Palgrave Pivot

"The Obamas and Mass Media offers a potent argument that the media we create and consume reflect social mores and taboos. This will be an important book, because it matches cogent discussions of theories concerning race and identity, with powerfully representative case studies drawn from highly mediated and contested moments during the Obama administration." - Meta G. Carstarphen, Associate Professor, Graduate Director, Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, USA

"This book is a great contribution to the field. Of particular notice and value are the literature reviews and discussions from a general perspective followed by the case studies. I believe this it should be used in any class that teaches about diversity issues in news and social media. It should also be a 'must read' for news editors across the country." - Federico Subveri, Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent State University, USA

"Coon songs. Black Sambo. Spades, pimps, hoes. The media's depictions of African Americans has, for most of two centuries, been unrelentingly negative, occasionally condescending, and more often, out-right venomous. The Obamas and Mass Media is a systematic chronicle of the ways, subtle and overt, that the various facets and outlets of the national and social media covered the candidacy and presidency of America's first African American president. Dates and Moody-Ramirez have assembled the definitive book on the mass media's often troubling depiction of race in the United States. Readable, profusely documented, insightful, and challenging, the book is both essential and overdue, a fascinating look at a sometimes heart-breaking subject. Highly recommended." - Robert Darden, Associate Professor, Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media, Baylor University, USA, author of People Get Ready: A New History of Black Gospel Music