In Search For The Brazilian Obama
Brazilians are paying close attention to US politics, especially the presidential race. For Afro-Brazilians in Bahia and in other parts of Brazil, it is empowering to see someone that looks like your uncle or brother running as president of the United States. You can’t go anywhere in Bahia without seeing something related to Obama. My sister who just came back from Bahia sent me this photo. The words on the poster translate to “The Power has shifted”. Is it me or is Barack Obama looking very Bahiano in this poster?
Did you know that under Brazilian law, a political candidate is allowed to run under whatever name they want on election materials? Hoping to bank on Obama’s popularity, many during the upcoming elections have chosen to run with the name Obama. A candidate for town council in Petrolina, Brazil is campaigning under the name “Barack Obama” even though his real name is Alexandre Jacinto. The candidate is even pushing a Yes, We Can” message.
There are no reports of any candidates running under the name “John McCain.”
Check out this interesting video on Reuters.
Que legal! I scheduled my birthday trip to Brasil for the day after elections. I am very excited about being in Salvador at that time because I can only imagine what the atmosphere will be like if (when) Obama wins.
Mabi,
How I envy you. You MUST share with me when you return.
Thanks for stopping by.
Xai
Yeah it’s pretty cool to see. There was another even larger banner of Obama on the other side of Shopping Barra. I’m jealous that you two will be in the states on the day of the election, but also excited to celebrate here in Salvador as well. Every time I tell someone I’m American, they ask me if I think he’ll win. Claro que sim! Abraços
Aichlee,
I’ll be hosting a party at my place on the night of the elections. It will be like gathering for that Joe Louis fight so long ago. Folks have been sending me photos of Obama from the streets of Brazil so if you see one snap a shot and I’ll post it.
Abraços
[...] xai, might recognize the photo… [...]
323. « BRAVE STAR said this on November 4, 2008 at 10:53 pm |
I’m from Petrolina (located in the state of Pernambuco, not Bahia =D), but I guess I won’t vote in “our” Obama. I’d rather vote in yours. But, now that he was already won, I’m very happy about the safety in the whole world! But, I have to say, Obama’s election really reminded me of Lula’s first election. The hope, the cry and the feeling of change…