Comments on: Michelle Obama and the politics of shifting

By: NancyP

NancyP — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:37:54 +0000

MO isn’t exactly a first-generation buppie, I gather that she is from a line of several generations of “talented tenth” types. I’d find it odd if she DID identify with real or faux “ghetto culture” as represented by pop culture trends. I can’t picture her listening to commercial rap of the misogynist sort or glamorizing violence. Jazz and classical music seem more likely to be in her music library.

John McCain represents The Grumpy Old Man.

By: octogalore

octogalore — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:29:42 +0000

I’m with Sarah J here. And yes, awesome post. I just think the data isn’t all in. Michelle and her brother (student and then coach at a top school) have both gravitated towards yuppie worlds. That could be partially a desire to succeed professionally and economically, and also that they are comfortable in both of those worlds. It’s hard to say whether Michelle feels constrained or if what we are seeing is who she is, as much as is the case for any politician who is somewhat playing a part. This is someone who chose to work at Sidley & Austin, and found it more tolerable than I found a similar firm. Sidley’s the epitome of yuppitude.

I imagine the truth is somewhere in between — Michelle may be more comfortable than black American would wish, and less comfortable than white America would wish, with the public persona she must adopt.

But I guess your larger point remains, whatever the case is for Michelle in particular. If she had wanted to talk about collard greens with BW, and if she did wish to have a different hairstyle, she’d be scrutinized in a much more negative way than if a white woman talked recipes or adopted a controversial hairstyle.

By: Rachel Cervantes

Rachel Cervantes — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:32:02 +0000

Yes, she is represents Black American women. She also represents, to some degree, all American women of color (even we of mixed blood who “look” White). I look forward to when she represents all American women. Hell, I look forward to when she can be a woman and not have to “represent” anyone!

Whom does John McCain represent? Is he a symbol for White American men? Or is he just…McCain? Until she becomes just Ms. Obama she will not be able to do anything without scrutiny, criticism, and also idealization.

I see another windmill. Must tilt.

By: Janet Shan

Janet Shan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:53:19 +0000

Renee, great post! I agree with you and I must also say that Michelle Obama will be held to a higher standard, through no fault of her own. She makes Barbara Bush look like a frump. Actually, she was frumpy. Michelle Obama exudes such grace, confidence and determination that you have to stop and listen to what she is saying.

By: Sarah J

Sarah J — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:13:05 +0000

As usual, I love your posts.

My best friend in college was a middle-class black girl from Tacoma, Washington. She was constantly being picked on by her black friends for “acting white” because she’d grown up middle class. I remember her getting mightily offended at a professor who insisted that she spoke ebonics at home.

So I wonder if this isn’t a double bind for Michelle Obama–if she acts one way she will be too black for white America, and if she acts another way, she will be too white for black America. Remember Obama being criticized early on for not being black enough.

Yet one of the things that has struck me about both the Obamas is the way they seem to be very comfortable with who they are.

Just as many feminists assume that I must be wearing makeup and skirts to appeal to men, I am loath to assume that Michelle Obama dresses and talks the way she does because she’s trying to appeal to white folks like me.