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National catastrophe: Michelle Obama in shorts
By: Crystal P. Smith
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Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:09
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Being in the spotlight is never easy and leads to open criticism about everything you do. Being the first Black first family of the United States is without a doubt even tougher. First lady Michelle Obama has come under fire repeatedly during the election season but also afterwards for her sense of style. Some people love it and others think she pushes the envelope too far.
When I say too far, I mean going sleeveless and wearing shorts. You know, things that normal moms wear when on vacation with their children. (Watch the video of Michelle Obama in shorts.)
We want our first lady to be accessible, to highlight a positive, professional and caring light on motherhood and a woman's role in her household, yet we hold her to standards we don't even demand of ourselves.
Once again, women receive conflicting messages daily about what to wear, how to act and what size to be. I think the most important thing Michelle Obama has taught us thus far is how to lead a happy, balanced life—it's like having Oprah in the White House. She's supposed to be leading by example and if wearing "short" shorts to the Grand Canyon is what she's doing, then I'm right on board.
And the fact that she looks different from all the other first ladies definitely comes into play here. Jackie Kennedy wore sleeveless before and if no other first lady ever wore shorts then it's because they didn't have the legs for them. Not to be funny but Michelle Obama works out so no one's offended by the sight of her legs and she's obviously a lot more comfortable in her own skin.
And that's the most important lesson.
We could sit here and say its inappropriate for her to be showing so much skin, but honestly, we need a first lady to whom we can relate, who doesn't wear pearls to the Grand Canyon and uses common sense when dressing for 115 degree weather. This is not Afghanistan and women in shorts isn't anything revolutionary.
I wish people would stop voicing their opinions on minimal issues and focus more on important things like universal health care, our failing school systems and getting people jobs so this recession...er... depression can end.
Crystal P. Smith is senior editor and writer at TheLoop21.com, where she focuses on pop culture, gender, social issues and race. She also writes the Inside the Loop blog.
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COMMENTS
All I can say is that Michelle Obama is being a normal, young mother. She is wise for not letting all the negative media attention change who she is.
Crystal, I completely agree this conversation is ridiculous. If someone told me the story of a country shocked that its first lady was wearing shorts, I would never guess it was happening in America. This is a woman who happens to be first lady on vacation with her children. What is there to be offended about exactly?
At least she has nice legs
Michelle and her husband are constantly under attack!!
Good Article....
It's a good thing that we have a health conscious,confident first lady that can wear shorts. Only a very small percentage of women over 40, have nice toned legs. Perhaps those complaining need to spend time in the gym rather than focus on trivial matters. Good article Crystal!
It's a good thing that we have a health conscious,confident first lady that can wear shorts. Only a very small percentage of women over 40, have nice toned legs. Perhaps those complaining need to spend time in the gym rather than focus on trivial matters.tiffany jewelry Good article Crystal!
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