Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Do You Know This Man? (Not Obama, the Other Guy)


Remember the tag line of the Meltingpot is "keeping track of where cultures collide, co-mingle and cozy up?" Well, I just had to bring your attention to some more cultures cozying up in the Obama administration. Do you all know the story of Eugene Kang? He's a 24-year old Korean-American political wunderkid, who also happens to be special assistant to President Obama. Did I mention he's only 24!

I love Kang's story because it is America's meltingpot working at its very best. The American-born child of Korean immigrants, Kang grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Got a taste for politics early, ran for city council while still in college and got involved in the Obama campaign before Obama was, well, OBAMA. Even better, Kang was very instrumental in helping many Asian-Americans transfer their support away from Hilary Clinton, in the primaries, and vote for Obama. How did he do this? By pointing out Obama's many ties to the Asian community, including growing up in Hawaii, living in Indonesia, and having an Asian stepfather and sister, just for starters.

Not that I believe in multiracial fairy tales, but as a big fan of the exquisite combination of Kimchee and chitllin's, I hope the Obama/Kang connection plays its role in promoting the positive in Black/Korean relations. We definitely need more love there. And if anybody can do it, my vote would be for Obama... and Eugene Kang. Yes, they can.

Peace!

9 comments:

Karen said...

That's cool.

Color Online said...

f Kimchee and chitllin's

You eat chitlins? lol

Seriously, love the post. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I love hearing stories like this, so thank you so much for sharing.

Unknown said...

Kimchee and chitlins? That's figuratively speaking, right?

Professor Tharps said...

SolShine, Thanks.

Color Online, Not so much. But it sounds good.

Yvonne, You are welcome.

Ms. Wooden Shoes. Yes. I've never actually tried them together. But I did see a play in college with that title, Kimchee and chitlins.

Mango Mama said...

love this story-- thanks!

Waiting for Zufan! said...

Very, very cool. What a great job that would be!

susan said...

My guy loves kimchee. Chitlins? Not in my house. lol We made our mother get her fix at her other relatives' houses.

Anonymous said...

My family ADORES seeing images of President Obama and his family on TV, 'cause they look just like us. And if President Obama can be successful and rise to the top, coming from a multi-flower tree...can we?
You know the answer.
YES WE CAN!

Thanks for the comment and encouragement on my blog, Lori!