His job is already done

A friend asked me whether I think the world will actually change as a result of the Obama presidency. Obama is a symbol and icon of perseverance, opportunity, intellect, difference and equality. Whereas Bush's persona made any one that is not a white, christian, frat boy or sorority girl feel left out, Obama is the metaphor that everyone fits in and everyone has a chance if they work and try hard enough. All that has an impact, a subtle and powerful impact on the way people view their own options and choices. For eight years, most people felt completely impotent, like we just had to accept the harsh rules of life. Now a sort of assumption has been created which is more powerful that each of our failures are our own.

And one other thought. I was booking a hotel in Canada yesterday and the woman said "I wish I was there yesterday." A big chunk of the world was united for a day and for the first time it wasn't because of disaster, it was for positive change and this is very powerful. So in many ways, Obama's job is already done.