Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize… already?
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
On Friday, October 9th, President Obama’s unexpected achievement of a Nobel Peace Prize hit the news, and jaws hit the floor. Before long, news stations were immersed in vibrant graphics and animated text stating that Obama, the novice president who has been in office a mere 37 weeks, had just been awarded a prize usually granted to veteran scientists and experienced philanthropists. Should such a prominent award be granted based solely on the creation of a “new climate in international politics” (as stated by the Norwegian Nobel Committee)? Has Obama won this accolade based on his fame rather than his performance? Was this a sign that the world now favors stardom over merit?
Great. Just what we needed. More pointless prattle over our nation’s biggest celebrity: Barack Obama. And while the nation seems torn between furious claims of celebrity favoritism and proud assertions of presidential victory, I still feel like I’m surrounded by blathering high school students discussing the latest fling. But, realistically, disregarding the bickering between Obama’s votaries and those who believe Obama is the devil, does Obama truly deserve this prestigious award?
Obama’s experience in the White House, without doubt, is limited. However, it is also without doubt that Obama has made serious strides towards peace. During his presidency Obama has worked significantly to advocate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Along with this, Obama has collaborated with the United Nations to discourage countries such as Iran and North Korea from engaging in nuclear activities. Through cooperation with numerous countries – including Russia – Obama is already showing vast support for international partnership. In addition to these feats, Obama is also working on amending nuclear activities within his own jurisdiction. “The U.S. will take concrete steps. …we will begin the work of reducing our arsenals and stockpiles,” said Obama during a speech in the Czech Republic.
However, even with these achievements, Obama’s appointment of the Nobel Peace Prize is still questionable. Compared to the lofty accomplishments of previous winners such as Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King Junior, and Mother Teresa, the achievements of Obama seem below par. While immense progress towards the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is an excellent precursor to his future as president, and while a hefty stimulus package is certainly a noble achievement for a president with not even a year in office, these accomplishments simply do not amount to what is required for such a tremendous prize.
Nonetheless, Obama’s reaction to the award was absolutely appropriate. If he had chosen not to accept this award, as many wished for him to do, it would have been an insult to both the committee and America. Obama’s humble acceptance of the award was proper considering the controversial circumstance. “I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments but rather an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations,” stated Obama, during a speech in the White House Rose Garden on October 9th.
No, I don’t believe Obama deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. Yes, the awarding by the Nobel Committee was untimely. But then again, all the controversy brings forth yet another question. And while it is simplistic, and possibly cliché, it holds true in a situation so grand and divisive: Who cares?
The Nobel Committee’s actions were slightly premature, this is true. But to describe the awarding as “ghastly”, or claiming that the award is an “addition to Obama’s propaganda”, as some are saying, is simply bogus. The true sign of America’s weakness towards fame is not the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, nor its acceptance, but the colossal reaction that was displayed by America. Throughout news channels and newspapers nationwide, rarely will the issue of Obama’s qualifications for the award be discussed. Instead, the prevalent issue is fame, stardom, and recognition. Has the American media really stooped down to the point where a president’s popularity dominates a president’s actual actions?
Yes.
The triumphs and failures of President Obama are present, and worthy of discussion, and yet they fail to appear in the majority of news sources available. Instead, the newsstands are flooded with – dare I say it – celebrity gossip. Does the Nobel Committee value “celebrityism” over all other qualifiers? Is Obama getting by with his fame? Is Obama a socialist? Before long they’ll be discussing the political effects of the music on Obama’s iPod… Oh wait! They already have!
Therefore, the true atrocity is not Obama, nor the Nobel Committee, but instead the blundering Americans who can’t distinguish important, relevant, and helpful news from drama.
