Clash of Two (beautiful) Cultures ...

While hosting members of Barack Obama's family at my home in the U.S., and working on their family autobiography and cooking book, I found myself opening up towards such a different culture.

Though I have traveled the world extensively, and interviewed heads of state in Africa, discovering East African culture gave me a lot of food to digest ...

Talking to Mama Sarah Obama and her family, about their roots, I found myself penning an extraordinary tale, which included elements, that are considered as criminal acts in the West.

Here are couple of examples:

A. Polygamy is an integral part of East Africa's culture until this day. Mama Sarah Obama was the 3rd wife of Hussein Onyango. The wives rotated in their role towards their husband, while Hussein was travelling. Her beloved step son, Barack Obama Sr. married Anna - a 17 years old American girl in Hawaii, while he was married (with kids) back in Kenya to a local.

While polygamy was normal in Kenya, bigamy is against the law in the West. And that clash ended Barack Obama Sr.'s marriage, as well as his opportunity to stay in the U.S. and finish his PHD from Harvard University in Boston, Mass.

B. Men in East Africa were used to beat their wives and treat them as lesser human beings. Some do it until this day. Doctor Rich Godfray, who has been travelling to Kenya and helping out the local hospitals, called me after he picked up my book. He had just visited Kenya, and was about to return there again with a colleague - a plastic surgeon ..Why? Because a woman was abused so badly, that she was now missing an eye, and part of her nose. She can not leave her little house ...

In Kenya - there are still men who believe, it is their right to beat their wives. Here - it is against the law. It is called: "Domestic Violence."

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Since I was writing this autobiography (of the Obama family), from Mama Sarah Obama's point of view, I tried to understand more about their culture and values, instead of blocking myself by coming up with  quick judgement and describe their culture as "cruel."

On the contrary, when I took my time, I found out some other elements in the East African culture, that made us in the West look cruel ...

For example: How they treat their elderly with so much respect! In the West - how shall I say it nicely - we have a lot to improve in this area.

There are other interesting elements in the Obama family's life and culture that we can learn from. Like their cooking. Mama Sarah Obama - like her neighbors - does not have a refrigerator. Yes, her grand son is the President of the United States... But Mama Sarah is able to manage it without one. In their culture, because of necessity, all their food has to be  "fresh!": She grows her own vegetables and fruits in her own backyard. The milk comes from her cows. The fish from the nearby Victorian Lake. And she has free ranging chickens and other animals that she is raising for their meat. Everything is so simple, so healthy! So tasty!!!

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Some of the best compliments, I received about these two books, are making references as to how much the readers could not put the books down solely because of the strong empathy, they developed towards Mama Sarah Obama, during the process of reading these books. Simply put, they were able to connect easily with a woman from such a different culture, feel her pain, appreciate her struggle and share her achievements ...

So why won't we adapt this attitude and willingness to learn about other cultures (and religions) into our daily life??

Here are the links for the Obama's two books:

"Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Dreams-ebook/dp/B009518OB2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348174337&sr=8-2&keywords=mama+sarah+obama

"Mama Sarah Obama: Home Cooking Recipes"

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Cooking-ebook/dp/B0095B4632/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348174337&sr=8-1&keywords=mama+sarah+obama

Amazing reviews for the autobiography of Barack Obama's family ...

Just checking some of the reviews for my new book, the autobiography of Barack Obama's family. What an extra-ordinary story.

I have met Barack's Kenyan family first on 2008. I realized that the family's powerful story was yet to be told. What a bi-cultural powerful saga: An incredible climb inspired by a visionary woman, against so many obstacles, heart breaking moments, tragedies ...

When I agreed to do the project and hosted members of the Obama family at my home this summer, I have been witnessing additional strong  emotions. Such strong, that it became a task to portray Mama Sarah Obama the right way: The way women in the West can identify with her dreams, hard working, wisdom, caring for her big family ...All this despite clash of cultures.

So your reviews mean the world to me!

