I think the reasons suggested for the uproar over President Obamas Nobel Peace Prize miss a deeper issue. First, no one would dispute that Mr. Obama has not yet achieved the level of contribution to world peace that other honorees have. He, himself, acknowledged that. Critics of both right and left argue that the reward reflects an unhealthy cult of personality, and that his rock star status has overwhelmed better judgment. Some point to the Europeans apparent delight at sticking it to Dubya. And, needless to say, racism is part of the angry outbursts as well.
But theres a missing source of the outcry. Its probably less conscious; certainly less articulated. Its that the award gave a new focal point for mounting fears generated by a profound shift the world is undergoing on many fronts: The economic meltdown; global dangers and threats; the impact of climate change. Its an interlocking world, in which everyone has to figure out how to compete and collaborate with everybody else. And its a diverse world – not out there, somewhere, but right here in peoples community and workplace. Moreover, shifts in how people conduct their social, sexual and individual lives are visible all around.
In todays new era of tumultuous change, were shifting from an environment of old-style command and control, in private relationships, careers, and organizations, to collaborate and cooperate.
This wave-change, this new reality that the future has arrived, is very hard to digest for some. Im not referring, here, to the Fox crowd — the right-wing commentators and pundits. Most probably know better; and know whats going on throughout our society and the world. They may not like the changes taking place perhaps symbolized for them by a black man in the White House. But theyve chosen to exploit fears among segments of the public hardest hit by these massive changes. Theyre exploiting them for their own avarice and self-promotion.
Of greater concern are those struggling to regain a foothold onto a decent life. They are terrified about life in the present world and whats to come. They see social changes and governmental forces doing things that counter what theyve always believed, and that they fear will make their lives even worse. That can turn into anger. Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne has honed in on the genuine economic fears and resulting anger of many people caught up in Obama hatred. http://tinyurl.com/yztlmhs He points out the need to understand and empathize with those who feel left by the wayside, with little hope of ever getting back on track middle class people, with genuine rage.
When those people hear voices that intensify their indignation fear and anger of this new world environment without positive help to understand or adapt to it they become further alienated from society. They remain angry and scared, but without knowing how to make sense of whats going on; and without learning how they might embrace the new realities with practical actions and renewed hope. Thats dangerous for them and for our society.
This shift can be hard to understand and deal with. Those who have difficulty doing so need empathy, help, and practical actions; not contempt or derision. Save the latter for those who use President Obamas Nobel Prize or anything else they can find as fuel for increasing fear, hatred and division.
