This election is historic on many levels not the least of which is the role Facebook played on election day. Voting became a virtual experience as people rushed to change their profile statuses or proudly display campaign buttons on their profile page.
The Washington Post reported that Facebook made the traditional “I Voted” sticker obsolete for the new generation of young voters.
But the most interesting Facebook surfing came after the winner was announced. Pepperdine students’ Facebook statuses offer interesting insights into campus political sentiment.
Obama supporters expressed their jubilation about Obama’s win.
“…party like a Barack star”
“…this is why this country is great”
“…stoked that Obama will be our next president”
“…YES WE CAN!!!!”
For black students who supported Obama his presidency represents a new hope.
“…we painted the white house BLACK!!! Hope you were one the right side of history!!!”
“…was 15 when her history teachers said we were going to have a black president. She laughed in his face”
However although Obama’s victory shattered barriers of racism one Facebook status revealed fears about the president elect’s safety.
“…3 to 1 odds…before he is even inaugurated”
Many students reflected on the sense that they were taking place in history.
“…so proud that so many people care…and is thrilled to live in history”
“…wishes that McCain would have won but as a history major and an American he is truly proud of his country for electing a black president”
“…is proud to be a part of history proud of America and excited for what lies ahead. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA”
“…is amidst defining times”
Some Obamaphiles leapt at the chance to stick it to the losing campaign.
“…poor Palin…She’ll always have Russia.”
“…OBAMA for the next four years!!! Get used to it!”
“…says ‘Joe the Skinhead is gonna be sooooo mad!'”
But for Pepperdine students who supported McCain – 40 percent of campus according to the Graphic poll- their statuses were more grim.
“…is waiting for 2012”
“…is going to puke”
“…hope is not a plan…we are in trouble.”
“…is preparing himself for the new socialist America”
“…guesses we’ll have to learn the hard way that bigger government is not the answer”
Fittingly for a campus where more than half the student body studies abroad students who supported McCain announced their plans to move out of the country. Unfortunately some fleeing students may find their new home government to be less supportive of free market policies than Obama’s administration.
“…is depressed and about to move back to Switzerland”
“…always wanted to move to Fiji”
“…how much is a plane ticket to Canada?””…screw North America I’m moving to London”
One proud resident of the Lone Star state advocates leaving America all together.
“…it’s about time Texas secedes from this place”