I love how President Obama grins at the First Lady . . . she makes me grin, too

[Empowerer]

As a black woman who grew up in an era (1960s) in which women and girls who looked like me were rarely, if ever, portrayed in the larger society as beautiful or interesting or intelligent, I find myself beaming like a fool every time I see our new First Lady. This nation has a sad history of, not just disrespecting black women, but of denigrating and humiliating us. We were more often than not completely invisible in popular culture but when we were portrayed, it was usually as one of three caricatures: Mammy, Jezebel and Sapphire. Our relationships to our men, when they were acknowledged at all, were generally depicted as dysfunctional and mutually degrading and those relationships were seen as a stepping stone, a stopping off point, a placeholder until our men could move on up and get themselves a white woman.

Q. Why does Tiger Woods date only long-legged blondes?
A. Because he can.
---An actual question and answer appearing in the "Personality Parade"
column in Parade Magazine, 2002

Notwithstanding the ignorant attitudes demonstrated by the foregoing, we've made much progress in the past 40 years, of course, with black women gradually playing a different role in our national play. But the emergence of Michelle Obama takes it to a whole 'nother level and puts this history and our progress in very stark relief. And it makes her presence all the more heartwarming.

A cocoa-skinned, ample-lipped, thick-thighed and generously-hipped black woman, whose hair surely will "go back" if she's caught out in the rain, who looks, walks and is built like so many of us (and so many of our mothers and grandmothers who America would never have called beautiful) is mesmerizing a nation - for all the right reasons - because that's what the First Lady of the United States is supposed to do.

And, perhaps most important, America can see that this black woman, without sassing or strutting or wiggling or mugging, has completely and utterly enthralled the most powerful and interesting man on the planet. The fact that this man is a black man, a black man who - like so many other black men we don't see on tv and don't read about in Parade - loves this black woman with everything he has is icing on the cake.

So when President Obama grins at Michelle Obama, he's not alone. I'm grinning with him.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Beautiful!

Thanks for this. You help me understand my black sisters better than I did before. Like you, I think our First Lady is absolutely gorgeous.

[MadMaddie]

2. Nicely said!

[roguevalley]

33. so true. lovely op. Also, lovely pictures, couple, marriage, kids, portrait. Nice

stuff all around. :)

[liberalmuse]

3. A very nice read! Thank you!

It looks like she's loving her new role as First Lady. She's absolutely breathtaking. She emits a tangible vitality. I also love her personality--she's very down to earth, kind, intelligent, and you can clearly see why President Obama goes gaga over her.

[cilla4progress]

10. #1 first lady

I guess you could say - she is his equal.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

4. A beautifully written tribute, with great insight - Welcome to DU

This first family (including grandma) is a breath of fresh air. I love that they are in the White House.

[Aloha Spirit]

5. Those two spread smiles everywhere they go! You can see it in photos,

the people behind them (except for the Secret Service lol) are often smiling ear to ear. Doesn't matter if they're prime ministers or deli clerks.

People want to be just like them, they have these role models, on TV, in the news.
People want to be more just, more compassionate, better members of their communities. Because the Obamas show us that's the way to happiness.

Empowerer, you are a beautiful writer... I would like to see this published as a letter to the editor at your local paper.

[cilla4progress]

11. So true!

I am actually using both Barack and Michelle as my models for how I move in the world; how I interact professionally. For example: I heard her recently talking about balancing work/life. I LOVED what she said about how one simply has to make their own way without worrying about judgment - one will never please all the commentators, it's every day, and sometimes it works while others it doesn't. It helped me understand some of her fearless wardrobe choices as well! When I hear pundits tsk tsk about her going sleeveless to the Senate chamber, I think: oh, you just wish you had those arms! ;)

[cilla4progress]

6. Thank you. Thank you.

And thank Prez and FLOTUS! Gawd, we love them; they make us proud and make us look sooooooooo gooooooooood!

[muffin1]

7. Beautifully written, Empowerer!

I'm simply ga-ga over both of them. The picture of President Obama with the flowers is so beautiful it made me want to cry.
Welcome to DU!:hi:

[Happyhippychick]

8. Wonderful post! My daughter did a book report on Michelle Obama and told her teacher

"Barack Obama is famous for being the first AA President but Michelle Obama is just as famous for being the first AA First Lady."

