The recent hoopla over the Barack Obama’s minister’s comments provides another great example of how the media can set the agenda for the public and shape the image of a figure for the American public. Obama’s minister, Jeremiah Wright has come under fire for being racist and a Black Supremacist. When Obama has been questioned about his minister it has been under the premise that his minister is assumed to be racist and how does Obama feel about following this minister. Rather than allowing the public to make the decision for themselves the media shapes the argument into what they deem is the best story.
I decided to investigate the controversy for myself and watched the video that has been aired on several networks. After watching the video I have not only dismissed the media’s assertions of the minister but also grown to appreciate the message he preaches to his congregation. This is a congregation of largely African-Americans that have a different background and view of America than many of the people in the media. What is interesting is the distinction that the minister makes between Obama and Clinton. I cannot find one line in this speech that I disagree with or find untruthful.
However because of the hoopla that the media has ignited, Obama’s minister has resigned from his campaign. Obama is also slated to give a speech tomorrow, in which he will address the context of Wright’s messages to his congregation and also the issue of race in politics. Through this speech Obama can clarify the cloud of smoke caused by this controversy and also once again use his rhetorical skills to reach his audience on an interpersonal level.