Michelle Obama: Exploring the Narrative (Narrative Criticism)Narrative Criticism:
WhenMichelle Obama was first introduced to the American public
in 2008, shewas depicted in themedia as an unpatriotic, stereotypical,
angry Black woman. Today, she is more popular than
the president. This study examines the narrative about Michelle
Obama created by the first lady and the White House through
YouTube videos uploaded in an attempt to redefine her in ways
that are more acceptable to the public. The authors examine that
narrative in videos posted by the White House, mainstream news
and entertainment outlets, and allied organizations, with a focus
on the intersectionality of gender, race and class in her story. The
findings indicate that Obama’s story reflects a neoliberal narrative
framed by two themes: (a) the American Dream is achievable
through education, hard work, and perseverance; and (b) motherhood
and family are primary. Within this neoliberal narrative,
racism and poverty are obstacles to be overcome through making
the right choices, and gender is viewed through the narrow lens
of motherhood rather than gendered inequalities. This narrative is
both shaped and constrained by Obama’s race, class background,
and gender, aswell as the goal of creating a more acceptable public
persona.