Case Study

MEDIA COVERAGE OF BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA’S RELATIONSHIP: AFRICAN AMERICAN PERCEPTIONS OF BLACK LOVE IN THE MEDIA

By Tsitsi Mercy Chikowore

A thesis submitted to The Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Communication Baltimore, MD August 2009

© 2009 Tsitsi Mercy Chikowore All Rights Reserved

Media Coverage of the Obamas’ Relationship

Abstract With the first African American U.S. president in office, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have experienced a wealth of media attention since he started his campaign. In this study, two focus groups were conducted to explore whether this media attention on the Obamas’ relationship influenced African American perspectives about Black love and, if so, what are the implications of that attention? Black love in this study is defined as a heterosexual relationship between an African American male and female. Focus group participants included 16 AfricanAmerican males and females who all expressed their views and opinions about the Obamas as a couple. Participants described the Obamas as a genuine team, and also highlighted the couple’s individual qualities that made them appealing to the media. Other African American couples in the media were discussed but lacked the perceived influence demonstrated in Barack and Michelle Obama’s relationship. Participants demonstrated various emotions, ranging from laughter to tears, as they explored issues of interest in the African American community including racism in the media, single-parent households, and the increasing lack of marriage among African Americans. The study also demonstrated gender differences; a sense of detachment and the third-person effect were evident in male participant responses, whereas female responses were more emotional and empathetic.

Readers: Paula Weissman, M.A. Crystal L. Keels, Ph.D. Jane Twomey, Ph.D.

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Media Coverage of the Obamas’ Relationship

Preface Acknowledgments...