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The Real Prize
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Posted By:
sampsono at 11/27/2008 3:25:21 PM
Comment:
I enjoy watching them together, nice to have a real couple who really adore each other. They both seems to light up when near each others, That look, glance at each other. The kind every woman wants, the fire, LOVE... -
Posted By:
paugburn at 11/11/2008 8:45:34 PM
Comment:
Let's not forget Michele's intelligence also. This too tells us something about Barack in that he is not threatened by a sister who is comfortable in her own skin. The fact that he chose a sister is indeed inspiring especially when one considers his racial ancestry whereby he could possibly have been expected to choose differently. I agree, Michele is a well put together sister just as many of us are and I admire and respect her for who she seems to be. May she, Barack and their 2 children continue to grow together and be happy and successful. -
Posted By:
paugburn at 11/11/2008 8:39:43 PM
Comment:
Let's also not forget Michele's intelligence also. It too tells us something about the man Barack in that he was not intimidated by a black woman who is comfortable in her own skin. I too have thought about Barack's choice of a sister for his mate. This has caused me to look on him favorably also especially when you consider that as a man from biracial descent he could have and may even have been expected to choose differently. I adore Michele, Barack and the children and pray for their continued sucess and happiness through all of this. -
Posted By:
MeeraBowman-Johnson at 11/11/2008 5:28:11 PM
Comment:
Love Michelle. We don't always know what attracts people to eachother, and I highly doubt Barack was trying to make a statement by choosing a brown skinned wife - but his choice in a mate speaks VOLUMES as to where his head is. The first time she was introduced as his spouse, I thought, "This guy is different, in a really good way!" I hope her presence has a positive effect on young girls out there, and that certain brothers finally see what our President Elect saw all along. -
Posted By:
tootsumi1 at 11/11/2008 1:22:31 PM
Comment:
Girl! You said it ALL here! Michelle is clearly the prize for Barack -- and rightfully so. Like you, I have no problem with people choosing who they may -- but in this case -- DAMN I feel good that he chose Michelle! -
Posted By:
Imystic1 at 11/07/2008 1:07:22 PM
Comment:
I like where you're coming from... Michelle is a woman of beauty, brains, and hopefully spirit ( insufficient data on the spirit part). But to me it shows that Barack knows how to pick a good woman! -
Posted By:
Eljay in ATL at 06/22/2008 5:44:14 PM
Comment:
Kim,
Girlfriend. I am an olive tan-complexioned, wavy-haired sister with black hair and eyes to match. And I like Michelle Obama and Barack's choice of her for a wife for all the same good reasons as you do. And my family contains the full color spectrum from light-bright to black as pitch just like yours. You have my permission to say it out loud--It feels good to see that brother with that noticeably brown sister. Because, none of us who are light complexioned (and occasionally hated and liked for the wrong reasons) can be beautiful if ALL of us are not beautiful!! Peace. -
Posted By:
knowalot at 06/20/2008 11:40:17 AM
Comment:
You probably don"t remember me but we met when I was the Principal at Univerisity High School in Philadelphia. I am so deligted to read your thoughts and want to especially commend you on this article. Yes, Senator Obama's choice of a brown-skinned life-mate says much about his racial identity. It is my hope that his choice of Michelle sends a message to all men and women but especially our black brothers and sisters that they need to take a closer look at us darker brown women and really see how beautiful we are. Additionally, Senator Obama's public displays of affection toward his wife may require all men to reflect on how they treat their women. I submit that Senator Obama's candidacy is going to have a resounding impact of international affairs, national affairs and the affairs of men and women across this country. -
Posted By:
misterunionguy at 06/19/2008 5:05:43 PM
Comment:
I was very disturbed by this article... I'm not sure where to start with my explanation... so please be patient with me.
I have been a "fan" of Mr. Obama since he spoke at the DNC in 2004. I jumped on his bandwagon early when he decided to run for President. A lot of my friends were surprised. "We thought you'd pick someone with more experience" they said. "We though you were more level headed."
I can admit that Obama does not have the most experience, but he inspires me to believe in an America where "all men [and women] are created equally." This has been something I hoped for and dreamed of... but something I had given up hope for. Obama has reignited my hope and got me off of me seat. I have an intense "man-crush" on him. I love him!
Okay, so I am a white guy, 52, with three children. My youngest [my only daughter] is married to a black man and they both live with my wife and I while they are finishing school. They are great kids. My son-in-law was orphaned at a young age and he lacks a certain degree of self-confidence. I assumed that being an orphan was largely the reason for not being sure of himself.
What disturbes me about this article and the video [Just Like Me] that I watched on "YouTube" was the realization that skin color actually affects the way people look at themselves. I guess I'm pretty ignorant, but I was surprised by this. Obviously, I'll never know what it's like to be anything other than white, but I am convinced that I need to be more encouraging to everyone around me, and maybe especially to my son-in-law.