I loved your commentary, thanks for sharing!

[Kahuna]

9. Well said. And ditto. I actually grin with him too. They are both

so lovable you can't help but to grin. But what I find the most endearing is the way the blush when in each other's company as if they can't wait to be alone. As Paris Hilton would say, that's hot. :smoke:

[marew]

12. I agree.

Michelle is absolutely gorgeous. But I also admire her so much because, as you said, she is a woman "with everything." She worked hard to achieve what she has done, to become who she is in her own right. And I always smile also when the two of them look at each other so lovingly. They have to be the world's coolest couple!

[Olney Blue]

13. Thank you for this post!

[ClarkUSA]

14. Doesn't matter what she looks like, Michelle is still a beautiful person where it counts.

[Frustratedlady]

15. She makes me proud. This marriage is incredible and that little family?

Whoa! I can't get enough of them.

The only thing that would make this presidency better would be if the Republicans would back off and let it work. They disgust me more every day.

For Obama to be so calm and maintain his congenial attitude in every situation, he has to have a strong home base. Michelle and the girls are just that. (Well, I'm sure "Grandma" helps a bit, too.)

Bless them all.

[jenmito]

16. K&R. Your words and those pics brought tears to my eyes.

Beautiful. :)

[Jennicut]

17. Michelle is a great First Lady because she is real and genuine

and is a role model for other young girls no matter what their race. I am a Mom myself and though I am white, I look up to her for ability to juggle the demands of raising kids while being he First Lady of the United States. And she is doing it all being sweet and good natured. No wonder she is so popular with everyone!

[TahitiNut]

18. They make this olde, white, male phart grin, too.

... and even tear up occasionally. It ain't about race or gender as much as integrity and values.

[grace0418]

19. I get all choked up when I see them look at each other. It's obvious how much they

adore one another. The fact that they are gorgeous, intelligent, kind-hearted, funny, classy and real is icing on the cake.

Beautifully written tribute! :loveya:

[mr1956]

20. I love seeing pictures of the first family

They all seem to genuinely like one another. The First Couple convey an intimacy not often seen between politicians and their spouses.

[acmavm]

21. I agree with eveything you said. But Michelle Obama has one other thing

I consider VERY important, and that is the ability to look into a camera with confidence, class, and intelligence and win people over with those attributes and her charm.

She is so much more than a pretty face. She (like Hillary Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt) commands RESPECT because she is accomplished and educated, and she is also a mother and wife. And those last two cannot/do not diminish whatever message she's imparting at any given time. In fact, in many ways she makes being a wife and mother as glamorous and exciting as being a career woman and a first lady. And this credibility, this influence crosses all color lines.

I think that is one of her greatest accomplishments.

[applegrove]

22. The Obamas look so often like they are still deeply in love. It is great.

[zeemike]

23. I am an old white guy and she makes me grin too.

And if I were 20 years younger and she was single I would be following her around like a puppy trying to get a whiff of her perfume.
Beauty does not have a color... it comes from what is behind those eyes.
K&R and welcome to DU

[Number23]

24. "a black man who - like so many other black men we don't see on tv and don't read about in Parade

...loves this black woman with everything he has is icing on the cake."

EXACTLY!!! :applause:

Why seeing black love, even in the damn 21st century, is such an anomaly in modern American media is something I will never understand.

[fortyfeetunder]

25. Bravo

For those who debate Mrs. Obama's beauty, I say get over it.
Barack found the perfect companion and they are a handsome couple.

[seaker]

26. Me too.

:loveya:

[kimmerspixelated]

27. Great Post!

I love their love, too! Michelle is one lucky lady!And so is Obama! And I'm with you on the fact that Tiger Woods, etc., prefer white blondes. That says a lot about the man, and it ain't pretty!

[northofdenali]

28. Empowerer, beautiful post, and welcome to DU.

K&R

I talked with my mom a while ago. She's 93, originally from Maryland, and grew up/lived the segregated life most of her childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. There isn't a racist bone in her little body, however, and we grew up knowing that equality wasn't easily won, nor easily envisioned.

