Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America: A Deep Dive into the Complexities of Identity and Power

The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States in 2008 was a watershed moment in American history. It raised hopes that the country had finally overcome its long legacy of racial tension and discrimination. However, Obama's presidency also exposed the deep racial divides that continue to exist in American society.

The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America

by Michael Eric Dyson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3180 KB
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In "Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America," historian Jason Sokol explores the complex relationship between Obama's presidency and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States. Sokol argues that Obama's election was both a triumph for the civil rights movement and a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead.

Obama's Racial Identity

Obama's racial identity has been the subject of much debate. He is the son of a white mother and a black father, and he grew up in a multiracial household. Obama has said that he identifies as both black and white, but he has also said that he feels more connected to the black community.

Sokol argues that Obama's racial identity is a reflection of the complex racial history of the United States. Obama's father was born in Kenya, and his mother was born in Kansas. Obama's parents met in Hawaii, where they were both students at the University of Hawaii. The fact that Obama's parents were from different racial backgrounds is a reminder of the long history of interracial relationships in the United States.

Obama's Presidency and Race

Obama's presidency was marked by a number of significant events related to race. In 2009, Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which made it easier for women to sue for pay discrimination. In 2010, Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. In 2015, Obama launched the My Brother's Keeper initiative, which aimed to improve the lives of young men of color.

However, Obama's presidency was also marked by a number of controversies related to race. In 2013, Obama was criticized for his handling of the Trayvon Martin case. Martin was an unarmed black teenager who was shot and killed by a white man in Sanford, Florida. Obama's comments about the case were seen by some as being too sympathetic to Martin's killer.

In 2014, Obama was criticized for his decision to use drones to target terrorists in the Middle East. Some critics argued that Obama's use of drones was killing innocent civilians, including children.

Obama's Legacy and Race

Obama's legacy on race is still being debated. Some argue that Obama's presidency was a turning point in American race relations. They point to the fact that Obama was able to win the presidency twice, and that he appointed a number of African Americans to high-level positions in his administration. Others argue that Obama's presidency did not do enough to address the deep racial divides that continue to exist in the United States. They point to the fact that the racial wealth gap has continued to grow under Obama's presidency, and that the number of African Americans who are incarcerated has also increased.

The debate over Obama's legacy on race is likely to continue for many years to come. However, there is no doubt that Obama's presidency was a watershed moment in the history of race in America.

"Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America" is a timely and important book that explores the complex relationship between Obama's presidency and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States. Sokol's book is a valuable contribution to the literature on race and American politics, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the United States.

The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America

by Michael Eric Dyson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE