Why Do We White People Dislike Michelle Obama?
In the latest NY Times/CBS News poll, I think one number has been over looked. Michelle Obama has a stunningly low approval rating with white people. Only 24% of white Americans have a favorable view of her.
That's George Bush-like numbers. That's almost in Dick Cheney territory. I don't get it. What did she ever do to anybody?
She seems like an exemplary wife and mother. She is a hard working and accomplished American. What is it about her that is so off-putting to white Americans? I am sincerely puzzled.
I have a terrible answer. It's an answer I can't quite believe is true -- and I don't want to believe is true. But I don't see a reasonable alternative explanation. Racism.
I hope I'm wrong. But I can't see what else it could be. What in the world is wrong with her? Absolutely nothing. Strong, smart, likeable, caring. Maybe she's too strong. I am sure there are people out there who want women who are less vocal. This might be the same crowd who hated Hillary Clinton.
And, of course, there are a variety of factors that go into any phenomenon like this. There are also the people who are offended by her out of context comments on how this is the first time she's proud of her country. That seems to make people really mad. Though they didn't seem that angered when John McCain made very similar comments.
Do we honestly believe that most Americans would question Cindy McCain's patriotism if she said the same exact thing as Michelle Obama? I think no one would have even noticed it. You can't question Cindy McCain's patriotism -- she's white, blond and has blue eyes. Obviously, she's a patriotic American. If you think that doesn't make a difference in people's perception, you're crazy or not being honest with yourself.
By the way, Barack Obama didn't do that much better with white folks, which is also disconcerting. He only had a 30% approval rating. But I get that. He's running for president and there are many things you can legitimately like or dislike about any candidate. And it's perfectly reasonable to believe that approval rating is connected to his stance on the issues. But candidates' wives tend to do better than the candidate. They don't have as much political baggage and it's hard to say you don't like someone's wife for what appears to be no apparent reason. I haven't seen the last numbers on it, but I'd be surprised if Laura Bush isn't doubling her husband in popularity.
Even if you were to grant all of the arguments against Michelle, it still wouldn't explain a popularity rating in line with George W. Bush. How could she be less popular than the most unpopular president in US history? That doesn't make any sense.
I think America needs to look in the mirror and figure out what its problem is. I honestly can't see anything wrong with Michelle Obama. Some might consider me biased, but I'm trying to look at this thing objectively. I understood why Hillary Clinton's ambition rubbed people the wrong way (even if I didn't agree with that sentiment). I understood why some didn't like Teresa Heinz Kerry, because she was eccentric, hard-charging and had an accent. None of these reasons are legitimate, but I get them. With Michelle Obama, there is so little to legitimately, or illegitimately, dislike. That's why I'm left with the main explanation of race.
We need to try to come to terms with the prejudice that I think is lurking beneath the surface. I'm not sure people even recognize that they dislike Michelle Obama. I think it's something more instinctual than rational. That instinct is what we need to explore. Because I don't think this is her problem, I think it's our problem. To paraphrase George Costanza, it's not her, it's us.
IMPORTANT UPDATE -- As a number of you have pointed out in the comments below, the way The New York Times framed this poll was very misleading. They left out the number of people who said they were "Undecided" (17%) or "Haven't Heard Enough" (38%) about Michelle Obama. That makes a world of difference. Even the writer of the story has now acknowledged this error.
But it's also my bad, I should have looked into it further because the 24% approval rating is far too low for it to make any sense, hence, my bewilderment in the post above. It turns out there is no good reason to dislike this lovely woman as much as people genuinely dislike George W. Bush. Finally, this mitigates but does not vitiate my race point. I am relieved to see it's not as bad as I was worried about based on the misleading number, but it is certainly still something to keep an eye out for.
Follow Cenk Uygur on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheYoungTurks
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I am so deeply impressed with Michelle Obama, but when I first saw Michelle, I thought uh oh, there are going to be some people who won't want to accept this. Michelle's face has a flatter plane and there is something about the way her face and features come together that is distinctly of a certain type of African American face. I love her face. I'm trying to give insight here. I think that perhaps, without realizing that they are experiencing a prejudice, that some people have an acquired societal prejudice. The reason that I mention this----and the only reason that I mention this----is that I think that if people could bring that thought to the surface and connect it with that vague uncomfortable feeling that many people seem to experience about her, many would reject it when they recognized it's source. Lincoln once said that he did not believe that it would be possible for anyone living in America to be truly free of racial prejudice because it is built into the fabric of our culture. I ran a search for MO on Google Images and the 2nd or 3rd page had a mash up labeled MO is an ape and the features I refer to had been emphasized. We've come a long way, but there are still subliminal tribal messages. It is unprofitable to feel anger toward people who have been acculturated in ways that don't work, but it can be useful to become aware.
I am a white female in my 40s. I think MO is amazing, and I can't imagine how anyone would dislike her. What's not to like? She's strong, dedicated, a great mom, and she represents the American dream very well. She is the epitome of taking responsibility and making something of yourself. I hope she isn't forced to change to accomodate these poll numbers - she is great the way she is.
I am a Black woman who loves and respects Michelle Obama.because she is not plastic or superficial. Black women experience racism; White women sexism. Let's take a look at recent history. In 1968 the late Senator Daniel Paytrick Moynihan wrote his famous "Moynihan Report", blaming single head-of-household Black women on welfare for the rise in crime and delinquency. This was a most opportune time for him to attack RACISM and the fact that Black men could not find jobs to support their families. Then, when poverty hit White women in the early 80's the phenomenon of the "feminization of poverty" became a national movement. White women became the "nouveau unlike Black women, they were not classified as "welfare queens". Rather, they were termed more gently, "displaced homemakers". They "were not vilified in the press, and even the Boston Globe wrote a series of articles on their plight of poverty and abandonment . During the affirmative action days of the 70's and 80's, Black women were running away from domestic/unskilled labor to the bright lights of clerical jobs, While White women were fleeing from these "pink collar ghetto" jobs, preferring to be managers. So, it came down to Black women desiring ACCESS, and white women, desiring. to change their ROLE in the institution. How many Black executive secretaries did you see on television in the lates 70's? One--the late Emmy-award winner Gail Fisher. For Michelle-bashers, my suggestion is listen and really "hear" what she's saying.
I am sure more Ms. McCain would poll much less favorably--among all races.
One word: RACISM. Don't be afraid to say it, because fear is part of it. There is no sense in refusing to admit it. One could try to soft pedal it by touting something PC like "unfamiliarity", but that is just patently dishonest. Call it what it is and be man or woman enough to face it. Remove fear, ignorance and hatred and racism goes the way of the dinosaur. The sooner the better. Michelle Obama is no one to be afraid of. I surmise she would be someone any reasonable person would be proud to have as a friend.
BEHusseinM777
America has a bit of a reality check coming up. We like to think we have gotten past racial stereotypes and animosities yet a longstanding enmity lingers and imbues our society in more subtle ways. This is why I feel very uneasy (if optimistic) about Obama's elective prospects.
It would be folly to suggest that anyone who criticizes the Obamas on substantive issues is racist. The Obama candidacy is a Big change for this country and has occurred before that of a white woman. Only during the past couple decades have blacks risen to high visibility positions in government other than through representation, i.e. Colin Powell, Candolezza Rice.
Thus I wonder if some of this criticism or disfavor with Michelle Obama isn't manifestation of anxiety in the general populace trying to find some "acceptable" manner in which to express itself - the "first time" comment , a fist bump or any number of basically mickey mouse nitpicks obscuring the hidden reason for disfavor suggested in Mr. Uygur's article. I worry that there is an undercurrent "backlash" (title of a great Freddie Hubbard album, by the way) simmering that is, for lack of a more studious take, uneasiness with the notion of a clearly superior, thoughtful and well-educated black first family.
One hopes this take comprises merely a minute segment of the electorate and that, collectively, we are able to see past all of the smoke screens that will be trotted out to fan this kind of invidious fire.
I'm white and I like Michelle. Alot.
