As we sit back and digest the shocking results of the American election, questions are being raised as to whether we are witnessing a revolution against conservatism which in many ways helped weaken the worlds largest democracy. Who would have known that the son of an exchange student from Kenya would be the President of the free world in the 21st century? Many of us are still pinching ourselves to make sure this is not just a dream.

Is it now safe to say that the door has been slammed “on the country’s racial past”. For many of us who come from African nations where there has been a large presence of European settlers who came to our countries before independence and are still there to this day, we know that racial prejudice continues to exist.

In Africa it is common practice for most of these settlers who are farmers, to transport their farm laborers in the back of their trucks exposed to the elements (rain or intense heat) while their dogs are given a special place in the passenger seat.

Despite the Africans being the largest population, there is still exploitation and prejudice going on right under our noses. The election of a Black president in America is truly inspirational for the world as a whole because it means we have made a giant leap as humans but we must not expect drastic changes.

The election victory has ushered in a “new dawn” in America at a time when the country needs economic invigoration and a chance to regain it’s lost status on the international stage. It is hoped that President-elect Obama’s popularity - both at home and abroad will help America.

One wonders whether people will be distracted by the historical nature of the election and will not hold him to the same standards as all other presidents. The challenges that will greet him will be many as he faces the task of ensuring America regains the mantle of building a socially fair economy which seems to have been taken over by Europe.

The shock victory has prompted much needed ideological soul searching and there is probably a lot of gnashing of teeth going on in the republican camp as they reassess their position in the political arena.

There is a feeling all around that the era of conservative dominance has come to a close. The fate of the brand of conservatism that was once popular in American politics has been decided.

Many lessons have been learnt with regards to how Obama campaign was handled. There was a sense of unity that brought together people from different races and walks of life and many people could identify with the issues raised by the Obama camp.

One wonder whether Barak Obama’s campaign style was influenced by an African philosophy of “Ubuntu” which glorifies community rather than individualism. Ubuntu is a philosophy of partnership, dialogue, difference and respect.

Throughout the election campaign insults were hurled at President-elect Barak Obama, yet he soldiered on with dignity and respect. He has indeed set a different tone and new standards for American Politics.