Even the dogs in France love America

On November 4th, I have to admit that I was a bit sad to not be back in Ohio, experiencing the elections first-hand, but being here has afforded me a fascinating view of the French reaction to the elections.

The evening of the elections, the Institut Franco-Américain in Rennes hosted a soirée élection where the local Consul spoke about the electoral system in the United States and how it compares to its French counterpart. What was really interesting to see was how interested the French were in learning more about their paradoxal, sometimes incomprehensible ally. While we've had rough spots, watching these ordinary French citizens in this setting demonstrated their continued interest in and fascination with our country and our culture.

The morning of November 5th, the same institute held a petit-déjeuner at 7:30am to celebrate the results. The atmosphere was electric! Americans were hugging one another! Everyone was smiling (And when I say everyone, I mean everyone...even the French)! The joy was, of course, because Americans chose to decisively break with the past 8 years, but also because of the historical importance of the first black (technically biracial) President of the United States. I have to admit, that I have never been more proud of my country than that morning. We not only had an amazing election, but we put the stereotype of the US as a "racist nation" to rest.

Walking through the streets and sitting on the bus, I couldn't help but notice that everyone was talking about it. How excited they were, and how impressed they were that "ils ont osé le faire!" They dared to do it! Even the French Secretary of State for Human Rights, who is black, praised the US and called for France to take this event as a "delicious provocation" by the US. In other words, prove Americans wrong when they say that it is only possible in America. "Si les Américains peuvent le faire, on peut également le faire!"

Today, a professor told me and the other lecturers that she was organizing a cocktail hour tomorrow in our honor and in honor of the Obama victory. She came in today with her Yorkshire Terrier, who was wearing an American flag hat! Honestly, I never thought I would see that in France! Of course, I never really thought I'd see a black President in America, so I guess that just goes to show you that anything is possible!

The New, Old America

I am so proud of America today. I stayed up all night watching the results online and at 5:00am, I heard the great news. I was overwhelmed by the impressive victory and the powerful message that it sends not only to the world, but also to parts of our country that continue to resist change and the natural evolution of our society.

Just after MSNBC declared him the projected winner, the panel began reflecting on what the election of Barak Hussein Obama means for America. I was struck by all of the panellists' reflections, but Eugene Robinson brought me to tears. That's right, tears! I knew that this election would be important to black Americans, but hearing first-hand how it impacted this journalist who grew up under segregation, who doubted that this day would ever come, who was brought to tears when speaking about his really hit home. He said, “I’m no longer lying when I tell him he can be anything he wants to be.” This moment in history is one for everyone who believes in equality or has ever experienced discrimination. While we have come a long way, we still have a long road ahead of us before we reach real, honest equality for all Americans. Nothing underscores this point more than the fact that two, and possibly three states passed bills banning gay marriage, which deprives one part of the population of a right that others have. While it may be unpopular or difficult, we MUST confront this type of inequality: not for the sake of gay or straight people, but for the sake of our quest toward ending discrimination of any and all kinds.

Barak's speech was inspiring and honest. He talked about our country’s past failings and spoke honestly to the American people about the challenges that confront our country and our world in the months and years ahead. He spoke of hope, but demanded responsibility and sacrifice. He spoke to Americans' hearts AND minds: something that has been sadly absent from the politics of late. Now it is up to us; we need to work together and make sure we stay engaged. I'm already mulling over my return to the USA and what I will do to make a difference. Seriously, let's stop talking, get off our asses, and get shit done!

Election Day

I'm holed up in my apartment reading articles and watching clips on MSNBC's website. I''m so excited, nervous, proud, adjective, adjective, adjective! I'm off to E.Leclerc, the French equivalent of Meijer, to stock up on food and then tonight I will be at the Institut Franco-Americain in Rennes for an election party. I doubt I'll sleep tonight. If you haven't voted, for the love of GOD go vote!

Great vacation, long trip home!

I’m writing this in the train station of Le Mans, which is an hour east of Rennes. I left Dijon at 11:25am and arrived here in Le Mans at 6:15pm. Normally I would already be home, but I took the slow train to save money and I’m wondering if it was really worth it. I did get all of the rest of my grading done while on the train, so that is a good thing, but otherwise it kind of sucks. I have just under an hour between trains here, which means I leave Le Mans at 7pm and get to Rennes at 8:10pm. It is cold and rainy here and the train station in Le Mans is under renovation, which evidently means that there is no heat! Oh well! I had a great week of vacation and I am excited to get back to work tomorrow, though not so excited that I have to be there at 8am. This week should be exciting with the elections, so I’m sure I’ll be posting things like crazy. I’ll also have some photos to add soon too. Stay tuned and, most importantly, stay in touch!