The Race Whisperer

Barack Obama and the Political Uses of Race

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Discrimination & Race Relations, Political Science, Government
Cover of the book The Race Whisperer by Melanye T. Price, NYU Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Melanye T. Price ISBN: 9781479801343
Publisher: NYU Press Publication: July 26, 2016
Imprint: NYU Press Language: English
Author: Melanye T. Price
ISBN: 9781479801343
Publisher: NYU Press
Publication: July 26, 2016
Imprint: NYU Press
Language: English

Nearly a week after George Zimmerman was found not guilty of killing Trayvon Martin, President Obama walked into the press briefing room and shocked observers by saying that “Trayvon could have been me.” He talked personally and poignantly about his experiences and pointed to intra-racial violence as equally serious and precarious for black boys. He offered no sweeping policy changes or legislative agendas; he saw them as futile. Instead, he suggested that prejudice would be eliminated through collective efforts to help black males and for everyone to reflect on their own prejudices.
Obama’s presidency provides a unique opportunity to engage in a discussion about race and politics. In The Race Whisperer, Melanye Price analyzes the manner in which Barack Obama uses race strategically to engage with and win the loyalty of potential supporters. This book uses examples from Obama’s campaigns and presidency to demonstrate his ability to authentically tap into notions of blackness and whiteness to appeal to particular constituencies. By tailoring his unorthodox personal narrative to emphasize those parts of it that most resonate with a specific racial group, he targets his message effectively to that audience, shoring up electoral and governing support. The book also considers the impact of Obama’s use of race on the ongoing quest for black political empowerment. Unfortunately, racial advocacy for African Americans has been made more difficult because of the intense scrutiny of Obama’s relationship with the black community, Obama’s unwillingness to be more publicly vocal in light of that scrutiny, and the black community’s reluctance to use traditional protest and advocacy methods on a black president. Ultimately, though, The Race Whisperer argues for a more complex reading of race in the age of Obama, breaking new ground in the study of race and politics, public opinion, and political campaigns.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nearly a week after George Zimmerman was found not guilty of killing Trayvon Martin, President Obama walked into the press briefing room and shocked observers by saying that “Trayvon could have been me.” He talked personally and poignantly about his experiences and pointed to intra-racial violence as equally serious and precarious for black boys. He offered no sweeping policy changes or legislative agendas; he saw them as futile. Instead, he suggested that prejudice would be eliminated through collective efforts to help black males and for everyone to reflect on their own prejudices.
Obama’s presidency provides a unique opportunity to engage in a discussion about race and politics. In The Race Whisperer, Melanye Price analyzes the manner in which Barack Obama uses race strategically to engage with and win the loyalty of potential supporters. This book uses examples from Obama’s campaigns and presidency to demonstrate his ability to authentically tap into notions of blackness and whiteness to appeal to particular constituencies. By tailoring his unorthodox personal narrative to emphasize those parts of it that most resonate with a specific racial group, he targets his message effectively to that audience, shoring up electoral and governing support. The book also considers the impact of Obama’s use of race on the ongoing quest for black political empowerment. Unfortunately, racial advocacy for African Americans has been made more difficult because of the intense scrutiny of Obama’s relationship with the black community, Obama’s unwillingness to be more publicly vocal in light of that scrutiny, and the black community’s reluctance to use traditional protest and advocacy methods on a black president. Ultimately, though, The Race Whisperer argues for a more complex reading of race in the age of Obama, breaking new ground in the study of race and politics, public opinion, and political campaigns.

More books from NYU Press

Cover of the book Moving Working Families Forward by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Seeds of Empire by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book The Harp and the Eagle by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Children's Nature by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Evolution of the Judicial Opinion by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Authors of Their Lives by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Army of Manifest Destiny by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Releasing Prisoners, Redeeming Communities by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Everyone Eats by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Black Sun by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Urban Girls Revisited by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Sex and Sexuality in Early America by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Botox Nation by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Defining the Family by Melanye T. Price
Cover of the book Critical Trauma Studies by Melanye T. Price
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy