For those that have read Dreams from my father (by Obama) did he feel a sense of belonging in Kenya?

Yes, he did and whats strange is that he went so out of his way to support and campaign for Odinga and when Odinga lost the election in 07' the Islamics were so angry they went on a killing spree burning Christian churches and murdered hundreds of Christians invading their homes etc. These murderers were from Obama's fathers Tribe that Obama is also a member of, yet Obama and Odinga claim to be Christians. It doesnt add up! Even on page 86 in Dreams/ Father book Obama states he wants to finish Malcolms dream by uniting the people in the name of ISLAM , that he was to go out and find the leaders to help him accomplish a New World. I found that to be very disturbing! Especially since Obama has been associated with Rashid Khalidi- that Palistinian Terrorist from the 80's, Ayers , Wright/Pfleger/Farrakhan Nation of Islam Leader. Obama also attended dozens of Palistinian meetings in Chicago. I just don't get how this man can be running for our Leader! Obama said that about finding leaders to help him create this new world ! Not me!

I read it and to my way of thinking he did feel more passionately about Kenya than he did America. He felt comfortable, I believe he said some where.. altho I haven't read it for some time now,. What I failed to understand is how he can feel so strongly for the blacks in America when his loyalties lie with another country... he had twice the advantages of American blacks.. I doubt if he ever even thought of their problems. He led a fairly privileged life and yet he is trying to compare himself to them. Makes no sense why they are so strong for him when really all he is doing is patronizing them to get elected.

I bought and read it. I even made notes! He comes across as an angry bi-racial man who embraces his blackness while being ashamed of his whiteness. In Kenya he 'fit' in better by his own admission although admittedly mostly with family.

When a person is racially mixed, they identify both with the white culture and the black culture but not completely with either. You encounter racism from both sides. The blacks say you are too white and the whites say you are too black. You are both but neither at the same time. In most of Africa, you do not find this racism. People are accepted on their own merit and not the color of their skin. It has nothing to do with Kenya per se but more to do with the unconditional acceptance usually offered by Africans. How do I know all this? I am a racially mixed American happily married for 3 years to a black man from Africa. Being racially mixed in the USA is a tough deal for anyone.

I totally agree with Kolacat1 because I have heard the same from others who have lived it. I know that is true. It is not the only way to come to feel like an outsider but it is typical. I always felt like an outsider for different reasons but it never seems to completely ever change. You have to keep your balance and try harder.

probably since he could identify more with belonging in kenya

Not really. He struggled with his identity, not with America.

He said that doing drugs in High School caused him to be anxious and want to hurry and go home every day. He felt out of place in school during that time of drugs. Now he is a redeemed young man, and has finished from a prestigeous school, married good, changed his ways, ready to be your president.

Not necessarily belonging in Kenya but finding an extended family who looked like him and who accepted him as family did give him a sense of belonging...that's my take on the what he wrote.