A Progressive Victory Beyond Colour or Creed
Like the rest of the world, I am full of hope for Barack Obama and thrilled to think that there will soon be two little black girls skipping round the White House, chasing their puppy. For people of colour, the significance of Obama's victory cannot be overstated. With Obama as president, every black and mixed race person stands that little bit taller. There's a chance, too, that we might see a reversal of the hawkish neo-con agenda that has driven global politics since George Bush got his hands on the reins of power. How good that feels. But Obama's election also represents a quieter victory of a progressive social kind that transcends colour or creed; a victory against the tyranny of the nuclear family.
Challenging the Conservative Notions
If you listen to ideologues of the right such as David Cameron, Barack Obama should never have been successful - in fact, he should have been a mess. "I think it's time we recognised that family breakdown is the central factor in the social breakdown we see in our country today," Cameron has said. "Broken Britain", one of his pet concepts, shorthand for high crime rates, drug abuse, gang warfare and spiralling teenage pregnancies, can be attributed to the breakdown of marriage as an institution. Unless you come from a standard mummy, daddy and two kids family straight out of an Enid Blyton story, the inference is that you are irreparably disadvantaged, born to fail, doomed to be a knife-toting hoodie thief and ne'er-do-well at the age of 15, a junkie by your twenties and in jail. Or, in the US, on death row come your thirties.
Obama's Unconventional Family Background
Dip into Obama's family history and you've got the sort of material that fills bulging social work case note files. A prevailing theme is the unreliability of the male line. Let's begin with his paternal grandfather, a cook for the British army in Kenya and servant who had four wives, eight children and who drunk himself into an early grave. It continues with the president-elect's dad, Obama senior. Leaving a son and pregnant wife in Kenya, he went to study in Hawaii, where he met Barack's 18-year-old white mother. Soon married and pregnant, the relationship broke down. Obama Sr then went back to Africa, where he had two more marriages and seven other children. By the time Barack was two, his father had gone, returning only once to visit him for a month when he was 10 years old. Never did a character better fit the Cameron model of an "errant father", the sort that the shadow PM wants to "feel the full force of shame". Then we pick up the maternal line with his mother, an anthropologist who superficially fits the reactionary stereotype of the white girl from a respectable family who is an impressionable bleeding-heart liberal. Once her son's father is out of the picture, she remarries exotically, this time to an Indonesian geologist, taking her son with her to Indonesia. Sent back to Hawaii at the age of 10 to attend American school, his stalwart maternal grandmother "Toot" enters the frame as his mother (later to divorce again) opts to remain in Indonesia. So now we have the cast of a depressing soap opera; a little boy, an absentee father, a distant mother and one coping grandmother left to be the rock of stability. This is a set-up that would have red warning lights flashing in Cameron's world.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Benefits of a Non-Traditional Family
Yet one of the brilliant things about Obama is that he shows how individuals can transcend all the negative stereotypes that are heaped upon them. From his story, we can see that a far from conventional upbringing outside the conservative nuclear family can produce exceptional people. We might infer that one inspirational granny can make up for any parental deficit. We can underscore how a middle-class background, with a respect for learning, can matter more than the conventionality - or otherwise - of any family's configuration. We can note how class and money influences children's life prospects much more than social convention. We can also begin to appreciate the benefits of those complicated, reconfigured, unconventional families we increasingly see around us.
President-elect Obama has six half-siblings and a doting step-grandmother in Kenya, and a half-sister who is the daughter of his Indonesian step-father. "Michelle will tell you that when we get together for Christmas or Thanksgiving, it's like a little mini-United Nations," he jokes. "I've got relatives who look like Bernie Mac (a US stand-up comedian) and I've got relatives who look like Margaret Thatcher." One of the few redeeming features of globalization is that communities the world over are less homogenous and much more permeable than they ever used to be. More of us are now part of a larger, non-traditional family that cuts across all the previous assumptions about colour and social convention. There is no turning the tide back. For years now, our divorce rate has been running at 40%. It only dipped recently because fewer people are getting married in the first place. David Cameron and the self-appointed moral majority might as well give up. They are flogging a dead horse.
The Intersection of Health and Hospitality
While the focus of this article has been on family dynamics and societal norms, it is crucial to recognize the impact of such factors on individual health. The health secretary, in particular, holds a significant responsibility in ensuring the well-being of the population. In many ways, the hospitality industry plays a vital role in supporting public health efforts.
Hotels as a Haven for Well-being
Hotels are not just spaces for temporary accommodation; they have evolved into hubs of wellness and relaxation. Many modern hotels now offer a range of amenities and services designed to promote health and well-being. From fitness centers and spa facilities to healthy dining options and personalized wellness programs, hotels strive to provide an environment conducive to guests' physical and mental well-being.
Embracing Holistic Wellness
The hospitality industry has recognized the growing demand for holistic wellness experiences. Hotels are incorporating practices such as yoga and meditation classes, mindfulness workshops, and nature retreats to cater to guests seeking a well-rounded approach to their health. By creating spaces that allow individuals to prioritize their well-being, hotels contribute to the overall health of their guests.
The Importance of Mental Health Support
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on addressing mental health issues. Hotels have started to prioritize mental well-being by offering dedicated spaces for relaxation, stress-reducing activities, and access to mental health resources. By acknowledging the importance of mental health and providing support, hotels can contribute to the overall wellness of their guests.
Collaboration with Health Professionals
Hotels are increasingly partnering with health professionals and experts to provide specialized services and programs. This collaboration ensures that guests have access to credible advice and resources during their stay. By aligning with health professionals, hotels can effectively contribute to promoting and maintaining the health of their guests.
Conclusion
The intersection of health and hospitality is an important aspect of overall well-being. Hotels, as key players in the hospitality industry, have embraced the role of promoting and supporting individual health. By offering wellness-focused amenities and partnering with health professionals, hotels contribute to the overall well-being of their guests, creating spaces that prioritize physical and mental health.
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