Obama's "Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special" at Schema : more than ethnic

Obama's "Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special"

When asked by Oprah to share some of the best "firsts" in their inaugural year as the Presidential family, First Lady Michelle Obama noted that Christmas in the White House as one of her favorites, that she had never visited the White House at Christmas. Oprah also asked President Barrack Obama some great questions about his sagging popularity in the polls, which resulted in some strong statements about staying on course and being accountable for his decisions. Most insightful were the questions about their marriage, how they managed the power dynamic (when they're not playing the role of President and First Lady), and their own challenges finding a rhythm as "overwhelming" personalities.

I thought to myself, thank God, something other than the infidelity of Tiger Woods on TV!

Politically, a great move. It reinforced all the reasons so many people around the world flocked to support the Obama family—they were a real family, real people, who despite their tremendous position seemed approachable, touchable and relatable. At a time where Barrack's work (the real work as opposed to the campaigning, that is) has distanced him from from the American public, this up close and personal, literally on-the-couch conversation humanized this world leader and his family, with impeccable timing. One commenter on YouTube even described it as "magical."

From the press release on Oprah.com:

Oprah Winfrey will usher in the holidays at the White House, visiting President Barack Obama and the first lady as they prepare for their family's first Christmas there, on Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special, airing Sunday, December 13, at 10 p.m. ET on the ABC Television Network.

The intimate, informative and entertaining hour-long special will include a one-on-one conversation with the president, marking the first time Oprah has interviewed him since he took office, as well as an exclusive sit-down interview with the first couple. The special will showcase behind-the-scenes preparations as the White House gets ready for the holiday season.

Yes, a very special "first" for Oprah, but also for TV audiences. This was a defining moment in what I am calling the "Obama media effect", the subsequent ripple effect of a visibly diverse/black U.S. President on North American media. What TV audiences watched was a very casual conversation, between possibly the most powerful woman in media (who so happens to be black), asking the First Lady (also a black woman) how her marriage has changed now that her husband is "the most powerful person in the world" (no need to state the obvious). The non-white power triangle is almost overwhelming. Ironically, if not for the wow-factor, this almost needed a bit more visible diversity. Unlike the general portrayal of black families on TV, this isn't some sit-com centred around a black comedian, this is the White House, America's lighthouse to the world. This should remove any doubt that diversity is mainstream in American.

Media and communications classes will be writing about what significance this 60 minutes may have had on the American imagination, on the perception of black Americans, on the idea of Christmas in America for years to come. What does this say about the state of people of colour in the U.S.?

Oprah and First Lady Michelle Obama talk favorite gifts