I've been meaning to provide commentary on this particular subject for quite sometime. Today's early boredom at work is as good a motivation as any, I suppose, to highlight the people that I espouse should be most inspired by that dude Barack's election (yeah, we're on a first name basis like that). Though many groups lay legitimate claim to Obama's racial and cultural identity, his monolithic appeal forces a magnetism of sharing and commonality that is unprecedented to date (even immediately post 9-11, in this author's opinion), primarily because the guy just doesn't fit nicely into any category to which he's grabbed (I dunno, kinda like how people romanticize America). One group, however, exacts an exlusivity in claim (two if you count my sorors) on a very acute inspiration from Barack, and they get the gold for who should be most inspired. That group is BLACK WOMEN--and their claim is Michelle Obama.
Michelle Obama is straight up black and a straight up woman, period (who's "bad" in a good way...see photo above [which doesn't even show off the fatty])! Michelle seems to be as good as it gets, on a number of levels, and I think nothing evinces Barack's judgment more resoundingly than his grinding (hard by most accounts) to pull Michelle (who was older and who was more established...she was even "the breadwinner" for a good portion of their marriage--even Oprah can't say that). With the destitution of honor and chronic dearth of mores in the black community, the black family more frequently than not finds itself in the position of suspect numero uno. From the natal alienation of slavery through the institutional devouring of our families presently, the black family has never more prominently stood nor has the world subjected it to as much scrutiny as it does today, using the Obama household as conduit. With black women vastly positioned as the cornerstone of our families, Barack's success is largely Michelle's. One could argue at length regarding the nuances of her involvement in Barack's campaign (I personally believe she was the mastermind), she consisently projects a standard by which black women should be inspired--touching the professional (did u see her speeches!?!?), aesthetic, and familial aspects of black womanhood. In short, I imagine little debate would surface as to whether or not Barack would be in his present station were it not for Michelle. Since the US Census reflects black women's propensity to marry outside their race to be the lowest of all racial categories, there is hope and inspiration that doing you could pay off in a way markedly different from black people feeling that we can all "make it" now. Some might call me a dreamer, but I think the likelihood of stronger black families (no matter how few) as a result of black women being reinvigored by Michelle's example will more likely outnumber the total of neo-"[insert noun] movements" in America, and hopefully it will dead movies like "Something New" or "The Family that Preys" (lol...smh with a heavy sigh).
Black men need to sit they asses down, be humbled, reflective and introspective about the magnitude of having the safety net of institional excuses singed more and more daily (and then stand up and set out to inspire our black women even as Barack has with his lifetime cabinet pick). Whatever the expectations preset, whatever the onslaught of adversity, black men are increasingly realizing unprecedented successes AND holding down black women. Playtime is all but over in that regard. Black women, on the other hand, in this small way can viscerally empathize and enjoy Michelle's illness so far, though I'm sure more is to come.
[Though I didn't comment on her innumerable professional accolades and chose to focus exclusively on family life, please don't assume my accent to family life in any way being a presumable pinnacle of success amid black women (it had to be said, cuz yall crazy, and I ain't tryna get cut).]
On a lighter note, the White House unquestionably needs a baby! Behind the grin resulting from my conviction, rests the negro in me who wants to still further push America to a place of deeper tolerance and acceptance. First, let me say that I am delighted at how the media has embraced the Obama children (and their coming pup). Could you imagine how the media would respond to a new baby? While Michelle is doing big things professionally (because I think she's going to grind)? While Barack leads the free world? If that would not be inspiration for black families and for American tolerance and acceptance to be extended, I would be hard pressed to find anything short of "choose your champion (UFC/Gladiator type)" strong arming. Although, I am uneasy about America falling in love with black youth publicly (see Michael Jackson and Gary Coleman) to say the least.
But perhaps most exhilirating aspect of a baby in the White House would be sticking it to the Palin family (wow!). Nuff said!
*I know if Michelle was my wife and I was prez, I'd be getting it poppin' in the White House!!!!
Comments welcome!
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