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In paragraph 21 of Dreams Of My Father, why does Obama say, "careful to clap whenever he claps"? What does this detail show about him?

This excerpt comes in the third chapter, when Barack finally has the chance to spend a whole month with his father. (In the hardback edition, this quote is on page 70.) Obviously, he wants to learn as much about him as possible. He wants to “see” himself in the man, in his perceived role model.



At a Dave Brubeck concert, I struggle to sit quietly in the dark auditorium beside him, unable to follow the spare equations of sound that the performers make, careful to clap whenever he claps.



Free-form jazz music can be difficult to understand, if you’re not used to it. Sometimes you can’t tell when a piece is finished. Barack not only wants to confidently applaud when it is polite and appropriate to do so, but also longs to emulate his father. So he pays attention to every move he makes. This scrutiny is important, because this time will mark the only extended personal interaction Barack will ever have with Dr. Obama.

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