2008.11.25
Girls get new role model in Obama
My 9-year-old little sister has a girl-crush on Michelle Obama.
When Imani sees the Harvard-educated lawyer on the news racks, she breaks into a smile and announces, "There's Michelle Obama!"
The I-Woman first noticed Obama early this year when she saw the coffee-colored, regal woman staring at her from the cover of a news magazine. She asked me about Obama. I eagerly recounted details of the woman's life and her educational and professional accomplishments.
I wanted to inspire a little girl whom I constantly tell she can be anything she wants to be -- if she works hard.
As speculation swirls about the kind of first lady Obama will be and what issues she will adopt -- military families and work-family balance are among her interests -- she already offers hope to little girls such as my sister.
As the nation's first lady, Obama will represent all Americans. But she won't be the first president's wife whose persona has special appeal to a certain segment of Americans. Fellow librarians appreciated Laura Bush's interest in reading and literacy. Eleanor Roosevelt's passion for human rights tapped into the nation's spirit of humanity.
After she left the White House, Betty Ford enjoyed the devotion of Americans battling addiction.
Former Roanoke City Councilwoman Linda Wyatt, who heard Obama speak at a luncheon at the Democratic National Convention in Denver and met her in Charlottesville, understands the appeal of the next first lady.
"She's a real woman. There's a realness about her that little girls can look up to," said Wyatt, a retired teacher.
"This is a well-educated, career woman of her own ... but still loves her daughters. There's a woman there who is a real role model."
In Obama, girls such as my little sister see a woman who looks like them, and they think, "I can be her."
They see her radiate self-confidence, something sorely missing in too many young black girls and often a factor in poor decision-making later in life.
They see someone who grew up like many of them, without advantages. Obama was raised in a small urban apartment with her parents and older brother.
They see intelligence and the values of study, hard work and perseverance. She graduated from Princeton University, went on to Harvard Law School and landed a job with a prestigious Chicago law firm before she decided to change her life's trajectory.
In her, the Imanis of the world see that success is achievable.
These little girls see personal warmth and magnetism in the next first lady. She is a realization that beauty and grace come in all shades.
They see elegance and fashion sense, which have drawn comparisons to the once-incomparable Jacqueline Kennedy.
Girls like Imani see a smart woman married to a smart man and realize they don't have to take whoever comes along.
They see a woman whose husband worships the ground she walks on and who, before the world, called her "the love of my life."
And on the heels of my column last week about teen pregnancy, they see a woman who married her husband and then bore his children, altering the portrait of dysfunction too often painted of black families.
In other words, they see a complete role model.
As I wrote this column, I asked Imani what she liked about Obama. The first thing out of the 9-year-old's mouth?
"Smart."
That's a trait that little girls like her need to see more often.
Shanna Flowers' column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
lovely, Shanna!!
Comment by sz — November 25, 2008 @ 8:09 am
great story, Shanna, and yes every girl needs a mentor. Though in these uncertain times, I hope theres no fall from grace. And comparisons to Jackie, well she did shine through, especially when her husband was assinated, and well, we know the stroy . Are people wanting to draw that energy to Michelle?
Comment by Dona Wheeler — November 25, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
I just had a conversation with a friend about what a great example the Obamas are to the American youth (especially African Americans) who don't seem to value marriage BEFORE babies! They are a marvelous example of what happens when you set yourself up for success (get an education, fall in love, get to know your mate, get married, build your career, prepare for a family). I'm not saying that doing all of those things guarantees a successful marriage and family but it certainly sets the right foundation!
And Dona has a point. I pray that the expectations have not been set so high that any litle human flaw that either of them shows will cause the world to turn on them. God forbid one of those girls gets arrested or shows up pregnant before getting married!!!
Comment by Lo — November 26, 2008 @ 7:36 am
Comparing Jackie Kennedy to Mrs Obama is laughable......Shes so ugly she hurts my feelins
Comment by Larry — November 26, 2008 @ 8:50 am
I see the pair as role models in the less tangibles. they are strong individuals and have a strong marriage together, they appear happy, honest, hardworking, very bright, enthusiastic, caring. they are outwardly and inwardly beautiful to observe. I see them as role models for all races and women and men, younger and older. I see great hope for us and people around the world in Michelle, Barack, and their family. but of course since I am raising a daughter I am especially happy for little girls who can look up to Michelle Obama!
