CONTROVERSY: Michelle’s Best Assets
From JANELLE JOLLEY at theroot.com:
My erstwhile African-American-studies-minored self would love nothing more than to publish a dissertation on why this piece in Salon, written by Erin Aubry Kaplan of the Los Angeles Times, is destructive, superficial and historically unsound. But what would be the point?
I would say how dare you continue the objectification of a black woman, but mostly what I want to do is scream in outrage.
The article is, essentially, an ode to the black butt—specifically Michelle Obama’s. It is titled, predictability: “First Lady Got Back.” Lame title aside, it is a clear demonstration that despite the historic events of Nov. 4, there is still a lot to do about how we talk and think about black people in this country. This is especially true of black women who, whatever their accomplishments, are often seen as no more than the mere sum of their body parts, especially that part.
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IS MICHELLE OBAMA’S BACKSIDE OFF-LIMITS?
The debate rages on…
From LATOYA PETERSON at racialicious.com:
While the commenters debate back and forth about whether or not the [Salon] article is “joyful” or “disrespectful,” a large part of me wonders when Salon will publish an article on what faces Michelle Obama in the White House, or an article about racial trends in America penned by a woman of color, or a review of a book like Naked which lays all these issues bare.
My problem with the article isn’t that it’s a lighthearted musing on Michelle’s attributes, as seen through the eyes of another black woman (who – according to Kaplan’s website – has also whipped out personal essays on her own butt, as well as musing on J.Lo’s.)
My problem is that articles about Michelle Obama’s wardrobe, booty, and mom duties are what is fit to publish, what is seen as relevant to a mass audience.
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See the referenced Salon article here, posted 11/18/2008:
From ERIN AUBREY KAPLAN at Salon.com:
Free at last. I never thought that I — a black girl who came of age in the utterly anticlimactic aftermath of the civil rights movement — would say the phrase with any real sincerity in my lifetime. But ever since Nov. 4, I’ve been shouting it from every rooftop. I’m not excited for the most obvious reason. Yes, Obama’s win was an extraordinary breakthrough and a huge relief, but I don’t subscribe to the notion that his capturing the White House represents the end of American racial history. Far from it. There is a certain freedom in the moment — as in, we are all now free from wondering when or if we’ll ever get a black president. Congratulations to all of us for being around to settle the question.
But what really thrills me, what really feels liberating in a very personal way, is the official new prominence of Michelle Obama.
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Famous Gay African-Americans
Comments
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No offense to anyone but she does have a nice booty in that pic Ive never noticed it before probably bc Ive never looked at the first lady like that until now but regardless of the post and stories shes still hott and gets definite Kudos for havin a DONK !!!
Im annoyed that her butt is a topic. So what! I mean dont they know by now that black woman are built differently. Im so sick of all this dumb s**t. Its so much more intellengent things to talk about then michelle obamas Butt. Its a disf**king grace. So sick of all this. seriously.
IT’S LIKE THIS! WE HAVE A “BLACK PRESIDENT” AND ” FIRST FAMILY”. HATERS TAKE NOTICE,YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! WE CAN’T HELP IF WE COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES! IT’S WHAT WE DO AND MORE! LIKE BECOME “PRESIDENT” OR “FIRST LADY” YOU GO MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT’S LIKE THIS! WE HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT AND FIRST FAMILY! SO GET OVER IT. YOU HATERS OUT THERE! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! WE CAN’T HELP IF WE COME IN ALL SHADES OF BROWN AND ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. IT’S WHAT WE DO AND MORE. LIKE BECOME “FRIST LADY”. YOU GO MICHELLE!
I think it is uncalled for. It bothers me when a man KEEPS making reference to my butt; as if there is no brain, or feelings in me. I think we all should show her, and all people respect, and not objectify ANYONE!! We live in a perverted, sex driven society. I still do not think it os okay.
Trust… Michelle is not worried about anyone talking about her back or her front. Fact of the matter is she has too many important issues to deal with other than this. If someone wants to diminish the importance or value of their own publications then so be it. Publications like these will be tossed aside and put in the same category as other trash talking, gossip magazines or articles. If this is the best someone can think of to write about a woman who has such an extraordinary, rich and inspirational story then it shows the lack of depth and wealth of ignorance of that person. So please continue to speak your mind. It is one of the basic fundamentals of what this country is made of to excercise your right to freedom of speech. Just be careful what you say. As Americans we also have the right to form our own opionions about you based on what you choose to put out there.
Michelle’s butt doesn’t define
her or her inner strength, she
is beautiful, kind, and believe
or not the backbone of the Obama
family so please let’s not stop
her about Michelle Obama body
parts we could get lost in this
issue take care Opel.
i did not read the article you all are so familiar with. most of these people are jealous because white women in their forties normally look like they are in their fifties or so. now there are a few very hot white fortysomething year olds. these people are just jealous because michelle looks thirty something and she is not taking no s**t. as far as having back she has her husbands back 100% and i am so proud of that it brings tears to my eyes. black people should take note of the first FAMILY, they did this working together, as a family. do you see how strong family can be black people. f**k what they are saying look at the big picture and get the big message. peace. forgive the typo or mispells.