My whole life I have fancifully believed that "race doesn't matter." I see now that it's a whole lot easier to believe that when you're white. Still, I hope that someday we'll all judge ourselves (and others), if we must judge at all, on something other than the color (or shade) of our skin. -
Posted By:
Janice Byer at 06/17/2008 7:19:41 AM
Comment:
My take on Michelle's faulting Barack for not putting the butter back, etc., was that she was lampooning the media;s desire to dig up dirt on him. In other words, she intentionally gave them petty examples, only to have it taken literally as pettiness. Her refusal to dish the bad on her beloved was at once high-minded and disarming of his media critics, who then went after her, making her a martyr for the cause of his campaign and my hero. -
Posted By:
randamac at 06/17/2008 12:46:07 AM
Comment:
I had to comment on this one. This article represents everything I think about Michelle Obama. I remember scanning through the channels maybe 2 years ago and seeing Barack Obama on Oprah--before she endorsed him--and was not interested in watching it until Oprah introduced Michelle. I said to myself "What? A sister/sister? A girl that needs a perm (I wear my hair natural by the way), a girl that gets naps? I paid attention then because it is true that so often successful black men choose really lighter-skinned, white or other women of color that aren't black over a darker-skinned sister , or as Marcus Garvey called it, the mulatto escape hatch.
Seeing Michelle said a lot about Barack's character that he chose a smart, elegant, intellectual dark-skinned woman. And better yet, he didn't think he got the short end of the stick either. He knows he has a prize and he cherishes it. Better yet, as Kim Mclarin has said, Ms. Michelle expected and received love and respect from Barack. It says a great deal not about him, but about her family as well. She obviously had a mother and especially a father that taught her to love herself and expect love in return.
I'm light skinned myself w/ big nose and big lips, and for many years I was brainwashed by colorism that is present in the black community. For the women that said, Michelle is still being objectified in this article. Yes, she is an object. One that shows us as black women what to expect and receive from our black men. An object to show the world a black man and black woman in a healthy relationship that's not on television, a la the Huxtables. Someone we can show our daughters and sons as examples. If that type of objectification is wrong, I don't wanna be right. -
Posted By:
VTyalinH at 06/15/2008 1:29:31 AM
Comment:
My thoughts exactly!! Michelle is an inspiration to all little black girls ... so refreshing after being bombarded with the Johnson/BET video images of beauty ... which seem to be almost white ... I'm happy for my daughter .... Black is beautiful in all our glorious shades!!! -
Posted By:
jmoon at 06/14/2008 2:29:57 PM
Comment:
I so agree with you and as a light-skinned sister with sisters that resemble Michelle...I rejoice. To some this may seem superficial as we do realize that she has so much more going for her than how she looks. Yet, It's a good thing worth sharing that beauty and brains are packaged also in hues of nutbrown, cinnamon,sepia, mahogany.....welll you get the point! I also pray that the world
will behold this striking woman and their beautiful daughters exiting the limousine with President-elect Barack Obama on that cold and frosty day in January. I get chills just thinking about it!!! -
Posted By:
aljones13 at 06/14/2008 9:37:38 AM
Comment:
Kim, you put my thoughts into words perfectly. I have been trying to explain to my (white) co-workers the reasons I chose Barack over Hillary, and the fact that he chose Michelle - a strong, intelligent, self-sufficient BLACK woman - really ended up being the determining factor for me. He and Hill ran so close on the issues that I chose based on personalities, and this show of affection for Michelle was the big check mark for Obama! -
Posted By:
disco at 06/13/2008 8:36:29 PM
Comment:
I like Michelle Obama. Behind my own wife, my mother and my great grandmother, she can get a spot. If she dont change her fashion sense, she gonna be known as the first lady with the hugh butt. -
Posted By:
8833sbc at 06/13/2008 6:49:28 PM
Comment:
You are so right Kim, -
Posted By:
Doris V. at 06/13/2008 2:37:01 PM
Comment:
I agree with Kim 101%. Michelle is an intelligent, beautiful woman. She completes Barack. They have a lovely family. An Obama supporter from the time he announced he was running. Yes, we can!! -
Posted By:
pwriter at 06/13/2008 2:36:11 PM
Comment:
Right on, right on! -
Posted By:
andrewells134 at 06/11/2008 5:10:32 PM
Comment:
I dont feel the need to validate the successes of my people to anyone. I know that we live in a country that has a history of genocide against people of color. We all know that negative steriotyping of blacks gives racist a feeling of superioty and creats division among the various races. Its a tool that corporations have been using to force Americans into economic enslavement. Do you actually think that you congressman or senator works for you, or do they work for big business. They dont Fear Obama what they fear is his message of Change. He is talking about taking control government away from big business, and giving it back to us. We have many positive role models in black America, its just that white America wont see them. In 1980's 90 percent of what we consider mass media was owned by over 80 different groups. Today its down to 5 the control, television, radio and mass print on a large level.
