From Carie

Global Communication
Thoughts on the Election
Carie Jeleniewski
11/6/2008

The election of Barack Obama for president on November 4, 2008 means many different things to all different kinds of people. There has been so much talk about what the election will mean to individuals, the country, and the world, that I almost feel as if those words have become my own. As if all the hype and rhetoric could come streaming out of my own mouth. Now, in order to answer this question I feel as if I must take a step back from the buzz and really ponder my own sincere thoughts. What does this election mean to me?
I don’t know how quickly things will change in America after Obama settles into the Oval Office. Indeed, my worst fear is that nothing will change. Regardless of my initial reservations, the most important thing his election has done for me already is give me hope. I certainly don’t need to stress to others how difficult times are in our current economy. Everyone is feeling the pressures of unemployment, the weakening dollar, debt, gas and home heating fuel prices, healthcare costs and so much more. How I manage to scrape up enough money to pay rent, car loan, and cell phone bill is beyond me. I am darn tired of homemade turkey sandwiches and carrot sticks for lunch, that’s for sure! So, I am so incredibly hopeful that Obama will make it a little easier for me to find a job, make more money, fuel my car and heat my home. I pray healthcare will become more affordable so that my own grandparents can get the medical care they need to live as many more healthy years as God may grant them. Most importantly, I hope that with Obama in Office he can begin improving our general way of live so that everyone can rest a little easier at night.
This election, to me, means that we can begin repairing our image on a global scale. This may sound naïve, perhaps self-centered, but I want other countries to like America! Our public image has been tainted over the past eight years. Aggression, war, isolationism, double standards, and poor decisions have left global citizens with a sense of dislike and skepticism about America. The words “public diplomacy” did not appear in my mind’s eye to describe what I wanted Obama to accomplish with other nations until our guest speakers joined us on Wednesday evening. Mohammed Kalil described his work as a public diplomat in Saudi Arabia and when I heard him speak about the role he plays in creating relationships and even karma I eventually likened this to what Obama can do for America. I am not convinced anyone really thought of Bush as a diplomat, even though he was literally the face of our country; the man who represented the United States of America. His face was not inviting to other countries, of that I am certain. Hopefully, the new face and the new politics of Obama will show other countries that we are tolerant, we have the ability to adapt and to change, and that we invite discussion and better relationships with nations around the world.
Last night I was watching The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch on CNBC and he had on a guest who was talking about the necessary changes to be made in our government now that Obama is in office. I fully agreed with him on many points that he made and I wondered just how we, as citizens of the US, could have let the government get away with so much. The fact that we are unable to track exactly how our tax dollars are allocated and what it is being spent on, who gets paid to do what in Washington, and who is accountable when something is not done properly is preposterous. Now that we have elected a new president, who will appoint a new cabinet, I hope he will make our government agencies transparent, put an end to wasting our precious tax dollars, punish those in government who abuse their privileges, hold politicians accountable for their actions, and ensure Washington handles our money and our political matters responsibly.
This is what the election means to me. These are some of the matters that I hope will be addressed with our newly elected president. Is any of this really too much to ask of our government?

Informed Politics?

Relief. That is the first word that comes to mind when I think about the election for the
President of the United States. I am relieved that this election is over. I am relieved to see the myriad of advertisements, news and messaging that relentlessly hammers away at the same main line issues. While I am 24, and this is only the 2nd election that I have participated in, it does truly seem like America Politics have become more of a show and spectacle than anything else. Everyone that I have talked to from older generations make the same claims-that American Politics has lost its finesse. Even with the excitement for Obama to take the presidency and thousands of supporters chanting “Change, Change” and “Yes We Can”, “Maverick” and “Country First”-I wonder to what extent these same people know of the policies that the two candidates have. It seems that even with the best of intentions and goodwill that people may have for supporting their candidate, how much does that person really know about who they are voting for? I think that as American’s, we like to be entertained, and that our attentive can be hard held. Given this, it’s not completely governments/Washington’s fault that this election was such a “show”. It is a cycle-the media give us what we want to hear/see and we in turn make a big deal of it and ask for more.
I am excited for the next four years but also nervous as this country is at a huge turning point. I only hope that people become more informed as this country goes on it’s road to recovery. Obama has a lot of work to do and the people need to be informed beyond media headlines and SNL skits.
Erica S.

