't see the forest for the trees. The next chapter in American history won't be a black one, or a white one. It won't be Asian, or English or Spanish. The next Americans will be all of these things, any many of them all at once.
Yes, Barack, I suppose I am ready for a change. Could you make it snappy?
Nigel and Me, spring 2008
He's a very handsome boy. You must be so proud. When my baby was 1 month old someone asked me if I was babysitting. I was hurt but just kindly told her that I was his mother.
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Stacey,
Thank You, I am very proud! I always cringed at the babysitter question myself. It's great to hear from you.
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Hi Jennifer
What a great blog post - thank you for the wisdom and for raising such a beautiful young man. I agree that it's time for America to evolve and embrance its full potential. Wonderful to meet you today at IMS08. Best, Connie
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Connie,
Thanks for the feedback! I feel that I have contributed positively to the next generation by bringing Nigel into the world.
I really enjoyed our conversations at #IMS08 and hope to connect again!
Regards,
Jennifer
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Before reading your piece, I thought I was looking at a prom photo! Lucky you to be a young, proud mom and handsome family!
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Thanks, Don. It is Nigel's prom photo. I'm sporting much bigger hair in my prom pics
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He is a beautiful young man and he does look exactly like you!
My daughter looks exactly like me but with much lighter skin. My husband's meaningful childhood friends liked to kid my husband by saying that our daughter looked nothing like him and questioned whether or not she was his. I took this all in stride and initially thought it was funny. But after about the millionith time, I began to get offended. Whose child could she be if not his? A Hawaiian, Filipino, Caucasian Jew.
A true America!
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Jolene,
It is the true America! I look at it as adding seasoning to the melting pot
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You think he just has your jawline? Your son is a spitting image of you! Eyes,nose,mouth,face shape. Your son is a HOTTIE! Maybe in 20 years he will be our next president!I am so glad you shared this picture.. thank you ..
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