I think that part of the reason why Obama's speech really touched people is the same reason why many people found Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker so funny. Follow me after the break:
One of the hallmarks of good comedy is tapping into truths or beliefs that people feel but don't get expressed. In Chris Rock's 1999 HBO standup special, he brought up some things about race in America that I found similar to what Obama brought up in his address this week. If you've seen it, this is the one where he references Ricky Martin's "Living the vida loca" throughout the routine, and brings up dad always getting the big piece of chicken at dinner.
Here are some examples where he brings up the same themes:
Rock goes into how everyone cries charges of racism: (the quotes aren't exact, I'm just remembering them)
Black people yelling about racism. White people yelling about reverse racism. Chinese people yelling about sideways racism.
Rock touches the anger of African Americans whe lived in and experienced Jim Crow:
You know who are the most racist people? Old black men. That's right. Old Willie on your job hates your guts. Oh he's real nice to your face, because he doesn't want to mess with his money, but when you leave, it's "Cracker ass cracker!"
Chris Rock then explains why Willie's so bitter.
He didn't have to deal with not getting picked up by a cab. He was the cab. A white man jumped on his back. "Left n*****! Left!'"
Rock also addresses the white resentment brought up by Obama.
I keep hearing white people say, "We're losing the country man, we're fucking losing. Affirmative action, illegal aliens..." If ya'll are losing, who's winning? It ain't us!"
And at another point:
Look, it's great to be white in America. Look, no white person in this room would trade places with me. And I'm rich! There's a one legged white janitor in the back going, "Nah, I'm just gonna ride this white thing out. See where it takes me." Because when you're white the sky's the limit, when you're black the limit is the sky!
Rock goes into the Civil Rights generation of African American leaders, and how they are perceived in America today.
We need some new black leaders. Who do we have, Jesse? Jesse is alright. Al Sharpton, he's alright. If the police beat you up you can call Al. Remember when Jesse got those hostages? He went over to Iraq, told Saddam, 'you really want to piss America off? Give the hostages to me.' So we need some new black leaders. You know who I think should be the new black leader? Coach Pat Riley. He may not get you to the promised land, but at least he'll get you to the playoffs.
Obviously you are doing two different things when you write comedy and you write an address to the American people. But I think similar themes were tapped into by both of them, as unlikely as it seems.