Pete Souza/The White HouseThe picture first starting circulating around the web three years ago after it was first taken, but thanks yesterday to The New York Times, the photo of Obama bending down to let a 5-year-old touch his hair began filling Facebook timelines and Twitter feeds once again.
The photo is proof that pictures and actions speak louder than words, with many tweeting and Facebooking out that the image proved more to them about Obama’s character than any speech or debate ever could. The fact of the matter is that Obama, when asked by a little boy if his hair felt the same as his, did the most honorable thing: he bowed down to let the boy touch it and see for himself.
No matter your race, gender or political affiliation, this image strikes a chord that speaks volumes: when a child relates to the Head of State and sees something of himself in that position, he is taught that he, too, can achieve the highest status in the land.
It is all too often that many of us forget the humanity in politics, and that in the end, someone is affected. As David Axelrod, President Obama’s longtime adviser, told The New York Times, “Really, what he [Jacob] was saying is, ‘Gee, you’re just like me.’ And it doesn’t take a big leap to think that child could be thinking, ‘Maybe I could be here someday.’ This can be such a cynical business, and then there are moments like that that just remind you that it’s worth it.”
The photo hangs in many offices around D.C., both Republican and Democrat, serving as a reminder to us all that in the youngest of us the hope of the American Dream is still living strong, and it’s up to us to keep it going.
What do you think of the image? Who’s eyes teared a little bit at first seeing it? *Raises hand*
