About the book
Political analysts and journalists often draw analogies between John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic Irish president, and Barack Obama, the first African American president. Their election to the nation's highest office was historic, but for reasons not fully appreciated. In John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance, Robert C. Smith provides a fascinating comparison of the challenges both men faced in their bid for the presidency, while at the same time providing comparative histories of the Catholic Irish and African American struggles to overcome racial and religious subordination in America. Kennedy's Catholicism was an explicit issue in the 1960 election, and once elected he was extremely careful to avoid appearing either \"too Irish\" or \"too Catholic.\" While Obama's race was not an explicit issue in the 2008 election, he was just as careful to avoid appearing \"too black.\" Paradoxically religion—thanks to rumors and lies about whether Obama was a Muslim—became a substitute for race, allowing Republican strategists to \"otherize\" Obama by raising the issue of religion in the context of national security and terrorism.
Editions of John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438445595
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438445601
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438445618
Read an Excerpt
Political analysts and journalists often draw analogies between John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic Irish president, and Barack Obama, the first African American president. Their election to the nation's highest office was historic, but for reasons not fully appreciated. In John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance, Robert C. Smith provides a fascinating comparison of the challenges both men faced in their bid for the presidency, while at the same time providing comparative histories of the Catholic Irish and African American struggles to overcome racial and religious subordination in America. Kennedy's Catholicism was an explicit issue in the 1960 election, and once elected he was extremely careful to avoid appearing either \"too Irish\" or \"too Catholic.\" While Obama's race was not an explicit issue in the 2008 election, he was just as careful to avoid appearing \"too black.\" Paradoxically religion—thanks to rumors and lies about whether Obama was a Muslim—became a substitute for race, allowing Republican strategists to \"otherize\" Obama by raising the issue of religion in the context of national security and terrorism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance about?
Political analysts and journalists often draw analogies between John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic Irish president, and Barack Obama, the first African American president. Their election to the nation's highest office was historic, but for reasons not fully appreciated. In John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance, Robert C. Smith provides a fascinating comparison of the challenges both men faced in their bid for the presidency, while at the same time providing comparative histories of the Catholic Irish and African American struggles to overcome racial and religious subordination in America. Kennedy's Catholicism was an explicit issue in the 1960 election, and once elected he was extremely careful to avoid appearing either \"too Irish\" or \"too Catholic.\" While Obama's race was not an explicit issue in the 2008 election, he was just as careful to avoid appearing \"too black.\" Paradoxically religion—thanks to rumors and lies about whether Obama was a Muslim—became a substitute for race, allowing Republican strategists to \"otherize\" Obama by raising the issue of religion in the context of national security and terrorism.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political activism / Political engagement > Political campaigning and advertising
Where can I read a sample of John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438445595
How long is John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance and how many pages does it have?
John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance has 266 page(s)
Is John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in African American Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance?
Robert C. Smith
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438445595) and paperback(ISBN 9781438445601) and pdf(ISBN 9781438445618)
Where can I buy John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance from below
Where can I buy John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Politics of Ethnic Incorporation and Avoidance?