CITY GUIDE >City Guide
Hope for a better tomorrow
By Patrick Whiteley (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-10 16:02

Hope for a better tomorrow

Rowell Hoff and his wife Carol, who teach English in Inner Mongolia, are very pleased with the election result. Courtesy of Rowell Hoff

Before coming to China, the couple lived and taught English in the Dominican Republic for 31 years.

Rowell says he has seen the lifestyles of people in many countries and notices a common pattern among people of all races. He says one of the most destructive human traits is racism, a major US problem Obama's presidency may help heal.

"The human race is like a flower garden whose beauty and charm depend on the harmonious co-existence of many kinds and colors of flowers," he says.

"Prejudices of race, class and religion - a stain on many civilizations throughout history, not least that of America - are destructive weeds in such a garden.

"For this election to have occurred, there must have been a reduction in racial prejudice.

"This, for us, is a delight. Race prejudice is still the most challenging issue for the United States; what we see here is hope."