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The First Post-Modern President |
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American culture is slowly moving from modernism to postmodernism, the type of major shift in collective worldview that hasn’t happened since the Enlightenment of the 18th century. If this transition were a river, we’d see the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) standing on the modern side of the river, Generation X (1965-1980) in the middle trying not to get swept away, and the Millennials (1981-2000) comfortably positioned on the postmodern side. Generation X, then, is the bridge that is taking us from one era to the next.
Having been born in 1961, Obama is technically a Baby Boomer. But the recent presidential debates demonstrate the fact that Obama is functionally a postmodern “X’er” in both style and outlook. John McCain, by contrast, is still firmly rooted in the world of modernism:
Obama spoke with empathy about the personal effects of the current financial crisis on Main Street America. McCain spoke of individual greed and said the government needs to hold the failed executives accountable. McCain underscored personal morals where Obama accentuated communal values.
Obama consistently drew attention to points of agreement with McCain. By contrast, McCain perpetuated the Right vs. Left dichotomy by describing Obama as the most liberal member of the Senate. While Obama sought to build consensus, McCain pointed out their differences.
Nationalism is a key reality of the modern world. But postmodernism prioritizes the global community. Talking about Iraq, McCain promised to seek American “victory and honor.” Obama was more concerned about America’s global reputation.
In their exchanges, Obama called McCain by his first name, drawing attention to his personality. McCain never reciprocated, indicating respect for Obama’s office but not necessarily for Obama himself.
Personal morality vs. communal values. Dichotomizing vs. consensus. Confrontation vs. negotiation. Nationalism vs. globalism. Obviously, these distinctions cannot be universally applied to McCain and Obama. But the debates did clearly show how Obama operates from a very different approach and a very different way of looking at the world. The Obama victory indicates the fact that although the United States as a whole might not be a postmodern culture quite yet, we are certainly moving steadily across that river. That so many younger voters who are firmly rooted in the postmodern worldview came out and voted for Obama further illustrates this shifting reality.
Personally, I am more excited about the postmodern flavor of the upcoming Obama presidency than anything else. Much is being made of the significance of his victory for African Americans and all minorities, as it should be. Much is being made of the defeat of neo-conservatism and the weakening of the Republican Party, as it should be. And much is being made of the great gains made by women in this campaign, as it should be.
But all of those triumphs can be placed under this much larger shift in our culture that has now made its way to the highest office in the land. Obama will be a different kind of president. To many folks in the older generations, the way he does things and the way he talks about things will seem foreign. But to those of us in the younger generations, he will be an absolute breath of fresh air - for we will finally feel that our worldview and our way of dealing with reality is being represented.
How is any of this postmodern?
“Personal morality vs. communal values. Dichotomizing vs. consensus. Confrontation vs. negotiation. Nationalism vs. globalism.”
This is a big pile of crap - I mean buzzwords - a big pile of buzzwords.
If I’m going to respond, I’m going to need a little more. Specifically how is this not postmodern, in your view? And please keep in mind that I was working off the cultural meaning of the term, rather than the strict philosophical one.
Did you just say a big pile of buzzwords = the cultural definition of postmodernism?
No. I said that the article was written from a cultural understanding of what postmodernism is, not from an academic or philosophical perspective. And you still have not said anything to back up your claim that it’s a bunch of crap, or why my “buzzwords” are inaccurate. Please, enlighten me!
Who’s “culture” are you imagining? There may be a handful of academics or philosophers prepared to offer a definition, but most aren’t.
There’s postmodern art, but I don’t think that’s what you mean. You know the term is mostly used to describe art, right?
And “pop culture,” although sometimes associated with the term, offers no “understanding” of its definition. Most people have never heard the word.
So, I do not know what you mean when you ask me to back up my “claim.” I’m asking you to back up yours (thus, my original question).
Bottom line: you’re basically saying, “I think postmodernism is ‘this,’ and I think ’such and such’ is postmodern… and I write on The Seminal so there!!!”
I think our friend here (and correct me if I’m wrong) is referring to postmodernism in terms of a shift in the cultural conciousness. The letting go of the old ways and the embracing of the long awaited new ways that will soon become ‘old’ too. The point here is that as a civilisation we should never sit on our laurels, but instead change with the times and the needs of the new generations. That is the only way we will evolve, become ‘better’ and ultimately thrive as human beings.
PS: I wish the whole world could vote for the American President because decisions that are made in America can affect the rest of the world.
PSS: I love the Big O - he my hero x
“In their postmodern quest to build consensus, they ended up going to war.” How postmodern…
Interesting post and blog. Relevantly, many prominent experts and publications have pointed out that Obama is part of Generation Jones, born 1954-1965, between the Boomers and GenXers.
You may find this page interesting: it has, among other things, excerpts from publications like Newsweek and the New York Times, and videos with over 25 top pundits, all talking specifically about Obama%u2019s identity as a GenJoneser:
http://www.generationjones.com/2008election.html
I do not think that the distinctions made in your blog support my view. I was born in 1949 but would not call myself a modernist. Obama’s actions and statements do not in any way seem foreign to me.
I am not sure if your statement that women have made great gains as a result of this election is true. However, I am filled with hope and prayers for the future generations in our country now that we have a president elect I know I can trust.
Jan - You make an important point when it comes to describing generational characteristics. They are only guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and they do not apply to everybody. Many people born in the Baby Boomer years show some postmodern tendencies, and many born in later generations (such as myself in 1973) are still holding on to some modern tendencies. It’s best to look at these categories as tools. When they work, use them. When they don’t, find something else.
As for the gains made by women: Of course, there is still a long way to go before we have true equality - but I would argue that having the first woman as a serious contender for a major party nomination and the first woman nominated for VP on the Republican side is a big step in the right direction. Now, when someone tells a little girl, “You might be president one day,” she has concrete reasons to believe it’s possible.
postmodern paycheck, like most people, i reckon you might have interesting, legitimate, even intelligent perspective to offer; but the obnoxious simplistic snark with which you presented it sent all credibility down the drain. unfortunate.
jim, really interesting and well-written article! you articulated concepts i haven’t been able to pinpoint until now. good food for thought, thanks!