Why All Women Should Love Michelle Obama

No matter whom you supported in the election, all women will benefit from Michelle Obama's presence in the White House. Here's how -- excuse me while I gush a little.

1. She's a good mother. Whether you're single, married, a parent, or never plan to be, the image of a strong, responsible mother -- one who also manages to maintain a demanding career of her own and support her husband's -- is a wonderful example for all women. Not only does she prioritize her daughters over everything else -- getting to soccer games, ballet recitals, and birthday parties, election or not -- she also constantly advocates the importance of responsible parenting for all children. To paraphrase Gandhi, a society can best be judged by the way it treats its children.
2. She's smarter than you. If you went to Princeton and Harvard, fine, maybe you're almost as smart as Michelle Obama. But most of us, even the super-educated elite, can learn a thing or two from this woman who came from humble beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to excel at the country's top institutions, with the goal of helping others. She, like her husband, left a high-paying legal career to work for social issues helping children, women and minorities. Community organizing, it seems, isn't just a perfectly adequate qualification -- it's the new PhD.



3. She's a realistic fashion icon. Jackie Kennedy employed a personal designer. Nancy Reagan wore only custom-tailored suits. Michelle Obama shops the J. Crew catalogue. Her wardrobe of sheath dresses, twin sets, kitten heels, and minimal jewelry ranges from the everyday affordable (Gap, H&M) to the mid-range luxury (Narciso Rodriguez, Maria Pinto), making it totally accessible to the modern American woman. And it's not just what she wears, but how she wears it. Obama is hardly Jackie O-thin, but she confidently flaunts her real-woman curves in silhouettes that are both sexy and sophisticated, proving that femininity can also be feminist. And she's never been spotted in a pair of stuffy, uncomfortable pantyhose. Here's hoping she'll be the one to kill that archaic trend once and for all.
4. Yes, she is a feminist. During the election, Obama was often criticized as "anti-feminist" for being overly affectionate and playful with her husband, for quitting her high-powered job when the Obama campaign kicked into high gear, and for insisting she'll take a back seat in the White House, focusing on raising her daughters rather than rabble-rousing Congress. And as far as I'm concerned, these are the kinds of arguments that kill feminism, which should be about celebrating women's progress. It's not a race to see who can be the toughest gal in the old-boy's club without regard to the very-real juggling act all women -- especially mothers -- must perform. Michelle's dedication to her husband is admirable (can we please stop perpetuating the stereotype that feminists hate men?); her responsibility as a mother essential (see #1); and as for her taking a "back seat," we're not convinced. Do you really think this Princeton/Harvard alum with her own track record as a community leader (as well as top-level executive) will not wield some kind of power in the White House? She's an extremely strong influence on her husband. She held a Harvard Law degree before he did. She mentored him when he joined Chicago law firm Sidley Austin, and she encouraged him to be a community organizer. Barack Obama listens when Michelle Obama speaks, and that's a pretty sweet deal for women.
5. She is a black woman. Why does race matter? Because women are still a minority of sorts themselves, so a black woman represents two historically oppressed groups. When the Obama administration takes up issues like education, health care, and a fair-and-balanced workforce, Michelle Obama will be the force advocating for every group of women in the country, and she won't be the only one. She has a history of employing an entirely female staff of aides and advisers. Some might consider such hiring practices exclusionary. We think it shows she has confidence in the intelligence and strength of women to get things done. And let's not underestimate the power of image. Her simple presence in the White House -- a descendant of slaves will be hosting White House dinners! -- is an extremely powerful image for our country, and for the world. Now I know why the Secret Service gave her the code name "Renaissance."

Heather Wood Rudúlph is co-founder and editor of SirensMag.com. To see original article, click here.

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Comments

[Nyagem]

well, i love michelle. She is smart, beautiful and a good mother it seems.

You say she is a 'decendant of slaves'.. in the whitehouse yet, as Barack Obama said, she has blood of former slaves ANDS SLAve MASTERS too.
Why is this aspect asymetrically digested on your side?
The economist says Obama has African blood and thats the novelty. Loads of americans have African blood somewhere some point. I imagine it softens the realization and the confession on their lips that is he is half African. period. First generation.
Alexander Pushin had African blood (grandfather was Ibrahim (Hannibal), African/.Ethiopian General in the army of Peter the Great - yet no whisper of this fact in culture or the arts).
How curious is the politics of race. Intriguing, sad, ridiculous most of the time.
Well thats a digression, GO MICHELLE. ! you have gorgeous baby girls too.

[UpstateNYer]

Any woman who believes that showing affection to her husband or focusing on the development of her children is below her deserves neither children or a husband.

