The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama symbolizes warmer relationships that the United States has developed with other countries, according to two international students.Bruno Mongjoas and Diego Barros, both North Carolina A&T seniors from Brazil, explained that they have a better impression of the United States since Obama has been in office verses eight years of George W. Bush.
On Friday Oct. 9, President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award was given to motivate the president to follow through with the effort to improve relations with other countries and promote peace throughout the world.
"The previous president gave the U.S a bad image; Obama brings a better look for America," says Mongjoas.
"America is a more friendly place since Barack Obama has been elected. I prefer Obama, of course. Bush was full of war," says Barros.
Nobel prizes are awarded by committees based on Sweden, the Peace Prize was determined by a five member panel appointed by Norwegian parliament. The award is named after the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel; it is to be given to a person who has done the most or best work to promote peace.
The committee praised Obama's effort to reduce nuclear arms and ease tensions with the Muslim world.
So why is he receiving so much criticism?
Some Americans feel that it was too soon for Obama to receive the award. "I do not know if he's ready, but I support it if it encourages him," said Dr. Daniel White, a political science professor at A&T.
The award caught many people by surprise. While pointing out that he thinks the Unites States has better relations with foreign countries since Obama has been in office, "It's too early for him," to get the peace prize, says Mongjoas. "We need to see how he acts in office before we give him an award like that."
"I was surprised that he was selected but it's not a bad idea. He is a good person to represent the Nobel Peace Prize," said Barros.
Obama, the first African American to win the White House, is the fourth U.S president to win the prestigious prize.
Although many people may think the award was too soon in Obama's young presidency, the Nobel jury thinks other wise. The jury singled out his many efforts to improve American relations with the West and Muslim world.
"I look at America different," said Mongjaos.
"Before Bush America was the way of life but after Obama, things are going to change for the good again."
By: Chaunte J. Tate
Contact Information:
Dr. Daniel White
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
North Carolina A&T State University
(336)-285-2046
email: ddwhite@ncat.edu
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