Be Your Own First Lady
The position of first lady has always fascinated me. The opportunity to champion non-controversial causes, raise money for worthy charities and visit with dignitaries at events is appealing. It's a role that I have envisioned myself in; if I am honest about one of my daydreams. The problem, being first lady is inextricably linked to being married to a sitting mayor, governor, or president. Considering the ups and downs in politics the calculation is too risky for my palate. I would not want my position in life to depend solely upon my relationship with a man. To be first lady is a dream for many young women. Aspiring to be like First Lady Michelle Obama has made it more of a reality. Michelle Obama is married to the leader of the free world, but it is her intelligence, style and elegance that make her the subject of admiration. Mrs. Obama is well rounded; she has her own challenges and accomplishments. Michelle Obama is a tangible role model who has the power to inspire women throughout the world to become the "first lady" in their own lives.
A year ago Michelle Obama's detractor's attempted to pigeon hole her into the caricature of "the angry black woman". Today, she is an American icon who is admired around the world. Her image as an educated, athletic, fashion forward, feminine woman is very different from the stereotypical images of U.S black women that are often exported. Mrs. Obama's persona is not like the guests that often appear on the Maury Povich Show. Michelle Obama is the new face of the black American woman and the world has noticed. The international attention that Mrs. Obama has captured is exciting. In her own way she has helped to restore some of America's soft power, which was diminished by the previous administration. A female African American friend of mine recently vacationed in Asia. She reported that she was often referred to there as "Lady Obama". Mrs. Obama has proven to be an excellent role model for women around the world. Particularly, women of color who are discriminated against because of their dark skin and coarse hair.
The universal elevation of Michelle Obama has helped women to see themselves in her and to recognize their own strength and potential. John Blake of CNN.com recently wrote about Mrs. Obama's international appeal in an article called "Why Michelle Obama inspires women around the globe." Blake talked about the new message that impoverished Indian women are receiving due to the positive attention that Michelle Obama has gotten. The women referenced in the article are considered unattractive because of their dark skin and hair, and are "cursed" if they only have daughters. In Michelle Obama they see a woman who has dark skin and coarse hair but is praised for her style and beauty. "She walks next to her husband in public, not behind. And she has two daughters. But no one calls her cursed. They call her Michelle Obama, the first lady." By all indications Mrs. Obama feels blessed, not cursed by her two daughters, Sasha and Malia. She has spoken of many projects that she intends to pursue during her tenure in the White House, but she has said that her top priority is to be "Mom-in-Chief".
It is the "Mom-in-Chief" demeanor of our first lady that has created a demand for her trademark hugs. Michelle Obama's most enviable quality is the magnetic energy that she creates when she walks into a room. She has shown that reaching out to others is important by being inclusive and personally welcoming visitors into the White House. In short order, the Obama's have brought a youthful, sociable and yes, fashionable presence to Washington D.C. Author Jane Stanton Hitchcock states it best in May's Vogue by saying that "Michelle Obama is proving there is nothing wrong- in fact there is something right about being youthful, chic and serious." Yes, it is possible to enjoy the parties, and also be passionate about the substantive issues of life.
We cannot all attend state dinners or have tea with the Queen, but there are many aspects of Mrs. Obama's first lady life that all women can be inspired by and emulate.
Follow Chelsea-Lyn Rudder on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChelseaLynR
Sarah Haskins: Target Women: Obama Arms
The first one hundred days of Barack Obama's administration have come and gone and America is excited: we've got stimulus! We've got a puppy! But there's STILL one thing all American women want: Michelle Obama's super buff guns.
Taylor Marsh: Obama in Cairo: Settlement Line, Brutality Against Women Ignored
As the president made his first and most important outreach to the Arab and Muslim world, he pulled up short on fundamental human rights as it applies to women.
Madeleine M. Kunin: Will President Obama Invite Women into His Administration?
With the announcement of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff, the names of other potential appointees have begun to surface. What concerns me is that not many names of women have been mentioned.
Amy Siskind: Is Obama Uncomfortable Around Women?
Despite much talk of hope and change, President Obama seems largely tone-deaf to women and women's issues. Post-racial country -- yes. Post gender inequality -- not so much.
Loading comments…
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
Thank you for a very well-written article and a fresh, new perspective on the First Lady. Admittedly, I have been quite selfish when it comes to the First Lady in that I often talk about how she inspires and represents AFRICAN-AMERICAN women. Of course, she inspires and represents the entire US, but I take special pride in saying that she is 'our' First Lady.
It was wonderful to see the warm reception given to her by other countries during her overseas trip, but after reading your article, its evident that First Lady Obama also has a profound effect on women in other parts of the world, particularly India. I was really touched to read, "The Universal elevation of First Lady Obama has helped women to see themselves in her . . . a woman who has dark skin and coarse hair and is praised for her style and beauty."
As women of color are often misjudged, mischaracterized, and constantly stereotyped, its so gratifying to have a woman of color -- a woman like First Lady Obama -- epitomize intellect, outstanding accomplishment, and self-confidence, AND be that example for women all around the globe.
See Chelsea-Lyn Rudder's Profile
Thank you so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it. Mrs. Obama is a great representative for American women in general. I know what you mean though. I feel an extra sense of pride as an African American woman. I was in London in March, a place where they take their tabloid and magazine culture very seriously. The people that they put on the covers have to be able to generate interest and sell magazines. I was so proud to see Mrs. Obama's official photo on so many magazine covers. The international recognition is very exciting.
Great post!
www.twitte
See Chelsea-Lyn Rudder's Profile
Thank you!
The First Lady has set an example for all women those of color and not, because she's a strong, smart, intelligent, affectionate woman who is openly affectionate with her children and husband and don't make excuses for it. We see in MO that we can be like her because all that she reflects is free and out there for all women of all races and all financial groups. Everyone can make people feel welcome, offer a hug and a smile to family, friends and those you meet to show kindness. We can all study hard, work hard and get a job to take care of ourselves. MO has said that she wasn't in a hurry to get married because she had goals, so having a man wasn't her goal in life.
She waited and man did her wait pay off.
See Chelsea-Lyn Rudder's Profile
Mrs. Obama hit the jackpot with our President! It's also nice to know that he appreciates a strong well rounded woman. He found her endearing, not intimidating. We are fortunate to have both of them at the White House.
The First Lady sets a great example for blooming wherever she's planted -- or transplanted.
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or connect with
