What Michelle Can Teach Us

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  • Posted By: writing.jrs @ 11/03/2008 10:07:29 AM

    Thank you for this article. The African-American Women that I see in the media are not the same African -American women that I know in my friendships. Let's hope that Ms. Obama can be a role model for every woman, black or white, latino or asian, not just because her husband is in the White House, but because of the intelligent, strong woman she is.

  • Posted By: 71george @ 11/03/2008 10:05:57 AM

    Michelle Obama is a role model for all Americans. She is funny, literate a wonderful mother and apparently a great wife. Her contribution to society is truly amazing, her story is inspirational. No matter what happens tomorrow, Michelle Obama is a true American Hero.

  • Posted By: 71george @ 11/03/2008 10:04:16 AM

    Michelle Obama is a role model for all Americans. End of story.

  • Posted By: mzbuttons @ 11/03/2008 9:54:44 AM

    I think some people who are leaving comments have missed the point of the article. The writer is NOT saying that Mrs. Obama would not be a great role model for us all, she is simply making a direct point that since there are so few black female role models for little black girls she becomes even more special in black communities. Sometimes we as a country need to take a step back and really realize how little postive role models there are out there on a public level for nonwhite children especially little girls. Aside from our own mothers and grandmothers it feels good to point out someone like Michelle Obama on the television to our little girls and say "look at her, she looks like you and she is smart too." We need not only black females like Mrs. Obama, but hispanic, asian and everything in between too because we ALL need to see the positivity in all races not just the majority race.

  • Posted By: curiousreader @ 11/03/2008 9:53:24 AM

    izme, I don't recall having read that Michelle Obama just wants to be a role model for "black women only". Perhaps you assumed this based on the author's article aimed at showing what kind of role model Michelle Obama could be for not only black women, but more importantly to help alter perceptions of black women in the mainstream environment. You must put yourself in a black woman's shoes (if that is at all feasible, unless you are one of course) to better understand the relevance and importance of a "Michelle Obama" being placed in that position. She will do great, I have no doubt.

  • Posted By: sch3839 @ 11/03/2008 9:52:55 AM

    That comment by Michell Obama probable is an understatement.I am a white 69 year old white woman and can understand how she has felt at times.I'm sick and tired of the Religious right 's attitude towards minorities and anyone that is different in their beliefs or race.They are supposed to follow Jesus who most probably eas a person of color.At least Michell didn't have an affair with Mc Cain while he was still with his first wife.What kind of caracter does a man have who turns his back on 3 children and a wife that had been in an accident and left with facial injuries.Woman have waited for a woman to hold a posotion of power in the government and look who Mc Cain chose..a person of limited intelligence who spouds off untruths every chance she gets...Michell is intelligent,poised and knows how the average person need to work hard to achieve...no contest...Obama all the way.

  • Posted By: curiousreader @ 11/03/2008 9:52:53 AM

    izme, I don't recall having read that Michelle Obama just wants to be a role model for "black women only". Perhaps you assumed this based on the author's article aimed at showing what kind of role model Michelle Obama could be for not only black women, but more importantly to help alter perceptions of black women in the mainstream environment. You must put yourself in a black woman's shoes (if that is at all feasible, unless you are one of course) to better understand the relevance and importance of a "Michelle Obama" being placed in that position. She will do great, I have no doubt.

  • Posted By: mimbru @ 11/03/2008 9:50:25 AM

    I am a White Male in full support of Michelle Obama. In her speeches, she has been nothing less than truthful, intelligent and compassionate. She speaks eliquently and her words are well thought out. She will not only represent the women with respect in this country, but also the men and children. She will grace the while house with her love of family and country. She will stand by her husband and I am sure she will debate him on issues of controversy. People of America, it is time to put the "racial thing" to bed. We are all made of the same much and mire. God certainly has a love for diversity. So should we be.

  • Posted By: billtill @ 11/03/2008 9:48:14 AM

    Comment: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=69601

    Hey look this is really serious, its no longer about oooh Sarah Palin sounds sooo dumb, or McCain is just like Bush. Read what he said. He wants a civilian security force. Imagine if he gets elected, and the democrats control congress. What happens when he gets a bill passed by congress to create this civilian military force? How will he fill this army of 250,000 people. Will he implement a draft? Are you guys still certain Obama is the man we need to bring "Change"????????????????

  • Posted By: billtill @ 11/03/2008 9:44:33 AM

    Comment: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=69601

    Hey look this is really serious, its no longer about oooh Sarah Palin sounds sooo dumb, or McCain is just like Bush. Read what he said. He wants a civilian security force. Imagine if he gets elected, and the democrats control congress. What happens when he gets a bill passed by congress to create this civilian military force? How will he fill this army of 250,000 people. Will he implement a draft? Are you guys still certain Obama is the man we need to bring "Change"????????????????

