Obama Hero's Journey Essay

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Barack Obama’s Heroic Journey The life of Barack Obama is one worth researching and finding more information about. It appeals to us on many levels, but perhaps one reason for its appeal is that Obama is a African-American example of the hero, who follows Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey. Obama must overcome many racial obstacles to succeed in his journey of becoming president. As a young boy he went to a private school in Hawaii, he represents anyone who feels judged and confused. He must learn his place in the world before the world breaks him down and makes him feel miserable. Obama’s goal of a having a successful life represents the overcoming of racial stereotype, which corresponds to Campbell’s concept of the hero’s journey.
Campbell says that the hero begins in the ordinary world and receives a Call to Adventure. In Obama’s case, his …show more content…

The voters must vote for Obama in order for him to win. Unlike a normal hero, Obama is not in control of his own destiny. It is only when the citizens of the United States finds him acceptable that he can pass the ultimate test. The attempt of the other candidates to force their way into the presidential spot shows that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom,” as Jesus said. Only the chosen one who demonstrates respect and leader qualities will be accepted.
In Obama’s version of the hero's journey story, he must remember who he is and what he wants in life, and not get sucked up in the life of politics. Just as the Christian church is pictured as a bride, and Jesus is seen as the bridegroom and prince for whom we wait, in government, presidents represents the pastor, the leader of all and the messenger. The union of opposites that Campbell calls Apotheosis does not necessarily require that a man become god. In Obama’s case, becoming one with society lifts him up from the other candidates and gives him a better shot at being the future

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