Obama’s Understanding of History could benefit Saskatchewan’s Leaders
Posted on April 7th, 2008“In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.”
Barack Obama
One of the most frequently viewed sites on the Internet is a video created from a speech given by American Presidential candidate Barack Obama. The speech and video, entitled “Yes We Can,” draws on powerful historical narratives to transmit an inspirational message about hope. Obama states:
“It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation – yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed the trail towards freedom – yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers as they pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness – yes we can.
It was the call for workers who organized, women who reached for the ballot, a President who chose the moon as our new frontier and a King who took us to the mountain-top and pointed the way to the Promised Land – yes we can.” [Click here to view the whole video]
Obama frequently uses history in his speeches and writing. In the New Hampshire Democratic debate, he articulated the foundation of his main argument within a historical context:
“I think it is easy to be cynical and say it can’t be done because Washington is designed to resist change, but, in fact, there have been periods in our history where a President inspired the American people to do better – and I think we are in one of those moments right now. I think the American people are hungering for something different and can be mobilized around big change.”
Political commentators are practically unanimous that one of the most striking things about the Obama campaign is his ability to attract young people to the political process. His inspirational message that draws on history is clearly part of his appeal. Thousands upon thousands of young people would not pack sports arenas and view his speeches on youtube if they didn’t relate to the history that is integral to his message.
At this point, it would be predicable to launch into a tirade about how Saskatchewan people, unlike Americans, don’t know their history and as a result no one, including political leaders could use history in a manner similar to Obama. I doubt, however, when it comes right down to it that American young people are any better informed about American history than Saskatchewan young people are informed about Saskatchewan history. The details of history that are taught in schools are not what Obama depends on for his message.
Most Americans know the general outline of their nation’s story just like most Saskatchewan people know the outline of provincial history. The outline of the Saskatchewan history is that racist and sexist immigrants came to the province to displace First Nations people. They were also foolish to come here because they believed false advertising that the land had potential for farming, when it obviously didn’t, because farming was very difficult and large numbers of would-be farmers failed. Pretty much everyone knows this story, even if they don’t know Walter Scott was the first Premier.
The stories Barack Obama uses, of course, could be told in a manner similar to how we know Saskatchewan’s. Instead, he casts the story of America as one of people of vision overcoming obstacles like prejudice in order to build a better future. He uses that story to inspire people to build a better future today. That is a lesson of history that Saskatchewan’s political leaders could learn from. If Saskatchewan’s story is re-cast to stress those who opposed prejudice, supported efforts to promote equality and who were successful, a far different narrative would emerge. A story that is much more useful and just as historical. History doesn’t have to be just villains and victims. There were also people trying to build a better world. If there hadn’t been, nothing we consider good today could have existed.
If Saskatchewan political leaders hope to put a stop to the decline in youth participation in the political process, they need re-cast the way the story of Saskatchewan is told. The story of a past full of failure and prejudice only promises the same in the future. Political leaders need to start telling Saskatchewan’s story as “yes we can” instead of “no we can’t.”
April 7th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Well said. Although for some, their outline of Saskatchewan history is much more positive. Your summary may be what is prevalent from a vocal few, and that is why the stories of the small figures and pioneers must be heard, to counter the broad generalizations that have no basis at the individual level.
It all relates to turning supposed weaknesses into strengths. Many great leaders of the past knew this. Today’s leaders don’t want to lead; they want to maintain the status quo of government change over between parties with no real change. Mr. Obama seems different this way. He actually wants to lead.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
[...] Rural History and Culture Association wrote an interesting post today on Obama’s Understanding of History could benefit Saskatchewan’s LeadersHere’s a quick excerptOne of the most frequently viewed sites on the Internet is a video created from a speech given by American Presidential candidate Barack Obama….The stories Barack Obama uses, of course, could be told in a manner similar to how we know Saskatchewan’s… [...]
April 7th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
[...] Rural History and Culture Association wrote an interesting post today on Obama’s Understanding of History could benefit Saskatchewan’s LeadersHere’s a quick excerptThousands upon thousands of young people would not pack sports arenas and view his speeches on youtube if they didn’t… [...]