She loved JFK and Jackie. She is over the moon about President and First Lady Obama. She, like me, likes Michelle more than Jackie - for her strength, her presence, her warmth, and her attitude.

I adore them both, and am still so thrilled to be able to say MY PRESIDENT when I hear his voice, and the FIRST LADY when I read or hear about Michelle (it's easy to call her by her first name - you feel as if you have known her forever).

I shared the stuff about Mom because it helps us all understand just how far we have come, even though there's farther to go.

:toast::kick::toast:

[Montauk6]

29. Well, I think they make a gorgeous family

And so do these folks


And this is a fine couple



And let's give a special shout out to the folks that made this particular thread possible:




A little more consideration for those who've found their mate beyond skin color considerations, shall we? Leave the racial purity/loyalty BS to Stormfront.

[inna]

32. +1! thanks for pics, too! nt

[Number23]

55. You've missed the whole point of this OP

And to compare this to the mess on Stormfront is just insane.

Empowerer is celebrating Michelle Obama as a black woman. And she's saying that Barack's love of Michelle is something that is wonderful for her to see as a black woman living in a society where black women are EVERYTHING but loved or celebrated. Dismissed? Disrespected? Sure. Loved? Adored? Absolutely not. This is fact. Why you would criticize someone voicing love and support for that absolute rarity in the American media -- a wonderful, loving black couple, and particularly a black man's love for a black woman -- is a mystery to me.

And I say this to you as a black woman proudly, HAPPILY married to a 6'1 green-eyed hunk of a white man. I don't think Empowerer's or anyone else's rejoicing of the Obamas should be perceived as a threat or an insult to anyone else.

[Montauk6]

57. So why bring up Tiger Woods then?

Why bring up interracial couplings AT ALL (again on the irony that one produced our current Commander-in-Chief as well as the master golfer)?

IMHO, it's as inappropriately irrelevant as, for example, saying how the President and the First Lady celebrates/reaffirms Black heterosexuality.

[Empowerer]

59. Wow - you totally missed my point!

This has nothing to do with Tiger Woods. My reference was to mainstream publication saying that Tiger Woods dates only blonde white women "because he can." If you can't understand how such a comment and attitude are throwbacks to a time when black women were depicted and treated as so much less desireable than white women that it was assumed that even black men, if given a choice, would always choose the white woman - "because he can" - I urge you to do some research.

You could begin by studying the history of socio-sexual-racial dynamics in this country. You can learn about how black women were treated as mere sexual objects, whose sexual abuse by white men was not even legally classified as rape - instead it was considered a right of ownership if imposed by their master and a crime against that master if done by another white man.

Juxtapose that against the sordid history of black men being lynched for merely LOOKING at a white woman.

If you do not understand the damage done to black women's and girls' self-image, you just haven't been paying attention.

And against that backdrop, it is perfectly appropriate for black women to feel such pride and excitement in Michelle and Barack Obama's relationship.

Bottom line: I have no problem with inter-racial relationships. I have a number of them right in my own family. But I DO have a problem with the notion - and the completely un-self-conscious expression of it - that a black man who dates women does so "because he can - after all, if given the choice, shouldn't EVERYONE prefer a white woman?". I am delighted that Barack Obama is showing the world that, of all of the women in the world he could have had, HE has chosen a black woman.

[Montauk6]

60. Well, you opened the door on Mr. Woods but I'll accept the clarification, HOWEVER...

We're supposed to be ideally beyond the sexual objectification (yes, I do know the history, and I also understand the history of the Black man being objectified as well; sexually, politically, philosophically, sociologically, ideologically, religiously, economically, educationally, etc) yet we're waxing over skin, hair, legs, thighs, hips, and butts. Oh, almost forgot, and whether the First Couple "does it."

[EffieBlack]

61. I'm sorry, but the OP did not "open the door on Mr. Woods"

And she did not even remotely suggest that there is anything wrong with his choices.

It was you who distorted a reference and went off onto a tangent accusing her of attacking inter-racial marriage.

