While anxiously waiting president-elect Mr. Barack Obama to deliver his "victory speech," my heart was racing as fast as any of those gathered in Grant Park, Chicago and I thought to myself "First black president? Color is only skin deep."
I know this may sound like a party pooper. But Obama is only half black, biologically. It reminds me of Tiger Woods, a much celebrated African-American athlete; I see the shadow of his faceless Asian mother.
The triumph of Obama, I believe, lies in true embrace of multiculturalism and togetherness. Despite the differences in ethnicity, culture, religion, and language, his family is as diverse as real America where some of us might not see or touch every day. A man spending number of years overseas at very young age, growing up outside of lower 48 states, with no money, power, or connection, rises to the occasion. Throughout his career, Obama has mobilized people working together under common goals.
I must stress Obama could not win this election without Latino votes. In this historic day, as many of you see it as the shining moment of African-Americans, remember the amigos fought besides you, remember countless faces might they be yellow, brown, red, white, or even painted colors that stood with you, and share your glory.
When Jesse Jackson silently wept in the crowd, my tears followed. At least, our next president has family ties to Asia.
New inspirations now beam on the quiet and historically passive Asian-Americans. Together, we can achieve great things! The American Dream has been re-defined. It is not through the "quick-cash-and spent-it-all" Wall Street style, nor the "Flipping House" fashion as some of us first-generation immigrants understood it but through the route Warrant Buffett took and the path Obama had chosen.
In his own words, Obama said it again. "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Knee deep in the rubbles of financial meltdown, no one is immune; no one can truly prosper when others suffer. We are in this together. He has inspired millions of citizens to open their hearts and expend their hands to the entire nation – this includes non-Obama supporters. As the election wraps up, it is time to get ready and roll up our sleeves. Tough jobs are ahead. Take that hand then pay it forward.
So, I am yellow and it ain't gonna change. I am a proud citizen of the United States of America, the identity that connects me and bounds my future, with YOU, together.
Si Se Puede! Sí podemos!
