President. Period.
at 1:02pm on Wednesday, 16th January 2008
Is there a reason why every single article I read on BBC News that mentions Barack Obama, says that he 'aims to become the first black US president'?
Two points:
Surely Obama is aiming to become President, rather than a black President. Did he ever have an alternative option of aiming to be a white President?
Beyond grammar, I wonder whether this also highlights how he is viewed in the media as an 'other'. The BBC don't seem to feel it neccessary to highlight that Clinton will be the first female president every time they write about her, yet we keep being told that Barack will be a black President, which I think sends out a subtle reinforcing message that his blackness a) seperates him from other candidates (and voters) b) means he should be judged differently and c) is his most important characteristic. The effect of which is say Barack is different, different, different - from you. Admittedly, probably of little impact considering the Beebs largely UK audience but still an arguably interesting example.
Two points:
Surely Obama is aiming to become President, rather than a black President. Did he ever have an alternative option of aiming to be a white President?
Beyond grammar, I wonder whether this also highlights how he is viewed in the media as an 'other'. The BBC don't seem to feel it neccessary to highlight that Clinton will be the first female president every time they write about her, yet we keep being told that Barack will be a black President, which I think sends out a subtle reinforcing message that his blackness a) seperates him from other candidates (and voters) b) means he should be judged differently and c) is his most important characteristic. The effect of which is say Barack is different, different, different - from you. Admittedly, probably of little impact considering the Beebs largely UK audience but still an arguably interesting example.
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