Trash Talk: Anti-Obama Lore and Race in the Twenty-First Century

Racist rumors about Barack Obama reveal the intractability of racism in American politics, as they have occurred in every national election cycle since 2004 and continue to the present day. These rumors circulate and gain currency through internet communications, and new types of lore like the hoax and fake news have taken root. Trash Talk explores how racist tropes circulate and gain currency, demonstrating that the ascendancy of Barack Obama was never a signal of a postracial America.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Rumors, legends, and conspiracy theories surrounding Barack Obama and his family have reached unprecedented levels in US politics. These narratives have persisted throughout every national election cycle since 2004, even two elections after his presidency concluded. Folklorist Patricia A. Turner delves into the evolution of these thought patterns in her book, Trash Talk.

Trash Talk examines how racist tropes circulate and gain currency in the context of attacks on Obama. As internet communications expand, rumors and conspiracy theories have become powerful political tools, leading to the emergence of new types of lore, such as hoaxes and fake news. For years, the mainstream press and political establishment dismissed anti-Obama mythology, only becoming concerned when it became difficult to deny the significant influence these narratives held.

Trash Talk underscores that the rise of Barack Obama did not signal a postracial America. The book highlights the persistence of racist beliefs and attitudes in American society and the challenges faced by individuals who challenge these narratives. It provides a valuable insight into the ongoing struggle against racism in American politics and society.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520389243