“My Family Isn't Racist—However…”: Multiracial/Multicultural Obama-ism as an Ideological Barrier to Teaching Intercultural Communication

We analyzed via critical discourse analysis undergraduate essays from multiple sections of an introductory intercultural communication course to interrogate underlying ideology/ies that influence intercultural communication education. “Multicultural/Multiracial Obama-ism (MMO)” is coined to expose the reconfiguration of multiracial/multicultural Americans as new signifiers of a “post-racial” utopia under the Obama presidency. The dominant ideology of MMO is constructed and reinforced through three central frames: (1) meritocracy: achieving the American dream through hard work; (2) individualism: identity as self-chosen, not born into; and (3) universalism: equality of opportunities despite privilege. We conclude with theoretical and teaching implications of MMO in a “post-racial” society.