  • Posted By: mimbru @ 11/03/2008 9:43:47 AM

    As a white American Male I am fascinated by Michelle Obama. I have always been interested in the strength of women no matter what culture or race they come from. After listening to Michelle Obama, I find myself mesmerized by her intelligence, unconditional compassion for humankind and love of family. She is truly an inspiration to me. She is well versed and well thought out. She herself is a true leader and will support her husband to the fulest. The thought of Michelle Obama being my first lady gives me nothing but hope and comfort knowing that she will be along side her remarkable husband in the White House. Every woman in this country should feel the same.

  • Posted By: SoccerMomof3 @ 11/03/2008 9:36:34 AM

    Personally, I see Michelle Obama as a role model for all women and girls. She is intelligent, funny, devoted to her family, successful, and, yes, beautiful on top of it all. She seems to be thoughtful and to have insight into many issues that face the country today. I hope my daughter (who doesn't see the world as black and white) will admire Mrs. Obama as much as she does her husband. I know I do. Being close to the same age as the Obamas, I have witnessed much of what they have in the past few decades. Although I am not black, my friends have had many of the same questions and faced many of the same attitudes, so I have been able to experience their frustrations and triumphs. I keep hoping for the day when we forget about race and can see what people bring to the table.

  • Posted By: easterniron @ 11/03/2008 9:34:53 AM

    It is interesting that the author refers to only democratic first ladies as those who made their mark in office. Yes, Jackie Kennedy brought beauty and culture to an otherwise dull setting, and Hilary was a force to be reckoned with, however to leave out the accomplishments of Betty Ford and her lasting affect on the every day woman--in both breast cancer awareness and substance abuse, or the quiet dignity and determination of Laura Bush is typical of the Democratic state of mind that only they have the influence and intelligence to make a difference in our country.

  • Posted By: Ms.Optimistic @ 11/03/2008 9:31:43 AM

    I find it amazing that people are offended with Michelle Obama's comment about being proud of her country. What non blacks fail to realize is that it is very difficult to be proud of a country that treats you like a second class citizen. I have always been proud to be an African American and now I am slowly beginning to feel accepted as an AMERICAN. There are definitely race issues that need to be resolved, but I feel we are closer to reaching Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream. At 34 yrs of age , I am hopeful that I will, in my life time, be able to honestly say : Free at last , free at last, thank GOD almighty, I am free at last.

  • Posted By: Progressive American @ 11/03/2008 9:28:19 AM

    To say that Mrs. Obama "She could be a real-life role model for black women," comes across as a divisive idea. I understand the author's intent to make the point that Michelle's eloquent manner will assist in breaking down the negative sterotypes that are known to falsely describe the black female community. However, Michelle's positive attributes can lend themselves to be a role model for all cultures and races. To continually move this country foward bloggers, writers, and talking heads need to stop putting people in
    one particular racial box. A child from any race, culture and even sex, can view Mrs. Obama as a role model. Ask your self this, who wouldn't want their child to exel at some of the best universities in the United States?

  • Posted By: shaney17 @ 11/03/2008 9:27:56 AM

    While I get the focus of this article, the minute you say she can be a role model for black woman you marginalize her...why can't she just be a role model for all woman. Would you say that Cindy McCain could be a real-life rode model for white woman? As an African American woman, these kinds of statements place people of color in the margins and limits their humanity to folks who look like them....a place Michelle Obama has fought her whole like to stay out of.

  • Posted By: Progressive American @ 11/03/2008 9:25:06 AM

    To say that Mrs. Obama "She could be a real-life role model for black women," comes across as a divisive idea. I understand the author's intent to make the point that Michelle's eloquent manner will assist in breaking down the negative sterotypes that are known to falsely describe the black female community. However, Michelle's positive attributes can lend themselves to be a role model for all cultures and races. To continually move this country foward bloggers, writers, and talking heads need to stop putting people in
    one particular racial box. A child from any race or culture and even sex, can view Mrs. Obama as a role model. Ask your self this, who wouldn't want their child to exel at some of the universities in the United States?

  • Posted By: jackbelle @ 11/03/2008 9:22:54 AM

    I think this election will be a turning point not so much for black individuals in America, but for black families. I'm not naive enough to believe it will bring about an end to racism as we know it, but for the first time in history, a strong, healthy black family will be the symbol of America projected in our own living rooms each night and on the world stage. How great is that?

  • Posted By: Dave palm Harbor Fl. @ 11/03/2008 9:12:50 AM

    I notice your are quick to point out the advantages to blacks if Obama wins. Have you forgotten what he has promised to do to the WHITE middle class? why can't this be discussed?

  • Posted By: Tuckysmom @ 11/03/2008 9:12:39 AM

    Michelle is far more than a role model for black women. Think about it. She comes from modest circumstances and through hard work and focus she was able to attend extremely good schools, receive her law degree from Harvard, and go on to work at a prestigious law firm. From my perspective, she is a role model for any woman who aspires to a better life - black or white!!

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