If repubs need to attack Michelle, why don't they attack on O's policy issues .. why are they attacking her personnally?
This personal attack of her makes perfectly clear, Republicans are a desparate and a dissipating brand!
Surely, Cindy is no "saint"!!
When going to school for my Bachelors, I took a Psychology of Women class and one statement that was made, was that white women were intimidated by black women. It makes sense, especially when you have one that may not have started at the same level "white privilege" and everything that goes with it, but ends up on the same level or better. It's the same thing as what they think as "uppity". When in fact, all we want is for people to accept us as we are. I don't know how I would have felt being a freshman in college and my white roommate asks for another room because I'm black. How would you respond if the shoe was on the other foot? I smell racism, jealousy, envy, and a host of other things. It was OK when we were nursing your babies, cleaning your houses, cooking your food and being raped by your men. Sorry, those days are over and you have plenty of black women like Michelle. Get over it. We are not going away anytime soon. We have virtuous black women in our communities too!
You are so right. That it why the media will discuss what Senator Obama has to do to bridge the racial divide, but not ask the same question of Senator McCain.
This is why people make asinine statements like Senator Obama is "acting white" as if somehow aspiring to excellence is somehow the province of a single race or ethnic group.
Mrs. Obama is an intelligent, attractive, dedicated wife and mother--a woman who is successful in her own right. I'm surprised that all of these "so called" feminists are not speaking our on her behalf.
georgianna is soooooo right.................the thing that amazes me is mrs obama is an educated women, and stands in the same frame as hillary....i wud think the hillary crowd wud flock to her.....me???
i think she is like my wife....and i love my wife...........
Their old school racists!! We joined them as women, they pretended the cause included AA's .. we've known better! They burned their bras ... we were told to leave our's on or suffer references of unattractive name-calling!!
This historical election with it's MSM identity politics has actually revealed, caused much to come out from hiding ... I now know many United States where I will never vacation!
Sorry, personally I think SEXISM is in play more than racism.
Women are not supposed to have stong personas like Michelle. Personally, I love strong women, I'm marrying one. But I know a LOT of men AND WOMEN that have a HUGE problem with women being as strong and tough as Michelle.
You're right. But there was or is Catherine the Great, Queen Victoria, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Ghandi, Golda Meir, Benazir Bhutto, Aung San Suu Kyi, Oprah, my wife and your's to be. A strong woman never done anybody no harm (if their intentions are good - I wouldn't wish one advocating that we plunder Constantinople). Good luck!
Your screen name might be original, but your thought is not--it is mine as well.
I agree that SEXISM likely plays a bigger role in the public's attitude toward Michelle Obama than does racism, although racism cannot be discounted. This country apparently does not like strong women who are successful in their own right. Witness Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. Contrast that with Cindy McCain and Laura Bush. I am not putting down Cindy or Laura. I think they are quite remarkable in their own right, but they have made a career out of not appearing "too out there." They "know their place." America likes this in their women and some Americans especially want an "uppity black woman" to know her place. They really do want women to stay home and bake cookies or borrow/steal cookies recipes.
It is going to be so exciting and such a teaching moment to have Michelle Obama as First Lady. I can't wait.
Lastly, a week ago a fellow who lives in Davie, Fl where Confederate Sons roam freely with flags bigger than their black trucks and houses, came to my house to do some work. The midtown still has the rodeo and cowboys with chaps, the whole shebang. It needs no makeover to film a Western. The middle-aged man said he can't vote for McCain because he thinks that he is Bush 3 and his business is suffering. He has only 1 employee out of 7 he had before and his trucks cost him more than $100 every 2 days, just to fill up. So he asked me who I was voting for and I said Obama, of course. He laughed and said what d' ya mean of course. After meeting Barack and almost 2 years contributing, of course. The man said "This Obamas [sic] guy is a really well- spoken black man though. This time anybody but Bush 3. My only problem is that his wife looks like she runs that family!" As a black woman I had to continue the discussion, you know. But guess what, times are a changing.
The black headband when the hair is not styled - normal woman.