Amazon: 5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opener about women in Africa, September 2, 2012 By  Mary F. - See all my reviews This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I heard about Mama Sarah Obama, of course - because of her grandson, the president of the United States of America. Whenever I watched the news and saw Mama Sarah, I could not really connect with her. In a way she was sort of being ridiculed by the reports. So when I started to read this book, I could not anticipate what I found out. This is a very smart woman. Barack Obama's grandmother is an entrepreneur. She understands more about economy and globalization than many of us. And it is her big ambition and determination that landed him (Barack Obama) eventually at the White House. From the book, I understand that he recognizes the importance of his grandmother in his life and has a tremendous respect for her. Who would not, once you read this book? And I am still emotional about the painful life that Sarah has endured and the fact that many other women in Africa are still facing it daily. 5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't stop reading it, September 2, 2012 By  Edi Kee - See all my reviews This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I must say that I did not understand many things about Barack Obama, and frankly did not care, until I started to read this book. In the middle of a very political season, this is the first time I'm starting to understand the Barack Obama factor. His grandmother autobiography is a candid account, discussing the clash between two different cultures. It is funny, painful, and you just can not let it down until you finish it. 5.0 out of 5 stars This is an original content! This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) We have all heard about Barack Obama's story from different sources. Now Sarah Obama, his grandmother, is telling her own story. She is a woman who had a big dream which ended at the White House. Mama Sarah Obama takes us through the bumpy road, from her home in East Africa into the making of the President of the United States. This book is a celebration of ambition, hard work and the importance of education. 5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful personal account of Barack Obama's Kenyan Grandma!,  September 8, 2012 By  A. Gift For You "btoomey259" (california) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I'm reading the powerful story of Mama Sarah Obama, and how her big dreams penetrated the psyche of her son, Barack Obama Sr., encouraging him to strive for higher education and big achievements. Ultimately, this wise woman from Kenya inspired her grandson, Barack Obama Jr., right into the White House as President of the United States! But it makes me wonder where she was during the Democratic convention? How come her grandson mentioned only his American side of his family in his speech? I'm reading this beautiful chapter in the book about Barack Obama's trip to Kenya with his sweetheart, Michelle, to get Mama Sarah Obama's blessing on his marriage and learn about his roots. Why ignore your African roots in your acceptance speech? Mama Sarah Obama seems to have had so much impact on President Barack Obama's ambition; certainly more than Eva Longoria or Scarlett Johansson. Although it's at the root of our collective American heart, maybe it's too uncomfortable for us to embrace/respect our cultural diversities and the occasional "shortcomings" of our ancestors? We ALL experience these things!! Daphne Barak presents Mama Sarah Obama's fascinating personal account of the Obama family's African history in a delightful, easy-to-read way. Be proud, educate yourself, dream big, and never forget those who helped get you here! 5.0 out of 5 stars Unwavering Dreams & Leaky Roofs - A wonderful read!, September 8, 2012 By  Hulagirl (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I read Mama Sarah Obama's autobiography today in a couple of hours and it was time well spent! Some of the stories actually brought tears to my eyes. Daphne Barak really made me care about this woman, the African grandmother of President Barack Obama. It opened my eyes to the  Kenyan/African culture, how African women have been treated by men, the polygamy and  domestic violence; a culture whose attitude about women's rights is the polar opposite of those  expressed by Michelle Obama at the DNC. In spite of it all, Mama Sarah has always found a  reason to be optimistic. Even when she is struggling with a leaky roof and no money to fix it,  and with family feuds similar to those we all experience, she refuses to give up her hopes and  dreams for the family she loves. Imagine - the African grandmother of President Barack Obama, rubbing elbows at a presidential inauguration with the likes of respected icons such as the late Senator Kennedy. What an adventure that must have been for this steadfast tribal wife and mother from a small village on the shores of Lake Victoria! Barak describes it all in an intimate style that made me relate to each one of Mama Sarah Obama's emotions. This is a must-read for anyone (in either party!) interested in the fascinating multi-cultural background of President Obama. Next stop - I need to find out more about those yummy Kenyan recipes! Posted September 8, 2012 A captivating tale about an African woman and her ambitions, hop A captivating tale about an African woman and her ambitions, hopes and dreams. I enjoyed  learning more about President Barack Obama's African ancestry and traditions, the good ones  (love, encouragement, food!) and the bad ones (polygamy, wife-beating). Daphne Barak's style  of planting small hints at the beginning of this powerful story just to reveal a fuller picture later,  kept me glued to the book. With all of the theories about President Barack Obama's roots,  I was curious to read it. But Barak manages to strike a nice balance between dreams, myth  and reality. She did it in a respectful way to East African culture. Even when we find out down  the road about lies and distortions, you understand them in the full context of the human beings  involved. Barack Obama's grandmother comes across as a hard-working woman who can discuss  Africa with President George W Bush, receive delegations from Muammar Gaddafi in Libya,  and advise her famous grandson "You should work hard." I enjoyed that this is truly  Mama Sarah's story and not just a glorification of her grandson and his fame. By all means,  read it. It will inspire and touch you!   Posted September 8, 2012 I read "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams and Roots" in one I read "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams and Roots" in one sitting and found it  fascinating! People of all cultures fascinate me; I always find it interesting which details of  their lives they want to share with us. Daphne Barak kept me hooked, following the amazing  story of a woman in Kenya, Africa, whose hope and love for her family eventually helped propel her grandson, Barack Obama, to President of the United States. Many questions about Obama's  roots are answered here. I read over and over the part about the burial of his grandfather in a  full Muslim ceremony, orchestrated by his son, Barack Obama Sr, the late father of our President. Mama Sarah relates how her family has been Muslim for generations. I laughed out loud when  she described how she tried to avoid giving real answers about the Obama family's faith! And  how her daughter, Marsat (Barack Obama's aunt), interrupted with: "OK, we are Muslims  ..." Is is so difficult for us to grasp that people within families can practice different  religions? I am Catholic. Because I have a Buddhist brother, does that make me one too?  Nonsense! Our differences make us each unique and we should not be afraid of them. Barak's  well-written, poignant telling of Mama Sarah Obama's stories drew a picture for me of an  African girl who overcame the challenges of her gender, culture and disappointments in life  to make the world a better place for her children, step-children and her extended family of  loved ones all over the world. Now I know that Barack Obama's immense charisma came  not only from his father, but from his spirited grandmother as well! I loved the book!

"Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"

It is political conventions time in the U.S.A!

Lots of talk about Clint Eastwood and THAT empty chair, Mitt Romney's Mexican roots, Barack Obama's African roots.

A movie about Obama's roots - "2016: Obama's America" - went from one theatre in Houston to more than 1000, in only few weeks. It is almost the equal to viral ...

But my question is: How do all these events above, relate to our future? What are our priorities, as voters?

In the midst of a global financial crisis, when some countries like Greece are expected to default, we are supposed to be electing the next leader of the free world: A capable leader, to correct the declining economy in the U.S. and work shoulder to shoulder with foreign leaders, to achieve this goal. I can not remember such crucial elections, since I became a voter. Its outcome would define not only our future, but it will touch many peoples' lives around the globe.

I think, that Romney's financial skills should matter to voters more than his Mexican roots. Even when it comes to Americans from Mexican origin.

Barack Obama's roots are fascinating. The personal story of the U.S. President is extraordinary. It is a natural material for movies and books. The man who based his 2008 presidential campaign, based on the resemblance to JFK, and was supported by the Kennedy clan, has a lovely grandmother in an isolated village deep inside Kenya.

His family members there are proud Muslims. So was his late father, who managed to climb from his village all the way to Harvard University. The Obama family's tale describes a clash between two cultures. For example: Where in East Africa - polygamy is still part of the culture, where as it is against the law in the U.S. Barack Obama Sr. learnt it the hard way. While women have been beaten by their husbands in East Africa, it is against the law in the U.S. It is called here: "Domestic Violence".

Yet - does Barack's background effect his performance as a leader?  If the answer is "Yes", then - the debate about his roots is important!

If the answer is: "No", then - his personal story is powerful indeed. A great material for authors, directors ... I am one of them, so I should know ..

That is why I agreed to Penn the autobiography of Barack's grandmother.  It is a powerful tale of a woman who had a big dream ...She wanted to have education and was not allowed to ...Pushing her bright son (Barack Obama Sr.) toward the highest education, resulted in amazing achievements ...But after obstacles and tragedies, it would be her grandson, Barack Obama Jr. who would complete the dream.

 Here are the links for my book "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"

*  http://pipublic.com/  

*  http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Dreams-ebook/dp/B009518OB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346766870&sr=8-1&keywords=mama+sarah+obama%3A+our+dreams+%26+roots

*  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mama-sarah-obama-daphne-barak/1112749042?ean=2940015137323

About roots & votes ...

It is political conventions time in the U.S.A!

Lots of talk about Clint Eastwood and THAT empty chair, Mitt Romney's Mexican roots, Barack Obama's African roots.

A movie about Obama's roots - "2016: Obama's America" - went from one theatre in Houston to more than 1000, in only few weeks. It is almost the equal to viral ...

But my question is: How do all these events above, relate to our future? What are our priorities, as voters?

In the midst of a global financial crisis, when some countries like Greece are expected to default, we are supposed to be electing the next leader of the free world: A capable leader, to correct the declining economy in the U.S. and work shoulder to shoulder with foreign leaders, to achieve this goal. I can not remember such crucial elections, since I became a voter. Its outcome would define not only our future, but it will touch many peoples' lives around the globe.

I think, that Romney's financial skills should matter to voters more than his Mexican roots. Even when it comes to Americans from Mexican origin.

Barack Obama's roots are fascinating. The personal story of the U.S. President is extraordinary. It is a natural material for movies and books. The man who based his 2008 presidential campaign, based on the resemblance to JFK, and was supported by the Kennedy clan, has a lovely grandmother in an isolated village deep inside Kenya.

His family members there are proud Muslims. So was his late father, who managed to climb from his village all the way to Harvard University. The Obama family's tale describes a clash between two cultures. For example: Where in East Africa - polygamy is still part of the culture, where as it is against the law in the U.S. Barack Obama Sr. learnt it the hard way. While women have been beaten by their husbands in East Africa, it is against the law in the U.S. It is called here: "Domestic Violence".

Yet - does Barack's background effect his performance as a leader?  If the answer is "Yes", then - the debate about his roots is important!

If the answer is: "No", then - his personal story is powerful indeed. A great material for authors, directors ... I am one of them, so I should know ..

But for voters???