Comment by sz — November 26, 2008 @ 9:28 am
Boy, Larry, you need to stop drinking the haterade. Jackie Kennedy was just a gold digger who lucked up and married into money twice. Believe it or not, before Jackie Kennedy married JFK, she was just a part time photographer, let alone a corporate executive. Besides, Michelle Obama is the 2nd most beautiful black woman I have seen (next to my wife).
Comment by Shaun — November 27, 2008 @ 9:51 am
Shaun: Larry dosen't need to "check" anything, you do. Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onasis was wealthy BEFORE she improved on that wealth by marrying a Kennedy. No, her family didn't have the money of a Kennedy, but not many people do. Irregardless, she was in no way "middle class" to begin with. Her father, John Vernon Bouvier III was a Yale graduate and wealthy member of the NYSE. Her step-father, Hugh D. Auchinloss was even wealthier. She was a graduate of Miss Porter's School, Vassar University, and George Washington University (all sans "affirmative action" too). Her family was high in the social strata, especially in the millionaire enclave of Newport, RI, where she was named "Debutante of the Year" for the 1947-48 season. She was most beautiful and had CLASS.
Michelle, on the other hand, is the personification of a PIG. I don't understand how B. Hussein Obama was smart enough to get elected President but yet dumb enough to wake up in the bed with a certified OGRE. The thing can't even talk!!!! Maybe she can cook or something. HAS to be something!!!!
Comment by Percy Kution — November 27, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Shaun
I will say My mother is 1st, Shanna 2nd she's cute,3rd I will go on the strength of your wife and then I will give Michelle some props.
You may have erred on
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis
Raised in a world of wealth and privilege,
she spent her early years between New York City and Easthampton, New York at the Bouvier family estate "Lasata".
She became at a very early age an accomplished equestrienne, a sport that would remain a lifelong passion. As a child, she also enjoyed drawing, reading and writing poems. This idyllic childhood came to an end when her parents divorced in 1940.
Jacqueline Bouvier was of mostly Irish,
Scottish, and English descent; her French paternal ancestry is distant, with her last French ancestor being Michel Bouvier, a Philadelphia-based cabinetmaker who was a great–grandfather. Both sides of her family made exaggerations about their heritage, with the Bouviers claiming descent from French royalty
and the Lees declaring they were part of the "Virginia Lees.
To me she was drawn to strength, power, and security.
Comment by Static Lines — November 27, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
Poor Larry...I'm convinced that every time you pass a mirror in your home, it implodes into smithereens in deference to your ugliness of spirit which I'm certain spills over to your outward appearance. Remember that which is within presents itself to the outside...for all of the world to behold!!!
Comment by Patrica — November 28, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I prefer the Victoria Secret former models when it comes to outside beauty. I have to say, though, that I've been pleasantly surprised by what I have perceived as Mrs. Obama's softening of attitude and her apparent gracious acceptance of victory. As a result, she seems to have become quite the role model for young girls, regardless of their color.
Comment by Mike — November 29, 2008 @ 2:52 am
"I just had a conversation with a friend about what a great example the Obamas are to the American youth (especially African Americans) who don't seem to value marriage BEFORE babies!"
Lo...although I'm certain you meant well...let's not get carried away! According to recent statistics, the breakdown of teen mothers who give birth (without being married) is as follows: 82% white women, 62% Hispanic women and 59% black women. Race shouldn't even be the issue...it's the number of births without the benefit of marriage which should be of our greatest concern. However, I couldn't allow you to skew this national problem with a broad brush by unfairly and inaccurately portraying a particular group as the culprit!
Comment by Patrica — November 29, 2008 @ 11:21 am
Larry, I'm gonna have to go with Shaun on backing off the haterade! I thought the comparison was based on their grace, style, class, strength and intelligence, you know, the things that matter.
Comment by Lo — November 30, 2008 @ 1:53 pm