They use racism, religion, patrotism, greed you name it to keep us all looking the wrong way while they pay our congressman to sell us out. I dont know about you but i dont give one damn, about OJ,Micheal Jackson, Britney,or Paris. I will shoot myself if i hear Nancy Grace talking one more time about the poor girl missing in Aruba. They have created a new branch of government and Nancy Pelosi has made a deal claiming impeachment is off the table, who in the hell is paying her off. If we the people want Bush and Cheney impeached, then is Pelosi's job to get it done, its the same ole thing with our officials, she needs to go along with alot of other congressman and senators who want to stand in the way of Change. -
Posted By:
ninarg531 at 06/10/2008 2:13:33 PM
Comment:
Oh my goodness, I've thought the moment I saw Michelle. Barack, an intelligent, successful man, picked a real black woman. Like this wonderful article says, it does say something about him. Perhaps little black girls who don't feel beautiful because they don't meet video-vixen or European "standards" will look at Michelle and realize that they, too, can be just as smart, lovely, and desirable as any other woman--and be loved by a man of equal caliber. -
Posted By:
NRL at 06/10/2008 12:29:12 PM
Comment:
AMEN -
Posted By:
affirmations at 06/09/2008 4:30:35 PM
Comment:
amen -
Posted By:
knows2much at 06/09/2008 12:08:24 AM
Comment:
After her, "stock" in the rest of us will go up. A rising tide lifts all ships! -
Posted By:
Katie Flennaugh-Dawson at 06/08/2008 10:23:48 PM
Comment:
This description of Michelle Obama says it all! -
Posted By:
arthurkey at 06/08/2008 6:45:45 PM
Comment:
I'm not so sure that I'd say that she has big legs, a la Hillary, but they sure do seem to be nice legs. Yeah, she's a hottie, like someone said in a blog I read earlier, and if she isn't the archetypical idea of Caucasian beauty, well, they can keep Paris Hilton... -
Posted By:
reddwoman at 06/08/2008 6:12:18 PM
Comment:
You said it Sister!
Just the way that I FEEL it -
Posted By:
reddwoman at 06/08/2008 6:10:50 PM
Comment:
Amen Sister!
You said it Just the waY I FEEL iT -
Posted By:
shespeaks at 06/07/2008 7:37:45 PM
Comment:
Kim,
Thank you for writing this beautiful piece. It is so true and, I must admit, brought me to tears as well. While I was a fan of Barack's before I saw his wife, I must admit, that seeing her just made my admiration of him even sweeter. Yes, she's intelliegent, witty, successful and all of those things, but what resonated with me most, was the fact that she is a beautiful black woman who looks like me. I don't want to knock my light skinned sistas but, the reality is, very rarely do you see a prominent, successful, powerful and/or famous black man, who chooses a wife who is dark skinned. And, unfortunately, often when you do, she is criticized and he is questioned i.e. Denzel Washngton. The message to dark skinned girls is your not cute/good/fine enough for the big show. So, it just feels good to see that this man thought different. They are a beautiful couple and I adore them. -
Posted By:
awake at 06/07/2008 4:58:20 PM
Comment:
I frequently, feel as if I'm from another world. I just wish that I could stop being unpleasantly, surprised that otherwise, intelligent Black People still don't understand the outrageous beauty of dark-skinned women. It's bizarre to me how no other race in the world is blind to it's own unique beauty and this is embarrassing to me. Dark-skinned women have always been beautiful...Have always deserved the love and adoration of their husbands and children...Have always, always, been the epitome of fabulous! At least, I know I am.
Even the Queen of Sheba stated "I'm black, but I am comely." while addressing a group of women that didn't look like her. Apparently, she felt that her beauty was superior to theirs. I'm quite sure that she also felt deserving of all the ceremony that King Solomon had for her as well as his gifts to her.
Growing up in a Black, middle-class, two-parent, 2 kid family, I remember that in my family being "color-struck" was ridiculed by my parents, to the point of almost being a sin, except, that it was understood that you had to be an idiot to be "color-struck' and how can you hold an idiot responsible? A person's family, ethics, education, personal grace, character and most importantly, if they were committed Christians, was the standard that was applied equally to men as well as women per. their feasibility.
I wish that Black People would stop buying into stereotypes as if our race were a particular "breed" of animal. We are varied people like any other people . I believe that as a whole,as far as natural beauty, we are an exaggeration of the best in the human-being. It is lamentable that only a few Black People know this. Having grown up in a happy family and witnessing the loving and adoring marriage of my parents, God blessed me with my own. My husband is very fair-skinned and I am very dark-skinned and we are so beautiful in our own right. People just give us stuff...I mean, in stores people want to make us a present of whatever we were buying. All say that we are the happiest couple they ever met. Our deep affection and respect for one another simply re-states the true intent that God had for marriage. It's not a skin thing, it's a "Love Thang, a soul-mate thing." And yes, It was definitely, her spirit, intelligence, grace, home-training, that attracted Barack, but more than that, as it was with my husband, it was the way she smiled at him and completely understands him as he completely understands her. But, what I like about Barack Obama, is that while being interviewed by a black interviewer who congratulated Barack on choosing to marry a black woman. Barack, looked insulted and he immediately said that he was the fortunate one that Michelle chose him to be her husband... The interviewer didn't get it...and that weird, disgusted/sad feeling came on me again. -
Posted By:
IndiPundit at 06/07/2008 2:01:17 PM
Comment:
What I love about Obama's choice of wife is that she is intelligent, confident, and clearly has a mind of her own, which he appreciates. He clearly loves her very much and didn't want a Stepford Wife. That says a lot about his character. That her skin is brown also shows that he would not let who he loved and married be dictated by the norms within the white society he was trying to rise within. All this speaks to a solid character in the man, and I will also be quite proud to see a First Lady of clearly African ancestory representing our nation soon. -
Posted By:
elfpix at 06/07/2008 9:45:18 AM
Comment:
I have to say I'm white and picked up on this right away, as soon as I saw them together. But I like to think he chose the woman who emanated the characteristics that worked with him - the shade of skin color was irrelevant, it was what was inside that drew him to her.
