Exploring Afrocentricity: An Analysis of the Discourse of Barack Obama

Abstract

President Barack Obama is widely recognized as a talented public speaker, and his historical election has generated much discussion about his rhetoric.

Barack Obama's Identity Construction and International Media Representations During The 2008 Presidential Election

“…The evidence for this is overwhelming. Results from the data analysis point to frames which fit into the basic elements of Afrocentrism as outlined by previous scholars (Asante, 1998(Asante, , 2002Stewart, 2011): community, togetherness (or collectivism), balance, harmony, African roots, his belief in "collective responsibility" both locally and in the "international community" (Naaf, 2008). Out of all the Afrocentric frames presented in Chapter IV, the theme of communalism was one of two frames that were seen in all three textual artifacts:…”

“…(Kelley, 2004, p. 2) When examining Afrocentric discourse from a framing perspective, quotes directly taken or refracted from the speaker are important in revealing the centralization of certain aspects of an issue, event or personality. Afrocentric discourse projects a person's ethnic roots through narratives on that person's background and parental lineage (Asante, 1988;Schilles, 1998;Stewart, 2011). To cite another example, during Obama's address at the convention, he said: "My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya.…”

“…The next example of the Africanity and African values of community frame can be found in Obama's "A More Perfect Union" speech. In general, several Afrocentric studies have validated the idea that most African societies are based on a collectivist culture associated with a spirit of togetherness and unity (Asante, 1998(Asante, , 2002Badejo, 1992;Stewart 2011). According to Asante (1998), nothing is more beautiful in African societies than "the ecstasy that occurs when a group of people have got on the same road to harmony…that is a true manifestation of spirituality, the true materiality of life which can only be determined when the person joins in the collective expression of power" (p.…”

“…To be specific, the Afrocentric element of Obama's speech announcing his candidacy for president centered on his call for unity and inclusiveness. Afrocentricity is widely viewed as discourse that pays attention to togetherness and community (Asante, 1998(Asante, , 2002Stewart, 2011). In his announcement of his candidacy for the presidency, And that is why, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln once called on a divided house to stand together; where common hopes and common dreams still…I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States.…”

“…After reporting the loss of his baggage to an airport official, the lady asked "You wouldn't be related to Dr. Obama, by any chance?" (Obama, 1995, p. 305 (Obama, 1995, p. 305) The major result of this experience is that it gave Obama the experience of Afrocentricity which embraces the philosophy of African cultural and identity completeness (Asante, 1998;Gikandi, 2011;Stewart, 2011). Within the context of framing, certain keywords words cannot be underestimated: "firmness", "identity", "comfort" all point to the recognition and validation of an authentic black cultural experience.…”