[JPSousa]

You can like her or not, but to believe she is a first of much is a stretch. Without going back too far, Jimmy Carter's wife was the strength of the pair, when she said jump, Jimmy jumped. Nancy Reagan had a difficult time in their later years and was a strong advocate, same with Barbara Bush. Than we come to Hillary, and to describe her as quiet, sit down over there type would be disingenuous. Laura was the one who projected charm and grace, much like Jackie-O, so now we have Michelle and once they go to the White House things change quickly and not always for the better. This won't be Chicago, nor a campaign and as Bill and Hillary learned very quickly, the American people do not want co-presidents.
Who will she be most like is hard to say, but most of these posts are setting themselves and Michele up for a big fall. Let us see how they weather the criticism before putting tiaras on her head. Hillary screwed up big time with Arafat's wife and Healthcare, Barbara had a habit of telling people exactly what she thought and didn't care, Betty wound up in treatment and Rosalyn became very hated. Laura, and Jackie remained well liked and thought of by staying out of the political side - lets see who Michelle takes after before we heap praise.

[dallashailee]

I Love Michelle She's my best friend...she just doesn't know it.

[L3ftofC3nter]

I love Michelle and I'm so happy to see a female that little girls can look up to.

[Natalie4Obama]

The article is great but I do believe Obama was a community organizer BEFORE he met Michelle... at least the way the story is told in Dreams From My Father.

Also the proper Ghandi quote is "You can judge a society by how they treat their weakest members." which applies to everything the Obamas stand for, not just thier children.

[arethusa]

Michelle Obama seems lovely and smart. She is articulate and knowledgeable. As first lady, she will actually have a variety of duties, especially in the cultural areas. I think she has an incredible presence and will be one of the most outstanding and intelligent first ladies in our history--and that has everything to do with her background as a person who grew up in modest circumstances but with a discipline and eagerness to succeed. I know that she has two children to raise, but I hope that she will use her position as an advocate for those causes for which she has a passion.

[brooklyncitizen]

She's said she will advocate for veterans and their families to see that they get the services and support that they need...looks like she will have her hands full.

[jhw22]

I agree with the whole article. As a college-educated, liberal, stay-at-home mom, I appreciated the credit you give to women who choose to make their kids their career for a short time. Feminists don't only have to work outside the home to make a difference. However women do their work, or whatever work they do, it's the benefit they provide that makes the difference. When I think of Michelle versus Sarah Palin, one woman speaks to me and my place in the world. That would be Michelle.

Jennifer

[saami]

The point of feminism was that you could be whoever you are not some image of what a woman should be. It was the freedom to be yourself and to contribute to society in your own way. Michelle is a feminist and a wonderful role model for all women and for men.

[Bariis]

Aside from all the above mentioned, she is truly a class act;. period! There's absolutely no comparison between her and Cindy McCain. None whatsoever. Can;t wait to see what she brings to the Obama Administration. I am sure she will do wonders, just like Hillary Clinton did during her husband's tenure.

[0emissions]

Yes she seems great but hey! give her a life. .... meaning some time to herself and family without everybody having to snoop and comment.

[sippewissett]

Michelle rocks. She is an admirable woman in her own right and will be an exemplary First Lady. She has said she will put motherhood first, but I will bet now that we will see her speak up for worthy causes. I am looking forward to a First Lady of her ilk. Hillary was excellent -- another obviously smart woman, but I can't wait for Michelle to break through so many stereotypes out there. What a smart couple we just put into the White House and what a contrast to the Stepford Wife of the Republican Party.

[Mischka23]

I couldn't be more thrilled to have her in the white house as our first lady. As barack gives every little boy who was told they couldn't, the will to believe they can, so does Michelle for every little girl, every woman! She's the ultimate feminist in my opinion. She doesn't put the term on a pedestal and claim to be one, which is why she is. She embodies everything a powerful woman can and should be. She's independent, yet a devoted wife and mother. To say that being a devoted wife and mother makes a woman less is simply wrong. It's who we are! Women can do anything we want to do! That's what a feminist is. A woman who takes the opportunities that she can! Works hard for what is not handed to her and end the end loves what she does and who she is! Women are not men!! We are stronger, for we have to push though more. Michelle Obama is going to be the strongest person in the white house and i couldn't be happier to have her there!!

[mom2sons]

Love Michelle....You go girl!

[jaydeedub]

She had me at the fist bump.

[keifergodot]

sweet!

[MSiddique]

During the primaries, I saw a video of Michelle speaking to a group of women (I think in Iowa) and I insisted that my wife watch it too, and she did. Since then both of us have become fans of her. No matter what she does, her intelligence shines through! I think Michelle, Obama and their daughters will make family-love ‘fashionable’ and will set a new and healthy example of family value in this country (and may be beyond).