The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson

The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson is an interesting look at the election of Barack Obama and the implications of what is regarded as America’s first black president. Author and political commentator Dyson examines the historic nature of Obama’s presidency while exploring the role Obama played in creating a new era of politics in the U.S. and how his election challenged the idea of what it means to be a black politician in American society.

The book begins by noting the history of the black struggle in America and Dyson sums up much of the prior history of African-American identity in America and how it has been presented in the public domain. This includes noting the constrained pictures of African-Americans that were presented in the media and how Obama, with his intelligent, articulate, and well-spoken approach, challenged that perception. Dyson notes that this shift in the perception of African-Americans was a cornerstone of Obama’s political success; his campaign captured the attention of many African-Americans and through his image, he was able to bridge the gap between black and white Americans.

Dyson also discusses the tension that was faced by Obama in office, noting how he was praised and demonized by both black and white America. He notes how Obama faced a considerable amount of scrutiny and raised expectations of his success were sky high. With the expectations arising from his presidency being so high, Obama was placed in a tight spot. He had to be careful in how he addressed issues of race as anything he said would spark a great deal of debate and reflect on the opinion of parts of the population who had seen him as a savior. Dyson note that this led to a tension between Obama and the black community, as many hoped for him to act in a way that would promote black culture and defend the interests of African-Americans.

The book then looks at the legacy of Obama and the diversity of his legacy during his two terms in office. Dyson discusses the leap that was made during Obama’s time in office, noting the changes in the political landscape during his presidency and the role he played in this. Dyson also examines the way Obama responded to the controversies that surrounded his time as president, dissecting the balance that Obama had to achieve when dealing with issues of race.

To sum up, The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America offers a fascinating look at the implications of Obama’s election and his handling of issues of race while in office. Author Michael Eric Dyson delves deep into the nuances of Obama’s term and sheds light on the shifting dynamics of race in America during Obama’s presidency. Whether you’re interested in Obama specifically or in the broader issues of race in America, this book is well worth your time.