Why Michelle May Not Smile and Some Other Political Stuff
I was listening to Moms Morning Show today and the topic of Wednesday Night’s debate between Obama and Hilary came up, which led to an entire conversation about politics.
There was a comment about Michelle Obama not smiling, and you know what, that is true. But is it because she does not like people or because she is concerned about what all this means for her family? Does she worry that her husband will be a target because of his race? Let’s get real here, not everyone in America wants a black man as President; as far as we may have come, there is still a lot of hatred and racism that exist.
It was Michelle that pushed for her man to receive Secret Service protection because of all the threats he was receiving. Who knows whether or not she cries at night because she sees something Obama doesn’t? Who knows whether or not those frown lines are worry and deep concern? REALLY….who knows.
I don’t think that Michelle is a woman who does not like people. I think she is woman who is very cautious; and sometimes that means she will not smile. She won’t always be on que with a grin and you know what neither am I. Shoot the woman is human.
Now please don’t think that I am playing the race card. I am far from that, but I also deal with reality just as it is. I pray for Michelle because I see the worry in her face, and as a wife and mom I feel the sistah!
I don’t talk about politics often because it leads to too much conflict and judging. Can’t stand it. I have been a Democrat ever since I started voting. For many reasons it was the best choice for me. I don’t talk to people about my views because sometimes it is just not worth the hassle when it comes to politics.
I think that Obama not wearing an Americam Flag pin or saying the Pledge of Allegiance is irrelevant. I don’t say the Pledge of Allegiance and I have my reasons: The first being that this nation, in my opinion, is not a nation under God because of all the junk going on. Plus there are so many who do not believe in the God that the Pledge is referring to. Oh boy I could really “go there” on that alone, but I will leave it alone.
I am proud to live in America but I am not proud of the fact the foundation it claims to stand on is crumbling right under our feet.
Ok, time to shut up. Maybe I will get more political next week or some other time the desire to do so comes to mind. I know I may get some flack for this but again, my opinion and I have a right to that.
Duh… you know, I never thought about that with Michelle Obama. Very good point!
chele’s last blog post..By: LaTara
Great post, LaTara — I actually had thought of that.
My ex-husband is a black man, and both my sons are bi-racial, and my youngest son is 20 and very interested in politics. We live in Canada so of course can’t vote, but you can imagine that we have discussed this and my son is very aware.
One of the first things he said to me when Obama started to run for Presidents was – Mom, I hope he won’t be assassinated. Isn’t it sad that our young people have to think of this?
Diana
Diana Walker’s last blog post..What is Acid Alkaline Balance? – Show #2
Yeah I have to tell you that the thought of Assassination was the first to run through my head. I even started out saying that he shouldn’t run. I think about strong black men that were deemed a “threat’ like King and I know that there are people who hate this man and want him dead.
I think any wife would worry about that.
Great post! I too am a person who might be accused of never smiling. People have told me since I was young that I look mad all the time. I just have one of those faces where unless I am actively trying to smile I look pissed I guess when really I am just thinking or I am neutral or somthing.
Maybe Michelle also just has one of those faces but yes she also has reason to be pensive and concerned.
But for the record the pledge thing is false. That rumor needs to go away. But I too would understand if he wouldn’t say it because it talks about liberty and justice and if anyone thinks we live in a country where those are ideologies are upheld they are dreaming IMO. Also I think the reference to God only covers a portion of the American population…that’s not cool.
Tiffany’s last blog post..Eco Wrap – TreeHugger, Vanity Fair, and Monsanto
Awesome post!
And really, when was the reference to God even added – in 1954 (I had to look up the date LOL) when the scare of communism was rampant.
Great point about Michelle being worried about her husband – and I thought the same thing as Diana’s son! How sad I did think it, but true it is a concern.
Tsoniki’s last blog post..Crafter Cast Show #6
Well the one thing I don’t like about politics is that people get judged or praised for superficial stuff.
IMHO what a person says and does, their love, respect and commitment to the country and how they have conducted their life (honestly, with compassion, etc.) – those are the things that matter most.
One good thing is that we are “seriously” considering a black man and a woman for the presidency of the United States. Isn’t that wonderful in and of itself? We’ve already had good male, white presidents and (really) BAD, male white presidents and the country is still standing. Perhaps we can take that bold step and try a qualified, committed American of another gender or race.
Sharon’s last blog post..To Commute or Not to Commute
TOOT TOOT Sharon!
WOW what a great post and great comments. Honesly If I were Michele Obama – I doubt my butt would be grinning all the time. Do you know how many death threats that family has had? Do you know what is on the line for the the US in the next election, its a lot of things to think about.
I know I dont walk about grinning on queue ad I don’t falt her or anyone else for not doing the same.
Aurelia’s last blog post..Feel Empowered and Happy About Yourself
Great post Latara. Because we don’t have TV I’ve never actually seen Michelle Obama so I had no point of reference. But I definitely agree with you – she probably is worried for her husband and family. I know I would be if I was in her shoes!
I think, too, we’re so used to “political face” – that happy, hand shaking, baby kissing, smile that’s supposed to go along with elections. Maybe she’s just not filling that “mold” the way some people expect.
Thanks for the thoughtful post and great comments!
Annette’s last blog post..Tell Me Thursday 4/17/08 -Then and now
Thanks for all the comments. You know I think that as we consider things, we need to try and take an objective viewpoint because otherwise we fall into the same trap that so many people do day after day.
Tiffany, you mentioned that the statement about the pledge was not true. This is exactly where I am coming from.
La Tara,
Such a great and wise and astute post. As a political wife myself, I get the many reasons why she might not/doesn’t smile. And all of the factors that you bring up, I am sure weigh upon her mind. Like the annoying phrase we all hear when we’re expecting the first time…life will change as she knows it. As her kids know it…and the higher a spouse climbs in politics, the more true this becomes. She is going to face not only having to insulate her family (the girls) from any number of things, but there is also the pure issue of safety. (Which she obviously is aware of given the heightened security.) Sometimes, spouses see things that the candidates do not, because on the campaign trail, they are focused (sometimes myopically) on the immediate goal of achieving election. Unfortunately, the spouses (and sometimes the kids too) are as heavily scrutinized as the candidates…the conversation about M.O. not smiling is a case-in-point…people reading into their every expression and movement, deconstructing their phrases. Unfortunately today, that’s part of what it means to be in the public eye.
Good call, La Tara!
Erika’s last blog post..Parsing shades of feminism
Those are all really good points!
Loretta’s last blog post..paranoid mommy?
LaTara, thank you for the thought inspiring post! You prove to me again how many cultural perspectives that I and others can be slow to realize and understand. I appreciate you
Kelly’s last blog post..Mom’s Morning Show #145
What a thought inspiring post LaTara.
As with any other wife and mother, her concern for her family must be weighing heavily on her shoulders.
I actually saw Michelle Obama on The Colbert Report this past week. She was really very likable, fun and interesting. It was nice to see her ‘let her guard down’.
CaraM’s last blog post..Spring Cleaning The Bedrooms
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