How does President Obama approach negative sentiments towards Muslims in his rhetoric? The defining and uniting function of the presidency
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2016-08-15
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en
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This thesis examines the way in which concepts about national identity, especially in the form of national narratives, influence presidential rhetoric concerning the negative portrayal of Muslims. This thesis found that narratives of religion and diversity are useful in presidential rhetoric to unite the nation by reminding them of what is American. Secondly, it found that the stereotyping of Muslims has its roots in international politics. Lastly, it found that Obama creates a narrow Muslim American identity in his speeches, by emphasizing patriotism of Muslims and normalizing Muslim Americans by making Islam in a comprehensible version of religion by emphasizing the similarities with American values.
This thesis examines the way in which concepts about national identity, especially in the form of national narratives, influence presidential rhetoric concerning the negative portrayal of Muslims. This thesis found that narratives of religion and diversity are useful in presidential rhetoric to unite the nation by reminding them of what is American. Secondly, it found that the stereotyping of Muslims has its roots in international politics. Lastly, it found that Obama creates a narrow Muslim American identity in his speeches, by emphasizing patriotism of Muslims and normalizing Muslim Americans by making Islam in a comprehensible version of religion by emphasizing the similarities with American values.
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