President Obama’s win for a second term has fueled the non-stop wave of negativity for those that oppose him. States have threatened to leave the country, racial slurs concerning him swarm the internet and off course his non-supporters are on a 24 hour shift to tear his name down and pick a part his administration. Like any other president, Obama has his pros and cons about his time in office. Other than his ethnicity, he’s no different from any other Commander in Chief in his efforts to lead the country to the best of his ability.
Even though Obama is clearly just a man with a very public job, some people feel that he is more than a mere mortal. Comedian and Academy Award winning actor, Jamie Foxx, recently made a controversial statement about the 44th president during the opening of the Soul Train Awards. According to The Washington Post, Foxx said “It’s like church over here. It’s like church in here. First of all, give an honor to God and our lord and savior, Barack Obama.”
Given the nature of the situation, I’m sure Foxx meant the statement as a joke but nonetheless, it has caused a lot of negative flack from civilians and Christian organizations. As a member of the Black community, I feel that many African Americans feel a natural sense of pride and bond because Obama is “one of us”. His status of being the first African-American President makes him a historical figure and his personality and demeanor makes the community feel at ease and that he’s one their side. With that being said, I believe that Black people are simply more comfortable with making questionable or controversial comments when it comes to the president.
Another person in hot water over supposedly comparing Obama to Jesus is New York artist Michael D’Antduono. D’Antduono painted a piece entitled “The Truth” that depicts Obama with a crown of thrones in the the crucifixion position. According to The Huffington Post, D’Antuono tried to explain his peice by saying “The crucifixion of the president was meant metaphorically. My intent was not to compare him to Jesus”. He then blamed the media attention on “conservative media” by saying they were “trying to promote the idea that liberals believe the president to literally be our savior.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/27/barack-obama-jesus-cross-painting-the-truth-controversial_n_2199073.html?utm_hp_ref=religion
I don’t agree with the comparison between Obama and Jesus Christ but I do understand it. In the Christian faith, the savior of the world Jesus Christ, brings about hope and the chance of new life, a new beginning. Obama’s first term campaign strategy centered around hope and change and now he plans to continue moving forward with bringing new opportunities while still attempting to fulfill the promises he’s made.
People tend to place those on pedestals that they believe are extraordinary or doing extraordinary work. It doesn’t mean that they’re any better than anyone else. It just means that their work and efforts are being widely recognized.
What are your thoughts on this controversial comparison?
-Dr.O
