Analysis : Racial Priming with Implicit and Explicit Messages
Question : Can explicit appeals that directly invoke race and/or racial stereotypes, for example, effectively activate racial attitudes in white Americans’ political opinions?How did Obama’s presidency, which both heightened the salience of race in political discourse and increased the importance of racial attitudes in Americans’ partisan preferences, affect the media’s ability to prime race-based considerations in mass political evaluations?
Race has been a topic of discussion for centuries. It seems to be a topic that's able to transcend time. In history time and time again, you read and learn about groups of individuals who were racial profiled. These profiles turn into stereotypes that stick to that specific race. It then tries to turn into the normal which is where the movements come into play. The media and technology over the years have definitely increased racial tensions, especially in the 21st century. It’s now a thing where individuals will slide in “shade comments” while discussing groups of people. Instead of going forward, it seems the world is counting going backwards. In politics, race is utilized by the media. Certain headlines and main topics highlight how race plays a role in the division within politics. Old values and teachings being challenged by new century beliefs. These old teachings and values create the separation amongst people. While the new teachings seek to bring everyone together, to show we’re not so different. Former President Obama’s Presidency is a great example. He was the first African American President, who was re-elected again after his first term in office. His presidency alone created waves within the nation, both positive and negative. His presidency was faced with much backlash and much support. He faced many obstacles within dealing with congress but made the best of his situation and proved to the American people that he was the man for the job.
Your post raises some insightful points about the lasting influence of race in American politics, especially as it intersects with media representation. I agree that racial stereotypes have, unfortunately, been normalized through media and technology, making it challenging to move past ingrained biases. The idea of ‘shade comments’ as subtle reinforcements of racial divisions is particularly relevant, as these can often go unnoticed yet still fuel underlying prejudices.
ReplyDeleteObama’s presidency indeed serves as a pivotal example of how race became even more pronounced in political discourse. His time in office both empowered discussions about racial progress and exposed the resistance to such changes, highlighting America’s deep-seated racial divides. It’s interesting to consider how this period might have primed the public to view political issues through a racial lens, especially given the media’s role in amplifying both support and criticism of him based on racial perspectives. Overall, your points reflect how challenging it can be to reconcile older beliefs with a more inclusive vision of society.
Hello. Your post thoughtfully highlights how race stays a central problem in American political discourse, specially all through and after President Obama’s tenure. His presidency undeniably improved the salience of race in politics, prompting each heightened help and backlash. The media performs a critical position in amplifying racial attitudes, frequently thru refined or express cues that top racial considerations. As you noted, these “shade comments” and divisive narratives make contributions to ongoing polarization. However, the conflict between historic values and rising inclusive ideologies suggests a state nonetheless grappling with its identity.
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