... to paraphrase Marshall McLuhan.
And this message is addressed to all those who've been asking "But what has he actually DONE?" in response to Barack Obama being named for the Nobel Peace Prize 2009. The official statement on the decision was fairly clear. Yes, it came as a surprise, and yes, there just might have been better candidates for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. But that applies to the awards in other categories as well this year, and last year ... and so on. Are we going to question all those as well? And if not then why this one? What exactly are we questioning? The Committee's judgement? Or their integrity? I think both are unquestionable and above and beyond reproach (and these days, given that several institutions we've held in great respect over the years have crumbled to dust, that's saying a lot). If they've arrived at this decision, and we don't agree with it, surely, there's something we're not getting.
We live in times that are unmatched, in terms of complexity, tension and risk, in the history of the world. It is everywhere, not confined to a country or a region or continent. The entry of Barack Obama on the global stage is an encouraging sign and fills us with hope. His adversaries are mostly powerful lobbies, vested interest groups and others who have been benefiting from the status quo all these years, and who don't want anything to change. Naturally, they will not applaud him for this award (and I guess the media will carry the most rabid comments tomorrow, when the US wakes up and the hard right gets a hold on their megaphones and their cameras and their laptops). His supporters may have grown disappointed over time, but they need to remind themselves that change is not easy, as any change agent who has tried to bring about real change would know. And a change agent who wants to move ahead by consensus, in the true spirit of democracy, has an even more difficult task ahead.
However, this award is not about reforms in the US - it is about the kind of transformation Obama represents at a global level. De-escalation of conflict, easing of tension, renewed hope for peace. Is that a bad thing? Hasn't he been bold and gone where others have not had the guts to go before? It's easy to heckle, and what the heck, I'm quite a heckler myself. But I save it for the ones who are truly callow and devoid of substance, and yet aspire to stations of eminence. Give this man, and peace, a chance.
On the occasion of John Lennon's birthday, I'll leave you with this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b7qaSxuZUg
Have a great weekend! It's easy if you try!
