So I’m a 1st Generation Bengali Muslim, and I’ve realized that these three descriptions have completely changed the course of American History, particularly the election.
In 2000, John McCain lost to George Bush in the primaries becuase there was a smear campaign that said that McCain had an illegitamate black child. This was a reference to McCain’s adopted child from Bangladesh, [[Bridget McCain]]. So if it wasn’t for this Bengali, McCain might be President now. Who knows what role Bridget will play in this election. Either way, if McCain wins, there will be a Bengali in the White House before an African American, Latino, Asian or any other race.
This election, the largest smear against Barack Obama was that he was a secret Muslim. In a recent post, I said how most of the country thinks he is Muslim. Either way, Obama’s grandfather and step-father were both Muslim, and he did grow up in Muslim Indonesia for a while. Not to mention his middle name is Hussein. He has a better understanding of Islam than any other candidate in History. And the fact that this country would vote for a man who they think is Muslim makes me feel good.
Also, the most important thing to me is that Barack Obama is the son of an immigrant, like me. I knew Obama back in 2003 because I read his book “Dreams of my Father”, which truly inspired me. Obama, like me, has had trouble his entire finding an identity because of his diverse background. Being the son of an immigrant and being on his way to the most powerful man in the world really inspires me, whether I agree with him or not.
I’ll definetly keep it to the issues, but I’m just letting my own little subconcious rant out about how I think this election truly is historical and amazing at a personal level for me.
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