But we all know from living how fortunate they were. Marriages are really hard work whatever color your skin is, and however smart you are. And she's doing one hell of a job supporting him through this. I can only just barely imagine having so many other people so intimately tied to my husband.
She must be incredibly secure. -
Posted By:
whiteladyteaching at 06/06/2008 7:30:52 PM
Comment:
As a teacher, I see my girls struggle with this constantly, and am so excited I can point to Mrs. Obama as a woman who they can look up to. -
Posted By:
malia at 06/06/2008 7:15:13 PM
Comment:
Kim, yes, Michelle does all of us "ordinary brown" girls proud, and we love Barack for seeing the beauty in her! Thank you so much for writing this. -
Posted By:
BibiBMore at 06/06/2008 3:13:19 PM
Comment:
I have to agree with you. While I no longer look upon light-skinned black women as having an advantage over us darker-skinned women as I did when I was insecure about my complexion, it's certainly refreshing to see another woman who looks like me and countless other women who have been overlooked and disregarded as not meeting the Hollywood standard of black beauty. But, more important than her simply looking like a sista, she is brilliant and doesn't appear to want to be a co-president, unlike what occurred during the Clinton era. My cousin was her classmate at Harvard and raves about her integrity and sense of self-dignity regularly. If you follow her career, then compare that to her commitment to husband and children, it's no wonder why we're looking forward to seeing her as the First Lady, particularly in a nation which sees black woman as nappy-headed hoes. -
Posted By:
jmoon at 06/06/2008 3:11:01 PM
Comment:
I so hear you on this and when he spoke at the Democratic Convention and she was on stage with him; my heart just fluttered. He looked at her as if she was
"all that" and more. We don't see that much with male officials of color. It's not about excluding ....but including all of us with our many hues and facial characteristics. To those who dismiss this as superficial...I had already assumed that she was intelligent and could hold her own. -
Posted By:
mariequeenbee at 06/06/2008 3:06:56 PM
Comment:
Simply put, thank you. This brought me to tears! Why? Because I thought I was the only person who "got it" and it is nice to see my feelings are not unique. Second, you reminded of me of precious their love is. I had an opportunity to meet Ms. Obama and her husband on several occassions. She is regal, beautiful and "real". -
Posted By:
Patra at 06/06/2008 1:21:09 PM
Comment:
rainydaiyz, I hear you. But I'd like to respectfully point out a few things...like the fact that women also get to decide what is deemed handsome and acceptable, and what is not...for better or worse, we do have that power. And you what? There is nothing wrong with that. Black women aren't nearly as "powerless" as you may think...we have the power to pick and choose, or reject the men who approach us and/or would be potential mates. Men, on a daily basis, subject themselves to possible rejection by women who may deem them unattractive or unacceptable.
Regarding "wifely material", it is perfectly natural that men would get to choose what woman is considered "wifely material" and who is not...just as we get to decide who is "husband" material. Years ago I turned down a marriage proposal from a man I deemed as not being "husband" material. He wasn't a bad guy; in fact he was pretty great, but I did not think he possessed the qualities that a husband should possess. That doesn't mean I thought he was a bad person; on the contrary -- he was a fine man -- just not the man for me to make a legal, moral lifetime commitment to. He proposed, and I had the power to either accept it or turn it down. And yes, Michelle is a very accomplished woman in her own right; I don't think being the wife of the first Black man to be running for president takes away from her accomplishments; I certainly hope she doesn't feel that way.
As for gender equality...I have to be honest...I believe it is much ado about nothing. Men and women are distinctly different; there are ways in which a man will never be equal to a woman, and there are ways in which a woman will never be equal to a man. That is a fact of life. Together, under the right circumstances, we compliment each other; it all balances out. You make valid points with respect to us earning less money than our male counterparts; that aside, I do not want to be "equal" to a man. I do not want the burdens and responsibilities that men have. I am very grateful to have a husband who is head of household in the traditional sense, which frees me up to be the "traditional" wife and mother, to stay home with our newborn, and not have to worry about working outside the home.
I do understand that things aren't perfect as respects the genders; things could be better. But they are not as dismal as you may think, either. -
Posted By:
prefacedey at 06/06/2008 1:03:45 PM
Comment:
Well --she was the deal maker for me. I know that he is gonna know a suster's perspective or at least one version of one SUSTER--as long as he lays down on his own pillow at night. If you know me --you know that I am not a narrow person and neither is my circle of close present or long-since missed friends. I have great grandparents just like his grandmother and cousins just like him (ethnically sort-of). I am banking on Michelle on the pillow for a voice for my grandchildren and women. She is a prize and we don't need to ever treat her any other way. Haters go somewhere and start lovin yo self. -
Posted By:
rainydaiyz at 06/06/2008 12:30:27 PM
Comment:
I'm really not trying to rain on the parade. I'm a darkskinned woman myself, and I love the way Michelle and Barack look together.