OMG It’s really not that serious,yeah she does have a really nice shape but can we talk about Barack and all these former Clinton administration he’s hiring. Let michelle run her charity or what ever first ladies do!
I personally think the sister is an intelligent, strong, and gorgeous lady that just happens to be black and her physique is no exception so watch and learn what can happen in a race when you have a black beauty that happens to be a stallion,soget over it and move one cause we have learned that change comes from progression not regression.
Wow! They have nothing better to talk about this is sad
Wow….
Boy there is so much work to be done. With this country, as a people, as individuals. It’s a blessing that the Frist lady is the complete package. Can we move forward with out focusing on the negative and do our own personal self examination on our own personal lives and try to realize how we can improve and grow with in our own families and personal lives. We have an example of a family that has worked hard to stay together, keep it together and work towards one goal that has been inspiring for all the world. Ask yourself what can I learn from their example? How can I step up to the plate in my own life with my family, friends, etc?. Personal respnsibility for ourselves and families, there are no more excusses. The First family never ever made any excusses, they stepped up to the plate in order for change. Can u learn from their example?????
Hey Folks,
Small mind, small thought and obviously “no butt”. (botox it) don’t be a hater.
All I know is that our sisters come in all different shapes sizes and colors. Barack loves it and let’s all of us know. Her butt and the rest of her body parts are their business. I’m more concern with her brain and what her contributions will be to help. I think she can do that while sitting on her butt sometime.
As Barack and America proved we do what ever it takes to get the job done. So if Michelle’s butt is some how critical to the well being of America I’m sure that they will “Make A Change”.
Actually to those who obviously arent READING…the article isnt up here to talk about her butt…its up here to INFORM us of how others are still focused on petty things….this article itself isn’t talking about anything physical but rather the mental immaturity of journalists…notice in the beginning the writer of THIS article says…”My erstwhile African-American-studies-minored self would love nothing more than to publish a dissertation on why this piece in Salon, written by Erin Aubry Kaplan of the Los Angeles Times, is destructive, superficial and historically unsound.” Meaning he/she is disgusted with the article personally but feels to slam it would be pointless because it has more than likely gone under a lot of fire already.
I personally think it’s all jealousy because the black woman’s body is physically superior in every way…all the plastic surgery that is most popular is to mimic what we as black women are given naturally. So let em talk about her booty…ITS SITTIN IN THE WHITE HOUSE NOW…REAL CUSHY!!!
More power to you all! My thought exactly, has any other First Lady’s butt been the issue…NO…so let keep it really people. Give her the respect deserved as well as our President. Second come on people is this something we need to know? God Bless
I think its offensive that her butt is being discuss. Is really rude regardless of her color. I guess the press goes on about the first lady of France … so maybe Mrs. Obama’s lovely figure is fair game in the idiot media.
Stop hating on this sista she got it going on. She has it she should show it. Look at Barack he’s fine so don’t hate appreciate the sista has it all. Love our first black lady in the white house.
YOU KNOW WHAT? I DO AN ONLINE RADIO SHOW AND WE JOKE ABOUT HOW ATTRACTIVE MICHELLE’S FRAME IS, BUT I THINK IT DEPENDS ON THE PLATFORM WHERE THIS IS DISPLAYED.
I THINK WHEN IT’S SPOKEN IN A JOKING MANNER, IT’S RECEIVED BETTER, BUT WHEN IT’S IN A PUBLICATION THAT WE KNOW EVERYONE WILL READ, EVERYONE MAY NOT SHARE THE SAME SENSE OF HUMOR.
PERSONALLY, AS A MAN, I THINK HAVING AN AFRICAN AMERICAN QUEEN WITH A GORGEOUS FIGURE IN THE WHITE HOUSE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING. THERE JUST NEEDS TO BE SOME SUBTLETY TO HOW YOU COMMENT OR REMARK ABOUT IT……BE RESPECTFUL!
Every one is so touchy these days when it come to comments of the black race. Michelle Obama does have back. Move on people, it’s really not that deep!
word. well, actually. there’s a whole history of first lady’s being subjected to scrutiny about their bodies and sexuality. ex: rachel jackson, andrew jackson’s wife who was called a ‘w***e’, ‘harlot’, ’scarlet woman’. also, hillary clinton who was discussed as having ‘led her man astray’, that if she was ‘on her knees’ this wouldnt have happened. so i think talking about a first lady, IN A POSITIVE WAY, about how she represents something new and different in the white house, is GREAT. and DUH. of course any discussion of michelle obama’s fashion, hair AND ASS are a departure.
that’s cuz her HUSBAND, PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA, is a departure from old white patriarchal politics TOO. and let’s not forget that black culture is extremely matriarchal which allows for us to appropriately celebrate a strong black woman.
This is annoying. Has any first lady had any of her body parts talked about in this fashion? I feel it is disrespectful, and shallow for this article to be up here. We have come too far. Now we want to give the haters the leeway to talk about our first lady in this way? White people justify calling each other nigga. “Cause Blacks do it” they say. This kind of talk amongst ourselves gives them the excuse to talk s**t and disrespect.
I understand the empowerment that this butt size brings to us women who have been stereotyped for having one.
But come on, have some respect for our first lady.
Lets talk about important things.
I find it odd that we would focus on Michelle’s butt.
There is so much more to the woman.