Eric Makes Music

It’s a mind-shattering thing to have something you’ve held as a basic fundamental belief suddenly challenged and proven wrong. It’s like believing your whole life that the world is flat. Then when you are told that it’s actually round, you have to rethink everything you’ve ever thought about the world and your place in it.

I’ve had my core-beliefs shattered on a few occasions during my lifetime. One happened during 9/11. The other just happened on November 4, 2008. It’s interesting to compare the impact that 9/11 and Barack Obama’s election had on me and my view of the world. In both cases, my basic presumptions of the world were proven wrong. In one case, the world was shown to be far more dangerous than I believed it to be… in the other, the world is far more beautiful and accepting. Both cases, however, left me shell-shocked.

I was at an election party on November 4th with some good friends. When they finally made the startling announcement that Barack Obama was the next President of these United States and everyone around me started screaming, I just sat speechless. I’m never at a loss for words but I couldn’t think of anything to say. One of my facebook friends used the word “surreal” to describe the feeling and I totally agree.

I’ve grown up as a Black man in America with a very distinct perception of what’s possible and what’s not possible for me in this country. Now, I’m a naturally a highly-ambitious person. I’ve chosen the very risky career of music and I deeply believe that I can succeed where many others have failed. But as ambitious as I am, I am still aware that certain things are not possible for me, especially as an African American.

We’re no long living in slavery but the effect of slavery still limits many of our opportunities. We’ve made great strides though. Today, a black man can be CEO, governor, senator, even a billonaire business mogul. And, one day… surely not in our lifetime… but if we keep pushing and making progress, maybe one of our children or grandchildren will have the privilege of being the first Black President of the United States.

That was my world view. That was the essence of how I built my hopes and dreams and Barack Obama has destroyed that forever. I can’t stress how unnerving it is to watch somebody do what I would have argued a year ago as a total impossibility.

It’s unnerving, mind-blowing, earth-shattering. And it’s also incredibly freeing. To watch someone tackle a hugely improbable goal, with everything against him (his race, his middle-name, etc), and actually win, makes me feel like Neo from the Matrix. Like I’ve just discovered that there’s a whole new set of rules that work in this world and I’m much more powerful than I ever thought I could be.

To say that I’m inspired doesn’t even come close. I am electrified! I, though I’ve always been hopeful, am now filled with hope beyond hope. Barack has proven the faith which I’ve studied my whole life. His success testifies to a God that doesn’t deal in “probabilities” but “possibilities”. His victory demonstrates truly “all things are possible” and that when we let our light shine, it can be much more powerful that 100 sermons.

Barack Obama may do many wonderful things as President. Hopefully, he’ll help lead us out of this terrible time in our country. Personally, I am more excited about the fruits that we will soon see from his life-changing example. I know so many people who are now inspired to start that business they’ve always talked about… or looking to change their career or go back to school or commit to a great relationship. I am eager to see all the new ventures and opportunities that will develop over the next few years.

Seriously, I can’t wait to see it. And I will be right there in the midst. Living fully in this glorious new world.