She simply pointed out rightly that someone else seemed to assume that his romantic choices were based upon some age-old notions of black men wanting white women. I remember that item in Parade and was disgusted by it. I recall thinking that it was highly, highly unlikely that such a comment would have been made about a white celebrity -

"Why does Brad Pitt date only brunettes?" "Because he can.".

"Why does Robert DeNiro only date black women?" "Because he can." Nope. We'd never hear such an answer.

The ONLY reason that particilar answer was given re: Tiger Woods was that the writer assumed that dating a white woman was a "get" for a black man and he would do it because he could.
T
The OP was dead on in every respect.

[Myrina]

30. I simply adore the way they are with each other ...

... you can tell his world revolves around her ... every speech, every appearance - he looks to her first for the "did I do good?" reaction. And she always returns his look with a loving reassurance. You can tell they are each other's closest advisor.

That is real partnership, real respect and real love between two wonderful, intelligent and loving people.

O8)

[Flying Dream Blues]

31. Thanks for this beautiful post, and a belated welcome to DU, Empowerer! nt

[tbyg52]

34. As a thick-thighed and generously-hipped white woman

(although I prefer to think of myself as a mutt - I hope I've got a little of everything, or at least I'd like to believe so), it makes me grin as well. It's so good to have some happiness again.

[veganlush]

35. as an old white guy, I can certainly say...

I didn't even know how beautifully those sentiments could be put, until I read what you said. It's about damn time! we should all be grinning, we're all grinning with you! And on top of all you said, we've got a president with a brain and a plan-it's a dream on so many levels! Thank you for your hugely inspiring post!:yourock:

[tbyg52]

38. Hey, veganlush!

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[veganlush]

39. Hi! tbyg52, thank you for that kind welcome!

...:toast:

[hisownpetard]

36. Terrific post! I love the way they love each other, too. It makes me too happy

to even be envious - I'm just soooo proud of them, the whole family.

I can't remember when I've seen that kind of mutual respect and easily-expressed emotional attachment.

GOBAMAS!!

[drmeow]

37. When I think about presidential

couples, I think words like "loving, affectionate, caring" about many of the Democratic couples and "stiff, rigid, proper" about most of the Republican ones. Even Bill and Hillary - despite the infidelity, you saw an underlying caring and affection. And the Obamas take in one step further. They absolutely radiate love. And that sends a very important message to the American people - about AA relationships, about relationships in general, and about the Obamas' world view and ideology. Even if GWB hadn't been such a royal f**k-up, I think Obama would have won. Because we're going through a pretty rough time in this country right now and its very hard to believe that your leadership cares about you when you can't even believe they care about their own spouse. Its also easier to believe that your leader is genuine when you can see genuine love and affection expressed for his spouse.

Their relationship makes me grin - I love the grins, the forehead/nose touches, the fist bumps, the way he kept reaching for her had as they walked down Pennsylvania Avenue.

[NBachers]

40. I love the words you used -

Beautiful, interesting, intelligent

"beaming like a fool"

heartwarming

mesmerizing

enthralled

"I'm grinning with him"

I love the way you wrote this. But, somehow, I can't stop belly-laughing at the last picture. Is this guy perfect, or what? He knows what he's doing, and he loves doing it. I love having a president I can laugh at from my heart, instead of my spleen. I'm spellbound; and, yes, she gets my blood moving.

[defendandprotect]

41. It's some of the loveliest and healthiest stuff we've had in the White House ....

perhaps ever?

Long may we see these smiles!

[appleannie1]

42. Bush walks in a room, takes off his coat and hands it to Laura to hang up.

Obama takes off his jacket and drapes it around his wife's shoulders to keep her warm. What a difference.

[Hekate]

43. Thanks for the beautiful essay, Empowerer. Welcome to DU & hope to see you around...

:hi:

Hekate

[iamjoy]

44. Generous Hips!

Oh, please. I should have a photo of her handy to inspire me to do bicep curls and shoulder presses.