from Kemmy

This is Kemy, a girl comes from Taiwan. During these days I stay in the United States, I went through the presidential election by watching TV everyday. From the nomination to voting, one year, or even more, is a long way to go. Fortunately, all the competitions come to the peaceful ending.
It is interesting to watch the process of the presidential election. The United States is such a big country with huge population so that there are always variable elements somewhere. One year ago, it looked like the presidential election would be a fight between Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton. Surprised, the election was end up with Barack Obama and John Macain. With the voting which were hold by each state, the United States show the real sprit of democratic system to the whole world.
This is a whole new competition to everyone. With the African American and female candidate, the election was not just about politician but turned into an index of history. Racism and gender issue was focused. Is the United States, the country represents freedom and equality, ready for the changing?
The answer is positive. Three days ago, Barack Obama won the competition with John Macain’s congratulation. No more cat fight. No more personal attack. The revolution was peaceful and mature.Isn’t it amazing for having this result? The day after the election just like the days people have before, it is a normal day. How many years have to spend on democracy system to have the people with this manner?
My country, Taiwan, is small and young. The society was released by martial law for only twenty four years. We may be small but we do have problems of racism. We may never have to worry about interfering the war of Middle East, but we do have China (who would love to eat Taiwan as breakfast) in front of us. As the United States, we just finished the presidential election this year. However, it is just the 4th time for us. The presidential election is still new for Taiwan.
The part I admire this election here most is the sprit of democracy system. People support their candidate without turning them into God or Goddess. During the election, there may be personal attack sometime but never went too far. In Taiwan, people involve themselves in election with no reason but passion. The country was tore apart once in four years. Candidates defame each other by accusing other as corrupt or cheating men. The supporters hate the enemy part so much that they never let the election go after voting. Recalling, protesting and conflict are daily news for over eight years. The election is not only a process but a real revolution for lots of people in Taiwan.
Obama, as a candidate, barely used personal attack during the election. Obama always kept his manner for replying other’s criticizing. No matter its from Hillary Clinton or John Macain. By raising funds from internet, Obama lead the politician into a new level or world. Change is not just a slogan but everywhere. People in the United States are tired of being angry and antagonistic. I believe that’s the reason why Obama can win the election. Not just because he is who he is but because what he represents.
How long did America suffer for being mutual in democracy system? I have no idea. However, I know that the United States is 232 years old. I know this is the 44th presidential election. I know it took years or even decades for American to realize the importance of respecting. By watching the process of the presidential election, I see how people reunite after having the result. I cherish the sprit people have here. I hope someday in my country, people will stop tearing Taiwan apart and be like here. Even it may take 200 years to go.

From Rob Rykowski

This election means that I might be able to proudly state that I am American when abroad. I travel a lot. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to travel outside the United States until 2003, after much of the world had already begun to view Bush and, moreover, America, in an unfavorable light. I remember being in Ireland and overhearing a tourist ahead of me say that he was American, and the vendor saying “right lot of idiots you guys are, eh?” needless to say, I was “Canadian” as I backpacked through Europe. I grew up being taught that America was the best country on earth. The second I stepped beyond her borders, the rest of the world was quick to tell me I was wrong. They were in fact quick to exclaim the exact opposite of what I was taught. This election shows those very naysayers that they were wrong. This election tells them that America is in fact a place where you can be who and what you want to be, and that we, too, are tired of the havoc wreaked upon the world by George W. Bush. This election tells the international community that America’s true strength is in our people, not our military. We are a people unlike any other, and have elected a man to office who would stand little chance at the head of any other first world nation.
It is too early to say with certainty how Barack Obama will lead this nation. I can only hope, and do indeed have faith, that we will return to a focus on public diplomacy better practiced during the Clinton years than the last eight. I hope that this election means we will regain some of our bent civil liberties. But most of all, I hope and believe that this election is just the beginning. This election marks a turning point in America and the world at large, and the next time I am abroad, I will proudly say that I – am – American.

Yes We Can: A Nepali Perspective on US Elections

   I m a graduate student at Emerson College. I come from Nepal, a nation of mountains, Hindu traditions and poverty. On November 4, however, for a while it didn't matter to me what country I was from. It didn't matter to my fellow international students either. We all shared the same nervous  expectation of defying history - as did the US citizens - when we witnessed the US elections unfold and realized the chant of "yes we can" coming to life.

  As I was finishing my undergraduate education in Ohio, I followed the tough battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for the Democratic ticket for US presidency. I realized straightaway that this US election was an event of magnanimous proportion. Form the primary caucuses to the very conclusion of the election, there was no let up in the intensity of the campaigns.

  Mr. Obama seemed like a crusader - eloquent, charismatic and calm under pressure. Mr. McCain on the other hand campaigned with the personality and credibility of a patriot. What separated the two candidates was the packaging and the message. The 'young' Mr. Obama carried a consistent message of 'change we can believe in' via which he distanced himself from President Bush and accused the archaic Mr. McCain to be the inheritor of Bush's legacy. Mr. McCain struggled to create a gap between himself and Mr. Bush. His 'maverick' image didn't help much. His decision to choose Sarah Palin as his running mate and making 'Joe the plumber' feature of his campaign, hints either at a bold move to rally Republican voters (which he had alienated) or a desperate measure to inject some energy into his campaign.

