We are One- Jennie Merrill

Our generation, like all those before, defines itself with a unique pop culture; the language, technology, and celebrities that make it up. Unfortunately, we have let those celebrities represent us with egocentric behavior, misdemeanors, and materialism. The Inaugural Concert, however, proved we have something more to offer as a generation- our ability to work together. Stevie Wonder shared the stage with international star Shakira and the ever cool Usher, while Sheryl Crow, will.i.am (from the Black Eyed Peas), and jazz legend Herbie Hancock performed Bob Marley’s very apropos, One Love. The most impressive of the collaborations, however, was folk icon James Taylor joining forces with R&B’s John Legend and Country’s newcomer Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland, for his song Shower the People. This seemed to me to be the ultimate trio, because while they differed in age, race, and most importantly musical genre, when they came together to perform, it was flawless. No one was trying to outdo the other; they all seemed simply honored to be there. If this is any indication how the new administration is going to approach its time in office, with quiet confidence, humility, and every effort for boundary disintegration, we have every reason to maintain the hope Obama sold us on during his campaign.
In between performers, actors spoke about or through the words of former presidents, and introduced us to the exact size of the shoes Barack Obama is getting ready to fill. Speakers such as Jamie Foxx, Jack Black, Laura Linney, Queen Latifah, Steve Carell, Denzel Washington, and Ashley Judd went through a series of social issues that affected the American people in the past, reminding us that many of the problems are still the same. For example, the recap of Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for national land preserves clearly signals the direction the next four years will take in regards to the use of our country’s natural resources. Obama even took the stage himself and announced to the people his continued desire that we look past the obvious differences that separate us, and work together to solve the bigger issues, specifically the economy and the war.
U2 gave a great performance of the song they wrote in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., In the Name of Love, after a video montage was played of the ‘I Have a Dream' speech, an address made on the very steps we were watching: the Lincoln Memorial. Bono, in keeping with fashion, made his own speech that may have shocked the National Mall. He suggested that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream might be more than just an American dream; it is a dream for all nations in strife, which includes Palestine. The United States, a decidedly pro-Israel country, met Bono’s statement with cheers, a sign that we as a country really are ready to shed our past assumptions and partisan-ism in order to take the side of peace.
The Inaugural Concert, aptly named We Are One, was a great couple of star-studded hours, and there was a surge of excitement going through the crowd that we were a part of this history, that we were connected and equal with the same people we lift up as our celebrities. The more exciting element however is how the man we have chosen as our leader kept his message of hope, collaboration, and strength, and portrayed it through a medium we can all enjoy; music. This event not only foreshadows the next four years as innovative, but also shows that Barack Obama understands his audience. I know I personally am excited to see what his musical selections will be in January 2013.