I do think there are some who might see her as a Sapphire, but that vision in itself is rooted in prejudice against strong women. People who think that of our current First Lady probably don't like Hillary Clinton much either and have a hard time dealing with women who don't fit the stereotype of the Stepford Wife.

There was a great article in a recent issue of Newsweek about how the Obamas relationship was an inspiration to millenials.

[demokatgurrl]

45. Beautiful post.

I am a white woman, but I identify more with Mrs. Obama than many white "celebrity" women and models. So many of them are anemic looking, skin and bones, bland. Michelle Obama is classy, vibrant, and built like a real woman. And I admire and look up to her for so many reasons- beyond her beauty.

Both she and her husband are fortunate, and a great example for our country.

[MrMickeysMom]

58. Classy, vibrant... good words you chose!

I am inspired as a boomer white woman.

After all, wouldn't you rather see a classy and vibrant woman who looks like she's in love with her husband?

(this goes for any relationship, but in particular the first family!)

[clydefrand]

46. Thank you for your thoughts on this. I think she and her

husband are beautiful inside and out. I've always thought of black people being as beautiful as white people. And I'm a soon-to-be 68 year-old white woman.

[tblue37]

47. ". . . has completely and utterly enthralled the most powerful and interesting man on the planet."

Beautifully put.

Oh, and by the way--it's not her "hips" that are generous, but her fanny. I have a butt, too, and like hers, it's "out there." It's in back; hips are side-to-side.

[Richard D]

48. I predict . . .

. . . something will happen in the Whitehouse that hasn't happened for a very long time.
A "First Baby"!

[Imagevision]

49. What other presidential couple set such great role models? - can't say JFK - he

and brother Bob were taking turns with Marilyn - just google JFK and Marilyn Monroe kiddies...

[Clio the Leo]

50. "Black Pearl, pretty little girl, let me put you up where you belong..."

I've always loved that song. I never bring it up because it's an old song and the lyrics are a bit out of date but still ..... can't help but think about Michelle (and the girls) every time I hear it.

Black pearl, precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Black pearl little girl
You been in the background much too long
You been working so hard your whole life through
Tendin' other people's houses
Raisin' up their children too
Hey how about something for me and you
Here in my arms you're gonna reign supreme
No more servin' baby
They're gonna serve my queen
It's our turn for happiness and our day has come
Living for each other answering to no one

Black pearl precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Because I love you
Black pearl pretty little girl
You been in the background much too long
Together we'll stand so straight and so tall
Created by love to love one and all
Hey heart to heart soul to soul
No other one could ever take your place
My world is built around
The very smile that's on your face
You'll never win a beauty show
No they won't pick you
But you're my miss America
I love you


http://www.lyricsondemand.com/s/sonnycharleslyrics/blackpearllyrics.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSmvdh5gpbg

[Jeep789]

51. Don't we all nt

[Uzybone]

52. Your posts always hit the spot

excellent writing and thoughts.

[Rhiannon12866]

53. K&R. Great pix! She makes me smile, too...

Her lovely smile is genuine and infectious... :D

[silverojo]

54. As a white woman who grew up in poverty

I couldn't care less about how couples grin at each other. Ronnie and Nancy did plenty of that, and look how they decimated our country.

I'm more concerned with how Obama's policies affect the lives of people of any race, in the USA.

[EraOfResponsibility]

63. there was no other purpose to post that than to be bitchy and snarky

:eyes:

[shadowknows69]

56. It's great to have a Presidential couple that actually probably still has sex

And that thinkning about that fact doesn't make me go "EWWW!!!"

[EraOfResponsibility]

64. LOL

[angee_is_mad]

67. lol, You so CRAZY!!!!!

But I feel the same way.

[leftyclimber]

62. I wish you would post more, Empowerer.

I learn something every time you do, and your way with words is a rare gift. I'm always excited to see that you've posted. It's like receiving an unexpected present.

Thank you.

[Empowerer]

66. Thank you so much - what a lovely thing to say!

[polmaven]

65. Wait!

Is that first picture the start of a terarist head bump?????

Seriously, though, (or is it seriesly?)....The two of them together are great, and the FOUR of them are breathtaking. Can't wait until it is 5 or them....Puppy - Hurry up!