Michelle Obama: The demonization of the former first lady of the United States

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

This chapter will provide a qualitative content analysis of comments made on a public news source regarding Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. In addition, this work will examine the accomplishments of Michelle Obama as well as what makes her similar and distinctly different from the current first lady. Although Barack and Michelle Obama are now public citizens, as public national figures over the past eight years, the media still reports on their lives. On May 22, 2017, Yahoo Style writer, Donna Freydkin published the article, "Michelle Obama Is Pink Perfection in an Off-the-Shoulder, $397 Top While Touring Italy" (https://www.yahoo.com/style/michelle-obama-pink-perfection-one-shoulder-397-top-italy-162056338.html). A content analysis reveal unabashedly racist comments regarding the former first lady which are deeply rooted in stereotypically negative media portrayals of African American women. Essentially, these negative comments denigrate the race of Michelle Obama and elevate Whiteness (White Supremacy). Implications regarding the deeply-entrench nature of racism will be discussed.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Racism Past Present and Future Perspectives

First Page

83

Last Page

117

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