But, there have been a lot of darker skinned beautiful women in politics doing their thing...Cynthia Mc Kinney and Condi Rice just to name afew. Now all of a sudden because a MAN chooses a darker skinned woman as his wife it gives dark skinned women legitimacy? Sad, but true. Personally I would have been happier if Barack chose a dark skinnned woman who ALSO wears her hair natural----but that's just me...
I think it's ironic that the author quotes Shange, because there is nothing woman-centered about this article. This article is all about male privilege. It reinscribes the power of MEN in our society to decide what is beautiful and acceptable and what is not...
The phrase "wifely material" that the author uses is just atrocious. Some women are worth marrying and others are not, and guess who gets makes those arbitrary distinctions?---men.
And yes by virtue of the fact that women still make much less money and have far less influence than men, many of us still have to depend on being thought of as "wifely material"----much more so than men... Michelle is an accomplished woman in her own right, however her biggest claim to fame now is Barack choosing her as his wife...this is the inequity between men and women that I'm talking about... I know nobody wants to talk about gender equality right now, when we're about to get our first black president, but it does need to be pointed out. -
Posted By:
Patra at 06/06/2008 9:54:30 AM
Comment:
to divasays: It is important to talk about what shade Mrs. Obama is, given the fact that women in my shade (darker side) are often left by the wayside as respects being considered beautiful...both by white society, and a segment of the black community. I think it's time darkskinned black women start appreciating and celebrating their beauty...nothing wrong with that.
rainydaiyz: physical attraction is what draw men and women together; that's where it all starts...and I don't think our getting ahead in life depends on how attractive men find us; however, it does play a major role in bringing a man and a woman together. Speaking for myself, upon initially meeting a man, I've never thought, "Wow, I'll be he's got a great head on his shoulders!" -- it was "DAMN, that brotha is FOINE!" Of course over the course of time, you learn about and appreciate his "inner qualities"...but, whether you agree or not, attractiveness counts...light or dark. -
Posted By:
Patra at 06/06/2008 9:36:35 AM
Comment:
Ah, nothing more beautiful and precious than love and commitment between a black man and a black woman. -
Posted By:
Patra at 06/06/2008 9:36:02 AM
Comment:
Ah, nothing more beautiful and precious than love and commitment between a black man and a black woman... -
Posted By:
Dantresomi at 06/06/2008 7:11:01 AM
Comment:
Amen to this... I do dig Michelle tremendously (lawd them legs) . There is nothing more wonderful than an intelligent sister (there I said it). She will bring a class to the white house that has not been seen in a looooooooooonnnnnnngggggggggg time. -
Posted By:
cmcdonald2003 at 06/05/2008 8:28:33 PM
Comment:
Rainydayz, you hit the topic on center. When I today see media shots of Michelle, I historically bring to mind Laura's adulation from George Bush -- trophy, elitist women on display by promoters. Women truly need to retire from the historical role as a bangle bracelet in the service of men. -
Posted By:
spiker at 06/05/2008 6:17:19 PM
Comment:
Kiri: A Girl Like Me.
I saw nothing but beautiful and articulate young women. I wish they knew it inately without having to justifying it. -
Posted By:
AMJ12609 at 06/05/2008 4:13:44 PM
Comment:
Beautifully written, Kim, and my sentiments exactly. Barack couldn't have picked a better wife for the moment, and for all of us. She makes me so proud to be a black woman, and I hold her up as a role model for my two daughters every chance I get. I especially liked the first sentence in your last paragraph: "More importantly, Michelle Obama seems to take his open adoration of her in stride, as if it were simply nothing more than she deserved."
I hope this attitude rubs off on all of us. We have a right to be loved. Never forget it! -
Posted By:
kree8v1 at 06/05/2008 3:55:35 PM
Comment:
I HAD to comment on this article!! Thank you so much. I absolutely love your viewpoint and commentary and indeed, LOVE Obama for his choice in woman. As a dark-skinned woman, I have been told too often that I am beautiful.....to be dark-skinned! I've never understood why one would think that is a compliment. To see a prominent man who is and will continue to be looked at as a role model and hopefully, in November as President, the fact that he has a hip-py, mocha brown sister on his arm under the spotlight of America speaks VOLUMES about him. He's not afraid to buck the system and I applaud him for that.
http://kree8v1.wordpress.com/2007/02/16/so-prettyto-be-dark-wtf/ -
Posted By:
highliter at 06/05/2008 2:08:47 PM
Comment:
"More importantly, Michelle Obama seems to take his open adoration of her in stride". This is the one thing that touched my heart from the beginning, how he looks at her. You can see on his face how he simply adores Michelle, when he looks at her. You can see that they are best friends. I read where they are going on a "date" this weekend. It's a beautiful thing to see. -
Posted By:
Thessalonia at 06/05/2008 12:47:34 PM
Comment:
Ms. Kim,
You speak to our hearts. Barack's kingly manner shows great pride when he struts with his Black queen. Perhaps, more Black men can embrace the concept that you can take a Black woman to the top with you. We are not liabilities. We are tremendous assests to the throne. -
Posted By:
cperry at 06/05/2008 10:42:40 AM
Comment:
well said.....I'd like to add: Nothing about the Obama family's public interactions resembles stereotypes about blk families. My boyfriend always says that they are the epitome of what an American family should be.
Both O and M are in control and just by watching them interact you know that they completely trust each other. I am so happy O has M because I feel like she will be there to check him hard if he is too prideful (too HRCish) and especially if he stops believing in his dreams..... -
Posted By:
divasays at 06/05/2008 8:36:58 AM
Comment:
Can we just compliment her beauty and intelligence without emphasizing what shade of Black she is.?? In 2008, we should be well past the hue of blackness and focus on her poise and grace.?? I have aunts down south that are still caught up in that old southern mentality and didnt' support Barack because they think Michelle's unattractive....how sad. I'm proud that Barack pursued a Black woman, period.?? Not light, brown, or dark-skinned, an African American sista.?? I still cringe when I hear other sistas declare they will only date light or dark-skinned brothas.?? Did massa instill that hate so deep in our race that we'll never rise above this craziness.?? I conduct black art presentations and we actually use the video on the black girls choosing the white dolls. The response is always the same, we should do something about it.?? However the commom thought as written here is "We've (Black folks) finally arrived because Michelle's brown and not lighter."?? Wow! -
Posted By:
rainydaiyz at 06/05/2008 6:05:07 AM
Comment:
She is beautiful. but this conversation is so focused on male privilege. a man and his "trophy wife". when will we women have to stop thinking of ourselves as "prizes" to be won like stuffed animals at a carnival.
now darker skinned sisters are the "flavor of the month", it's been a long time coming, but again, when are we going to start to talk about the fact that by and large women still have to depend on a man finding us attractive to get ahead in life... -
Posted By:
Mike Harvey at 06/05/2008 4:32:30 AM
Comment:
Very nice article. Thank you. -
Posted By:
toyamit at 06/05/2008 12:45:07 AM
Comment:
You hit it on the head... We (Black Women) I think (at least I am) so proud of Michelle for being exactly as you described, a real Black woman who is the prize. Both in her and in his mind. -
Posted By:
deemill at 06/05/2008 12:42:19 AM
Comment:
You are so so racist " Barack chose one of us.... Black racism will never end, everything is about race. What about Barack chose an american intelligent woman? What race has to do with it?-
Posted By:
Kinsmankid at 06/05/2008 10:40:52 PM
Comment:
What is racist about wanting to see an example of a positive African-American marriage? Personally, I've had enough of negative black couples that are on Maury, Judge Hatchett and other shows. The Obamas' loving relationship is a great example for all couples.
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Posted By:
K at 06/05/2008 12:31:51 AM
Comment:
Aye, Aye! Here, here. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I like Barack because I love Michelle -
Posted By:
Danica at 06/04/2008 11:40:47 PM
Comment:
I -
Posted By:
Tracye at 06/04/2008 11:17:35 PM
Comment:
Wow - great article. Based on the previous comments, it was pulled from a few months ago - thanks for bringing it back.
I agree that Barack made a good choice. I think people (in general) feel more comfortable around couples that are "the same." Like an Indian "couple" or a black couple, white couple, etc. I don't know exactly why... nor do I know why some people feel uncomfortable around bi-racial couples. My dad was married to a white woman before he died and people were simply uncomfortable with it. She (my step-mom) didn't try to (what some people would call) "act black" but every now and then she did. She could turn it on and off. LOL
I know this doesn't pertain to everyone, but I think people are happy with Barack and Michelle because they match. They really make a good couple and they are the same unless it was flipped around. Think about it. If Barack was totally black and married to a 1/2 black, 1/2 white woman what kind of conversation will this be instead? LOL I feel ridiculous saying this but it's true.
I'm really happy for Barack and Michelle - He's awesome, she's awesome, the kids are awesome and everyone is comfortable with it.
I would like to say to people who take this article personal because of being light and not able to help it... I feel you. That's how some of us feel when comments are made like "to be so black, you are very beautiful." Like the only way to be beautiful is if you're light. I know that isn't true, and I'm sure you know it too. However, people are surprised to see a beautiful "black" woman sometimes. And right about now, people are surprised to see a beautiful black woman on the arm of the Democratic Presidential Nominee.
We are all beautiful no matter what our race or color. I do my best to keep an open mind and realize that everyone has their own feelings and opinions about things.
