The Filipina Mom in Denmark

President Barack Obama, The 44th President of the USA

Today is a special day in fact a historic day. By 18.00 here in Denmark we will see live telecast of the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of The USA. What makes it special is that he represent hopes and faith in ordinary people like me and you that as a half-African-American can be a president in a country like the USA. Being a half-black he proves that he is not inferior to the white race by finishing his studies at the Harvard University amidst the hardship of tackling the harsh realities of life of racial discrimination. But thanks to his mother and his white grandparents who raised him as God fearing Christian and instilling faith in people and guiding him toward finishing an education which of course that leads him to the presidential office.

He doesn’t only bring hope to the Americans but also to the whole world. People who are labeled just another ethnic background, ethnic minorities, foreigners or immigrants even though these people are holding danish citizenship and have been living here most of their lives also hopes that the danish politicians and the ordinary citizens accepts them as fellow citizens and acknowledge their credentials as part of the society. I’m a foreigner married to a Dane went to a danish language school and still go an International Line in a Danish Educational Institution but still I can feel the difference and reluctance of the locals teachers and students about the capabilities of foreigners. In a country where there’s a huge shortage of workers doctors, nurses an other health workers and other professions it’s very odd that they are not utilizing the vast resources they have on hand just because they are foreigners? There’s alot of sad stories like one guy who has a PH.d degree in a Danish university still drives a taxi and a guy who was an Architect and a professor in his country cannot practice here but sells clothes although he tried to study again but the teachers are like his students he knows more than them do he stops. These stories makes me think about my future because studying isn’t a pass to get a job here. It’s hard to get a job interview if you have a foreign sounding name. What’s even worst those who were borne and raised here but still they are being referred to as second or third generation immigrants and being seen as the bad ones. I’m not proud that these foreigners do stupid things and just relying on social benefits but they doesn’t represent everybody. The Filipinos and most Asians are the most industrious people here and they just want to work and provide for their families. USA is an immigrant’s country unlike Denmark and the rest of Europe but they were the ones who immigrated to USA in the old times but isn’t it the human way to cope with changes either forced or by choice to migrate. It’s their country and they have all the right to protect it but the world is changing because of globalization and influx of migration and they cannot stop it. But I just hope the danish politicians and the people perception of foreigners in Denmark will change from fear to acceptance but if they will make law, address the problems or cautions to to make their life useful here in the country I think we will see lesser problems in the future. Or maybe we will find another Barrack Obama in the future.

Soon there will be elections in the Philippines and I do hope that there will another Barack Obama that will unite the Filipinos. It doesn’t matter where he/she comes from, whether from the elite or from the masa (ordinary people) but the most important thing is the will to govern without bowing from anyone either from businessmen, world bank, friends, politicians, family and others with their own selfish motives. We are a young nation compared to these Europeans countries but we have to stand up and make the right choice next time. People have to voice out heir opinions and with the power of the people which was before the fight is on the street. But like Barack Obama the people who shares his beliefs in change and dreams, used the power of the internet to mobilize the people who believes in him.

I believe there’s still hope if the people will live in harmony forget the Filipino’s crab mentality (if I can’t have it neither than you) and the danish Jante lov (Don’t you think you’re better than us ) which means almost the same isn’t it? but that’s another separate post. What we need is respect and faith in the human race whatever race or color or religion we still can live in harmony if respects each other beliefs and opinions and obey the law of the host country we’re living.

MABUHAY (Long Live)

SKÅL

CHEERS

to you President Barack Obama Congratulations and Good Luck