Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 2

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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200

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History

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May 15, 2024

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1 DRAFT SUBMISSION Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 2 Steffe Lasley HIS 200-J6277 SNHU August 6. 2023

2 DRAFT SUBMISSION Cause The underlying factors that led to Barack Obama becoming the first African American president and his family becoming the first African American first family were being positive role models, family values, and stability. Barack and Michelle Obama were robust role models for people of all backgrounds, highlighting the importance of education, hard work, and family values. Their success and commitment to public service inspired many American especially African American individuals and families. Michael A Fletcher states in his article, “The First Family in Focus,” “For many Americans, families like the Obamas are all but unseen outside of television or the movies. However, for many African Americans, the Obamas are familiar and offer validation of their own experience, making them a source of great pride” (Fletcher,2016). This section emphasizes the concentrating experience of the different groups of Americans when it comes to families like Obama to critical aspects of the lack of visibility and the representation of families like the Obamas in mainstream America. The Obamas displayed a solid and supportive family structure, emphasizing the importance of family bonds, primarily through their public appearance and interactions. Their commitment to one another and their daughters presented a positive image of African American family life, contributing to the debunking of negative stereotypes. Fletcher's article also states, “There is an entire generation that will grow up taking for granted that an African American fills the highest office in the land,” Obama said in the days before taking the oath of office in 2009. “I mean, that is a radical thing. It changes how black children look at themselves. It also changes how white children look at black children. And I would not underestimate the force of that” (Fletcher,2012). This section illustrates how Obama acknowledges the profound impact of his

3 DRAFT SUBMISSION presidency on the future generation, particularly in terms of how it shapes the perception and self-images of black and white children. While there were no immediate causes that led to these, one main factor that contributed to this significant shift was personal narratives. The Obama family's openness in sharing their narratives played a crucial role. Their story of unity, love, and commitment challenged stereotypes of broken families or absent fathers often associated with African American households. By being authentic and relatable, they became a source of inspiration of pride for many. Fletcher states, “Even as they are widely admired, the first couple have been candid about their struggles with the pressures of marriage and parental responsibility. More than once, Michelle Obama has said the demands of her husband’s political career have taken him out of the daily decision-making that comes with parenthood. She aired a complaint, and her husband acknowledged it, long before they rose to prominence and moved into the White House” (Fletcher, 2012). This exemplifies how Obamas was open about their marriage and parental responsibility. Course The narrative of the Obama family's presence in the white house is a powerful story. The vital participant was the Obama family. They significantly challenge stereotypes, reshape perceptions, and emphasize the significance of diverse familial units. As the first African American president of the United States, Barack Obama’s election itself was a groundbreaking moment. His presence in the white house challenged long stereotypes about African Americans' capabilities and leadership. By occupying the highest office in the country, he defied conventional expectations and shattered racial barriers. Khalil Gibran Muhammad states in his article, “ NO Racial Barriers Left to Break ( Except All of

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