This political advertisement parody by African American comedian Chris Rock aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live shortly before Election Day in 2012. Given that, according to Kimmel, Romney was still far ahead among white voters, Chris Rock took the opportunity to present a recorded message specifically targeted at white people. “In times like these you need a white president you can trust,” Rock says, “and that president’s name is Barack Obama.” Rock proceeds to use a variety of facts to “prove” Obama’s whiteness.

discussion

How does Chris Rock establish Obama’s “whiteness”? What criteria does he use?

How does Rock use humor to call into question the value and validity of judging a potential President by skin color?

Does the parody Rock uses invoke particular stereotypes about black and white Americans?