I think we should all celebrate that the potential future first family is a regular family who most of us can relate to. They will be no different than any other first family unless you say it's because they don't have a dog yet. :-)
Have a wonderful summer everyone!! -
Posted By:
Tru at 06/04/2008 9:53:13 PM
Comment:
Last night, Michelle Obama was a presence on that podium as much as her husband. Her beautiful smile, her eyes full of strength and humor and love, her confident bearing -- I thought "move over Jackie O!" This woman will knock Washington out! -
Posted By:
doturn at 06/04/2008 9:19:46 PM
Comment:
OMG! I am crying right now because what you wrote really touched me and struck a core. Yes, I too immediately noticed and applauded the fact that Michelle did not look like Halle or Heidi. She looks like me, my sisters, my mom. So many times, darker skinned people are made to fell lesser than not just by white america but by our own lighter skinned people. Not pretty enough. Well, Obama you struck gold with such a beautiful refined intelligent dark skinned princess. Seeing Michelle on Obama's arm lets my neices see that not all successful black men choose lighter skinned women. And for all those who seem to think that Obama is not "black enough" well Michelle is! -
Posted By:
Kinsmankid at 06/04/2008 7:34:50 PM
Comment:
Obama wrote about his courtship of Michelle in "Audacity of Hope." It was very sweet. He really wooed her. When I see them I think of a quote from "The Coldest Winter Ever." One of the characters says that a smart man does not get with a dumb woman. Obama was wise enough to pick a smart woman as his bride. They really seem to enjoy each other's company. It will be wonderful seeing such a positive, attractive black couple on the international stage. I hope that the elegant and beautiful Michelle will help the public gain a new appreciation for the varied hues in the African-American community.-
Posted By:
cmcdonald2003 at 06/06/2008 1:18:47 AM
Comment:
Good post. It is accurate in my observation that an intelligent spouse will tend to choose another intelligent spouse. Anyone who has every watched/listened to Bill Clinton in university seminars/lectures are thoroughly mesmerized by his intellectual abilities and discussions. He is an excellent professor/lecturer. The same goes for Hillary when she lectures at her alma mater. Both Clintons are incredibly intelligent and personally warm, and despite a long marriage with many problems, still love each other too. I lose interest within 30 seconds when they show George Bush on television with Laura cracking lame jokes at media dinners in Washington. Falls flat every time.
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Posted By:
ndenise at 06/04/2008 7:31:15 PM
Comment:
I have felt this way from the very beginning. As a young, Black woman in law school, I see Michelle as a role model. A model as an attorney, as a wife, a mother, as a public figure. A fashion icon. My very own Jackie O.
I appreciate how she is fabulous in her own right, apart from Barack. I appreciate even more, however, how well they complement each other without diminishing their respective light. I, too, love how she looks like someone I could have gone to school with. She's a girlfriend. When have we ever had a girlfriend in the White House?!?! Her upbringing speaks to me. She is Ivy-league educated but it wasn't all good growing up. She knows about hard work and I think means Barack has to share a lot of her values and ideas. I like that.
I agree, Michelle and the children have had a siginificant impact on how I view Barack Obama. -
Posted By:
CityzenJane at 06/04/2008 7:17:13 PM
Comment:
She is awesome. She is brilliant and beautiful, funny and real. She's clearly strong and he's strong enough to enjoy that! (I love that about him!) They are a model for all of us, and not just the melanin enhanced among us! But I see why she holds a special place in the hearts of many African American sisters! I hope we as a nation are worthy of having this special pair lead us!
It's a beautiful day! -
Posted By:
bluejourney at 06/04/2008 5:46:49 PM
Comment:
awesome, impresionante, fantastico, grandiose,wonderbaarlik -
Posted By:
rebeccawalker at 06/04/2008 5:09:22 PM
Comment:
I hear you sister. Well said. -
Posted By:
bylinediva at 06/04/2008 4:58:19 PM
Comment:
Watch out Kim! The "real" white people and the high yella women will have your ass for this one!
Hey my mama's one of them and I'm sure she'd be fine with your article. I like Michelle Obama becuase not only does she perm her hair (I don't anymore, but its OK by me) she's also damn near six feet tall. If the light-skinned women think they have it hard, try being 5'10 in the ninth grade.
This is an OPINION site with writers who I come back to read, debate with, argue with on the daily. I don't always agree, but I come on the site every damn day since at least folks are thinking. As General Patton once said, "If we're all thinking the same thing, somebody's not thinking."
So those folks who can't take a dissenting point of view, GET OFF THE ROOT and go somewhere where you can commiserate with other folks who can't get their head out their ass.