The gesticulation which reminds me of a rapper trying to get a point across seems a little too harsh for First Lady. I can't imagine Laura or Cindy saying "Let me tell you something" and the right arm goes up and starts making the point - possibly a lawyer.
The wide-stance walking. Obviously she did not go to Mrs. Manners school around the corner. The parents scraped together what they could and invested in academia instead - most normal parents.
Probably some just can't imagine her curtsying like Carla Bruni. It,s a European thing. Not even Venus does it at Wimbledon anymore - normal American woman, who is going to vote and didn't attend Mrs. Manner's school.
One Hillraiser even went on to say that she did not like Barack - "I just don't like him", and referring to Michele " She seems to have a hard edge to her." This one seems pointless. She just can't believe that her white girl with the neglectful/wandering husband problem and who was being invested in all these years, did not run a good campaign and snag the nominatiion. Normal - sometimes s!#t happens.
A 'hard edge'? Isn't that what made the former female candidate so appealing to so many of these people? I guess they have no idea what they like.
I can't understand why so many white people dislike like Michelle. I do believe that jealousy and racism has something to do with it.
What has this woman done to become so disliked? I really want to know. So she said what she said in her speach about being proud of her country. So what! In my 45yrs on this planet, I can count on one hand how many times I have been "proud" of this country. So she said this country is mean. Surprise....... this country can be and has been mean.
The hypocricy is astounding. So republicans put up a video w/people expressing their love for this country. Question. Can you love something and yet have times when you are not necessarily proud of it?
I understand what Mrs. Obama is saying and what she means. The way that she is being betrayed and attacked is pretty much proving her point and justifying her feelings. How could u be proud or have love for a country where the race card is played in a polical race by a bunch of white politicians against the black spouse of the front runner. How can u be proud of a country when over 4K young people h/been killed in a war for revenge instead of WMD. How can u be proud of a country where people are pitted against each other for gain.
If people prefer drug stealing Cindy, what does that say about this country?
I think a lot of white people lost respect for her when she proclaimed "...for the first time in my life, I'm proud to be an American." That statement got under the skin of a lot of white folks, including me, who feel that she slandered our great nation which has spent trillions of dollars overseas to help third world countries.
Whether you're unhappy with the current economy, the war in Iraq, or the Bush administration, you should be proud to live in a free country where the government doesn't limit your liberties by regulating your life.
The quote was taken out of context, repeated every ten seconds by faux news and circulated on youtube with the added benefit of eerie music and sad images to the point that it was no longer just a report on what could be interpreted as a campaign event gaffe, but an assault on the woman. I watched her give that speech and saw absolutely NOTHING WRONG with the quote when taken in the context of the speech. The only reason I would refer to it as a gaffe is simply because it has provided ammunition for the right wing nuts, that would be able to take it out context.
As the blog reads, similar quotes made by John McCain were not taken out of context, and hammered home by faux news
With this full blown assault on Michelle Obama's character, I'm surprised that her favorablity ratings have managed to stay above single digits.
I find it appalling that this false news organization has managed to do this with out more fire from the real news media!
I loved Laura Bush, but still I can't wait for our next great first lady, Michelle Obama!!!
How was it taken out of context?
FISA what?
Again, as Michelle Obama explained, it was taken out of context. She recently explained that she meant that she was "really proud"of all the young people and others getting involved in American politics for the "first time." She admitted that she could have done a better job of expressing it. The comment is also frequently misquoted, leaving out the word "really" as pointed out below.
In politics, you can never expect people to know what you MEANT! We have to go by what was said. She needs to choose her words more carefully and I think that is a lesson she has learned.
The quote is accurate. She said "really" at the SECOND speech that day. The first speech she did NOT say really. We know it, you know it. Let go. You can't convince people of a lie no matter how many times you repeat it.
What does trillions of dollars spent overseas have to do with anything? To begin with the United States and the third world share a very different relation than the one you describe. No trillions of dollars have been spent on any "third world" country or countries. As for you last sentence, it simply makes no sense. It is precisely the deregulation syndrome that has this country in all the trouble it is in.
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