“My Family Isn't Racist—However…”: Multiracial/Multicultural Obama-ism as an Ideological Barrier to Teaching Intercultural Communication

Abstract

We analyzed via critical discourse analysis undergraduate essays from multiple sections of an introductory intercultural communication course to interrogate underlying ideology/ies that influence intercultural communication education. “Multicultural/Multiracial Obama-ism (MMO)” is coined to expose the reconfiguration of multiracial/multicultural Americans as new signifiers of a “post-racial” utopia under the Obama presidency. The dominant ideology of MMO is constructed and reinforced through three central frames: (1) meritocracy: achieving the American dream through hard work; (2) individualism: identity as self-chosen, not born into; and (3) universalism: equality of opportunities despite privilege. We conclude with theoretical and teaching implications of MMO in a “post-racial” society.

Keywords:

• Intercultural Communication Pedagogy
• Post-Racial Ideology
• Whiteness
• Cultural Identities
• Critical Discourse Analysis