  It was fascinating how Mr. Obama's campaign utilized the technology to mobilize grassroots campaigning as well as funding. Mr. McCain's admission of not knowing how to use a computer further alienated him from young voters who were already overwhelmingly attracted to Mr. Obama. 

  The US campaigns seemed to tread on the path long ago shown by Mr. Niccolo Machiavelli. Subtlety was discarded in favor of directness and hardcore messages. The Obama campaign didn't hesitate to utilize the issue of faltering economy as its weapon, even if Mr. Obama was no more qualified than Mr. McCain. The Republican campaign on the other hand resorted to labelling Mr. Obama as "the socialist" as well as questioning his "terrorist" link with Mr. Ayers.

  For me, the US election was an epitome of American lifestyle - fast, furious, ultracompetitive and dedicated to showmanship. Mr. Obama had the charisma and the talent but was anchored down by the history of black America. In winning the election, and overcoming the burden of history, his constant suggestion of American life seemed to come true through three words - "Yes We Can."

  "Yes We Can" will undoubtedly be recorded in the annals of history as the defining message of Mr. Obama and will be forever remembered as this leader's call to the American to rise up and realize what they are capable of. It would be thoroughly inspiring if the whole world could embrace the intent of the message and sing in unison, "yes we can!"

Yes We Can: A Nepali Perspective on US Elections

Global Perspective: My Last Two Week

The first part of the title might sound like another highly researched article talking an academic language within a theoretical framework. But what this paper covers is nothing but the two weeks of my life in the States.

I am Efe Sevin. I am from Turkey. I studied international relations with a minor on sociology in Ankara, at Middle East Technical University. On my junior year, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. I have arrived in Boston in August 2008 and am currently studying towards my master degree in Communication Management at Emerson College. I believe the only way to expand your point of view and to break stereotypes is to interact with people. This is why I have travelled to many countries in Europe and have spent my sophomore year in Poland as an exchange student. However, the two weeks I have spent in the Emerson Election Project showed me that I was ignorant about the non-European parts of the world, let it be Asia or America or Africa.

I am funded by US Department of State under the Fulbright Programme, which is one of the longest running US public diplomacy effort. Thanks to the programme, I managed to see the US and to meet many scholars around the world. Public diplomacy enables ordinary citizens to get involved in the politics and be a part of what is going on in the international arena. After I finish my studies and return back to my country, I believe -with the help of this Fulbright network-, I can help building up tolerance and understanding in the world. When it comes to breaking down stereotypes and building up communications, there is no such thing as top-down approach. You cannot make your citizens understand/tolerate/accept other people by issuing laws and regulations. The only way to create bridges across cultures and regions goes through the interaction of real people with each other.

I feel lucky that I was in Boston when the US was going through maybe the most interesting elections. I am not eligible to vote but as I think I am a part of the society for the time being, I wanted to take an active role during the elections. This is why I volunteered in Republican grass root election campaign, in Massachusetts and New Hampshire where I had the opportunity to meet some of the American voters either face to face or on the phone. To my surprise, although the election was in eight weeks, majority of the people were not sure about which candidate to vote for. All the media had been, and in fact still is, talking about only the presidential elections. Even most of the advertisements was related to the elections. The candidates spent enormous amounts of money to introduce themselves to the voters. Obama managed to raise a large budge and hence enjoyed larger media coverage. I personally believe this media coverage contributed to his success in the election. To put in context, we hosted 10 Indonesian journalists during the elections for two weeks in a project called Emerson Election Project, two of whom told me about their pro-Republican stance on the first day of their visit. After two weeks, we had a group of 10 Obama supporters. It was not only the Indonesians who were happy with the results of the elections. When Barack Hussein Obama, the first African – American with a Muslim name in the office, was elected to be the 44^th President of the USA, people’s hopes and belief in the American Dream - the land of opportunity – were raised. I might be the only one who sees the outcome of the election ‘not good’ for the USA and the world in the New England region.

In short, public diplomacy efforts bring people together and sparkle the light of change in the personal level, which will hopefully create effects of larger sizes. During my stay in the US and during our project, I met people from over 40 different countries, some I have never heard about. I saw the similarities and differences between the cultures and most important of all, I saw how in fact it is possible to live together. I witnessed a historical moment in the American history, though as a McCain supporter it was also depressing for me. I saw the excitement and enthusiasm in people’s eyes. At the end of the day, all contributes to enlarge my horizon and expand my point of view.

Efe Sevin

Student / Traveller