Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation
The IHJR seeks to dispel public myths about historic legacies
in societies divided by ethnic conflict
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With many pinning the hopes of underrepresented and marginalized people around the world on a single man, President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama has taken on arguably the most important job in the world.
Although the financial meltdown and continued concerns over national security top his agenda, Obama will make an impact in the realm of international justice, human rights and reconciliation.
As the world waits to see what this son of a white mother and black father will do, we can take heart in knowing that his role in historical justice and reconciliation will on the whole be positive. As the recent issue of The Economist pointed out “Because he is young, handsome and intelligent, and also because as the child of a Kansan and a Kenyan he reconciles in his own person one of the world’s most hateful divisions, Mr. Obama carries with him the hopes of the planet” (Jan. 17, 2009 pg. 11).
He will have a long list of things ahead of him, and while historical justice and reconciliation will not factor in as a campaign promise, they will benefit from the approach and style the international community can hope for from Obama.
In terms of foreign policy, Obama has already given us much to look forward to. His personality, education, demeanor and intellect have proven to be harbingers for a shift in America’s standing in the world.
His most telling move is to close Guantánamo, which he has promised to do. The New York Times reported today: “Saying that “our ideals give us the strength and moral high ground” to combat terrorism, President Obama signed executive orders Thursday ending the Central Intelligence Agency’s secret overseas prisons, banning coercive interrogation methods and closing the Guantánamo Bay detention camp within a year.”
Amnesty International USA had asked that in his first 100 days he: “announce a plan and date to close Guantanamo, issue an executive order to ban torture and other ill-treatment, as defined under international law, ensure that an independent commission to investigate abuses committed by the U.S. government in its "war on terror" is set up.” This is the first step to resurrect our moral standing in the world. We must rectify the wrongs from this disturbing chapter in American history.
On the larger international scale is the smoldering aftermath of the Israeli-Palestinian war. The recent flare up appears to be coming to an end, and it would be the ideal time to further talks about a peaceful solution. Past American presidents have stepped in to try to reconcile the two sides. Though his stance on Israel is not fundamentally different than his predecessors, we can hope he brings fresh perspective to this decades-old conflict. While much of historical justice and reconciliation lies outside of the realm of politicians, it is often their political wills that move and guide societies on these paths.
And, its’ the reconciliation in our American minds – that a man born of a union that was considered illegal not too far back in history has now risen to the ranks of the highest and most important office in the land, if not the world.
How far his character and intellect stretch to the corners of the globe remains to be seen. But most likely his voice will resound a little louder with nations mired in ethnic conflict with a vision of what reconciliation on some level can look like, especially on a social level. After all, he is living proof that vicious histories can be overcome.
Although the financial meltdown and continued concerns over national security top his agenda, Obama will make an impact in the realm of international justice, human rights and reconciliation.
As the world waits to see what this son of a white mother and black father will do, we can take heart in knowing that his role in historical justice and reconciliation will on the whole be positive. As the recent issue of The Economist pointed out “Because he is young, handsome and intelligent, and also because as the child of a Kansan and a Kenyan he reconciles in his own person one of the world’s most hateful divisions, Mr. Obama carries with him the hopes of the planet” (Jan. 17, 2009 pg. 11).
He will have a long list of things ahead of him, and while historical justice and reconciliation will not factor in as a campaign promise, they will benefit from the approach and style the international community can hope for from Obama.
In terms of foreign policy, Obama has already given us much to look forward to. His personality, education, demeanor and intellect have proven to be harbingers for a shift in America’s standing in the world.
His most telling move is to close Guantánamo, which he has promised to do. The New York Times reported today: “Saying that “our ideals give us the strength and moral high ground” to combat terrorism, President Obama signed executive orders Thursday ending the Central Intelligence Agency’s secret overseas prisons, banning coercive interrogation methods and closing the Guantánamo Bay detention camp within a year.”
Amnesty International USA had asked that in his first 100 days he: “announce a plan and date to close Guantanamo, issue an executive order to ban torture and other ill-treatment, as defined under international law, ensure that an independent commission to investigate abuses committed by the U.S. government in its "war on terror" is set up.” This is the first step to resurrect our moral standing in the world. We must rectify the wrongs from this disturbing chapter in American history.
On the larger international scale is the smoldering aftermath of the Israeli-Palestinian war. The recent flare up appears to be coming to an end, and it would be the ideal time to further talks about a peaceful solution. Past American presidents have stepped in to try to reconcile the two sides. Though his stance on Israel is not fundamentally different than his predecessors, we can hope he brings fresh perspective to this decades-old conflict. While much of historical justice and reconciliation lies outside of the realm of politicians, it is often their political wills that move and guide societies on these paths.
And, its’ the reconciliation in our American minds – that a man born of a union that was considered illegal not too far back in history has now risen to the ranks of the highest and most important office in the land, if not the world.
How far his character and intellect stretch to the corners of the globe remains to be seen. But most likely his voice will resound a little louder with nations mired in ethnic conflict with a vision of what reconciliation on some level can look like, especially on a social level. After all, he is living proof that vicious histories can be overcome.
Black History month begins today with the usual discussion of what it actually means, whether it is needed and if it goes far enough to achieve its aims.
This year, coverage of the launch also mentions Morgan Freeman's comments in a 60 Minutes interview where he stated Black History Month was ridiculous. "You're going to relegate my history to a month?...I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."
Unsurprisingly, corporate America has embraced Black History Month as a way to promote corporate responsibility, with Walmart and Target both hosting special events. Walmart has sponsored the Color of Film series and will release a documentary on the Gullah/Geechee nation, the hour-long documentary, focuses on the last remaining "intact" Geechee community of Hog Hammock in Sapelo Island, Georgia, called the most authentic African-American community in the United States. Walmart and Target both offer educational tools and information on their websites, but Target is also releasing a gospel compilation CD.
This year, coverage of the launch also mentions Morgan Freeman's comments in a 60 Minutes interview where he stated Black History Month was ridiculous. "You're going to relegate my history to a month?...I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."
Unsurprisingly, corporate America has embraced Black History Month as a way to promote corporate responsibility, with Walmart and Target both hosting special events. Walmart has sponsored the Color of Film series and will release a documentary on the Gullah/Geechee nation, the hour-long documentary, focuses on the last remaining "intact" Geechee community of Hog Hammock in Sapelo Island, Georgia, called the most authentic African-American community in the United States. Walmart and Target both offer educational tools and information on their websites, but Target is also releasing a gospel compilation CD.
