Political Speech

Political speeches are notorious for their propensity for scapegoating, especially if they are campaign speeches. Although I've not finished working out some thinking in response to the comments to Michael's last blog, (Current Lingo For Scapegoating) I wanted to take the opportunity to point out that we have an excellent example of a public speech that addressed difficult realities without indulging in blaming, shaming, competing, or scapegoating. President-elect Obama addressed many problematic items in our history and in our current affairs without indulging in any finger pointing- perhaps the gestural precursor to negative mimetic dynamics.  His speech included a long list of difficulties that had been overcome in the past and a list of problems still very much with us, and in each instance, he identified a unified "yes, we can" as the response that had proved successful in the past and was called for now. He addressed those who had not voted for him, expressing respect and the commitment to be their president too. He did not play favorites, he did not divide or play with established divisions as he addressed the country.  He did not attempt to identify common enemies, but instead spoke to the need for common efforts.

I don't own a political T shirt, but if I did, it might be one of the ones that identify hope as the brightest outcome of yesterdays presidential election. I don't know how or why Obama decided to omit the customary political speech that slides so easily into scapegoating and sacrifice, but I'm very glad he did. I'm also glad that McCain met him more than half-way, silencing the jeers among his supporters when Obama's name was mentioned, and indicating that he, too, wanted unity. For our political leadership to aspire to a unity based on taking responsibility and working for our desired ends instead of identifying an enemy we must hate and/or declare war on is beyond refreshing.  To have two men who have competed for the same position drop the rivalry on behalf of the greater cause of national well being is almost alarmingly wise and mature.

I don't for a minute think that politics are going to change completely and that the kingdom of God will flourish among us unfettered, but I am heartened at the way in which both of these men are conducting themselves. Positive mimesis calls for followers to emulate leaders, and if this is an indication of where our leadership is headed, I am willing to hope along with them.  What they said was important, as well as expected and fairly predictable. What they did not say was amazing, and I hope it sets a new precedent for leadership, a new ethic in how we talk to ourselves and the rest of the nations of earth.

nancy hitt

Comments

[M Wms]

Agree with everything you say here, Nancy, both about what was said and what wasn't, by both candidates yesterday. (And still looking forward to your other thoughts, too.)

[John Mann]

Thanks Nancy, I've been thinking along the same lines. What was also unique about President Elect Obama's (I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying that!) speech is that he used, as he has all along, inclusive language. It is so refreshing to hear a president (to be) speak in such a manner.