Comments on: Let’s leave Michelle Obama’s ass out of this

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:15:16 +0000

Yeah, the whole thing is pretty ridiculous. I just think that we are an extremely bored society. I am also bothered by the focus on wardobe over her contributions and achievements. I am also bothered by the fact that I have been hearing black women speak of her as being secondary to Barack.

They say things like, “she highlights his accomplishments.” Its all just some pretty interesting rhetoric.

By: Lady D

Lady D — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:21:01 +0000

I definitely agree. I haven’t seen this article yet, but I’ve been annoyed by all the attention that has been put on the First Lady’s wardrobe as well. It’s not necessarily a bad thing that her style is being acknowledged, but it seems as if highlighting all these superficial details is diluting the strong woman she is. Why do we hear about what designer she is wearing and not what contributions she’s made to her community and all the hard work she has dedicated her life to? It’s so ridiculous.

By: Eva

Eva — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:25:39 +0000

that’s the point. talking about palin’s clothes and hair was sexist but talking about Obama’s butt is… clever? enough *rolls eyes*

My point is that for every other first lady, no one has ever talked about her body in the way they are talking about Michelle’s. It’s not like she’s wearing skin tight outfits, she’s wearing dress. And she’s wearing dresses to “tone down” her image. She just can’t win.

Michelle should be proud of her body, she works hard for it. But she should also be treated with as much respect as we’ve given other mothers, lawyers and first ladies.

By: Shaping Youth » Fem 2.0: Feminine Feminism & The Mother of All Conversations

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:05:59 +0000

[...] And fergawdsakes, whatever we do, let’s follow the rule of thumb in this ‘SassyWomenOnline’ headline. Ahem. [...]

By: chenna

chenna — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:04:51 +0000

Yeah I was conflicted about this as well. It’s been said privately in so many circles, so I wonder if the issue is that you feel like the thought shouldn’t have been put out there in such a public way. But it is true that Black women have been made to feel so ashamed of their bodies so I kinda get where the writer is coming from. But then it still comes down to objectification. I do think a certain amount of decorum should be observed when it comes to the First Family. The fact that a black woman wrote the piece I think will give the people who really wanted to license to go crazy.

By: Black Woman Relates

Black Woman Relates — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:04:52 +0000

As a black woman who has heard the comments all her life regarding her lack of a “black woman’s booty” I take offense. Must we always define by the physicalities? I know white girls with bigger butts that mine. Does that make them more black than me. The same as saying someone sounds black. Hmmmm….didn’t know color had a sound or a look. Can someone please explain?

By: afrobeauty

afrobeauty — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:06:50 +0000

When Palin was running for VP, the fact that people talked about where her clothing came from was denounced as sexist. Yet where is the outcry here? How long is it going to take for people, of all races, to accept that a black woman can be equal to a white woman? And can merit the same respect? A white woman’s clothes are off limits, but a black woman’s body is open for perusal, discussion, “tongue in cheek humor” and judgment.

By: Skinny Black Girl

Skinny Black Girl — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:46:04 +0000

Lol. Black folks, I tell ya.

I mean, I understand that we’re all pumped about Barack and Michelle, but come on now. We have to stop defining “blackness” by such ridiculous standards and getting upset when other races perpetuate our own madness.

I agree, she’s the first lady. Show some respect for crying out loud.