The first black president of America

A new day for America, and the rest of the world, has dawned. Barack Obama is now the first black president of America. He is not just a breath of hope (next to Bush, anyone would look good); but he is a symbol of America's victory against institutionalized racism that has long dominated American history. America has come a long way since the days when people were systematically segregated, discriminated and lynched because of the color of their skin. America has risen from the depths of oppression to the heights of hope and equality.

Having a black President of course doesn't mean that racism is entirely eradicated from American society. However, the first step to winning that battle began when Americans voted for a black person to lead their nation.

Obama's inaugural speech was full of hope in the midst of a world sinking into depression. He spoke of remaking America and ushering in a new era of peace. He even addressed the Muslim world, pledging to new forward, as well as promising to feed poor nations. These are promises that resonate of hope in a dark world. The question is - will Obama deliver? Will he make difficult choices that may create enemies? Will he resist the temptation to make quick fix-its and yield to wealth and corruption? Will he be single-minded and strong enough in achieving the ideals that he has promised Americans (which will impact the rest of the world) in the midst of relentless criticism?

Bush left him an America that is riddled with debt, entangled with the wars of other nations, and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Millions of America are hoping that he will be Superman and make all these problems disappear. If he doesn't deliver (although it may not be due to a question of will or ability, but to uncontrollable circumstances), people may attribute his failure to his skin color. All his missteps will be scrutinized and consciously or unconsciously, people will factor in his skin color. Thus, Obama bears the burden of representing his race in his mission to save America, whether he likes it or not.