Long Live The Root! -
Posted By:
mcthreads06 at 06/04/2008 4:01:32 PM
Comment:
WOW! I thought i was the only one who felt this way! Strange as it may seem, there are some of us who feel "finally." I think this is part of the reason so many black women are facinated with Denzel Washington. It's not that he is the most attractive (i can name several who are more handsome" it is because he has a dark skin, full lips, non "good" hair having sister. This is not to take away from all the other beautiful women of all races. This is simply saying that it is not often that we see a dark sister displayed as "the prize". -
Posted By:
sacredsouljah at 05/23/2008 10:48:24 AM
Comment:
Thank you Kim for getting into my head and extracting my very thoughts. -
Posted By:
editi at 02/22/2008 6:06:26 AM
Comment:
I thought your article was going to be provide worthwhile information on the character and accomplishments of Mrs. Obama. Rather, I told that as a "fair skinned" black women (through no choice of my own!) that the only reason any black man will be romantically involved with me is because I am "fair skinned" and not because of my intelligence, wit, wisdom or charm. And this is the front page article on a brand new online publication. Don't know how much more I'll be reading. -
Posted By:
mll827@usa.net at 01/30/2008 3:00:17 AM
Comment:
Thank you for turning me on to the Kari Davis video. It was wonderful! That seven-minute tape actually made me teary eyed. If she can create this at 17 what will she be doing at 27? Kudos! -
Posted By:
ebiddy at 01/30/2008 2:35:49 AM
Comment:
Kim, you hit the nail on the head here! More black men should seek out such a helpmeet. -
Posted By:
Sula at 01/29/2008 6:49:53 PM
Comment:
I agree that Michelle Obama endears Barack to me. It's so rare to see a black leader with a black woman on his arm, who's clearly identifiable as black. What a sad commentary on our community. -
Posted By:
Sula at 01/29/2008 6:48:15 PM
Comment:
Michelle Obama endears me to Barack as well. It says so much that she's the woman he's chosen as his life partner. I'm always shocked when I see a black leader with a black woman on his arm, who is clearly identifiable as black. What a sad commentary on our community. -
Posted By:
Robertsteven at 01/29/2008 5:04:12 PM
Comment:
I'm pleased to say I had the same reaction to Michelle Obama, she is lovely. To be honest I did expected to see a Holly Barry type or even a white women on his arm, not that it would make a differance on how I feel about Obama it's jest that I was pleased to see a Black Women by his side. I don't think that makes me a bad person. I am sick of every commerical and I do mean every commerical with black couples, the couples are darkskined man and a lightskined women and I think to myself how that picture makes my little girl feel about her dark skin. -
Posted By:
nemcneil at 01/29/2008 4:05:19 PM
Comment:
Thank you so much for this article. I tried to express to my friends (who are of the Halle persausion) how I felt about Senator Obama BECAUSE of his wife. Even though I've never met or seen Mrs. Obama in person, I feel she's a kindred spirit. Maybe part of what's so charasmatic about Senator Obama is because of her. -
Posted By:
bernard at 01/29/2008 3:20:45 PM
Comment:
She certainly is the Real Prize. He beauty is magnified because she is grounded and rooted in knowing who she is. With or without the White House Michelle Obama will be authentic, and therefore beautiful. -
Posted By:
rjgaskins at 01/29/2008 1:59:15 PM
Comment:
Very well stated. I do think however we've got to expand this conversation to not only complexion hierchys but also facial features and hair types. While I am on the lighter skinned continuum in the winter and almost pecan in the symmer, my frustration is that there is no conversation about big noses and full lips. Most of the black women light or dark lineing up for plastic surgery are looking to erase the distinctive african features. Black women not only have to be lighter to meet society's beaty standard but also have to have chiseled features. My aunt who I am very close to was absolutely shocked when after sharing with me her pain growing up as a dark complexioned black woman that I too suffered pain as a big lipped, broad nosed lighter complexioned black woman. My lighter complexionedness didn't save me from the beauty standard. And now I defiantly wear 'dread' locks so I am also an outcast among that segment black women of every hue who also have internalized these sets of beauty standards. -
Posted By:
anthrop at 01/29/2008 12:14:45 PM
Comment:
I understand keenly what Kim McLarin has penned, but it can be said more simply: Barack Obama's loves and married a dark, purely African themed princess, These women have always been there -- beautiful and regal, sexy and intelligent. Sadly, Madison Avenue and the mainstream media never thought much of the "African Beauty Standard," and has never promoted it. For much of America's history, "dark" has been something to fear. It's even truer with respect to dark-skinned black American males. I have personally experienced this as a dark-skinned black male. But, as the creative forces in Madison Avenue has shunned darkness, which God also said was "made in His image," black Americans themselves have shunned darkness for "light," as evident by the wives of black professional sports stars, black producers of rap/Hip Hop videos, and many successful, visible corporate types. Light versus dark skin historically has been a taboo subject within black American culture. Dark skin, in many respects is still something to be ashamed of by many blacks. It plays to their "inferiority complex." Some Creole parents still discourage their daughters (and sons) from relationships with dark-skinned persons. In many ways, Barack Obama's success has brought "blackness" front and center and shown that dark is intelligent, articulate, beautiful, handsome, and nothing to fear. As a result of his success, the ethnic strata -- especially black and white, may finally come to terms with their own prejudices pertaining to ethnic inferiority and superiority. -
Posted By:
Prototype10 at 01/29/2008 11:28:11 AM
Comment:
As much as I hate to admit that the topic is true, this is a great article. I have had heard fair-skinned women call dark-skinned women, "regular black women." I could not help but think, "there ain't a damn thang 'regular' about me!" As a single woman, I cannot ignore the fact that as the dating pool decreases, more and more women who share a darker complexion are on the outside looking in. I love to see Barack and Michelle. Not only do they show an beautiful example of Black love and family, but it makes my soul soar to see a "regular black woman" could be the next First Lady. -
Posted By:
Love1030 at 01/29/2008 11:10:11 AM
Comment:
While I'm a light skinned sister, I felt the same way when I saw Michelle's picture. Further, I could only imagine how the White House and this country would change for the better having her as the First Lady. And what a beautiful, intelligent lady she seems to be. I recently saw a picture of Michelle hugging Barrack from behind. She had her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. The picture was a beauiful visualization of what it means to have a strong black women behind a strong black man. It was a wonderful picture of what the foundation of the black family is, was, could and should be. I love Barrack for choosing Michelle as well and if those are the right kind of choices he has in mind for the country, all I can say is Go Obama Go!
Peace and Blessings,
Paula Gaskins -
Posted By:
Prototype10 at 01/29/2008 11:09:35 AM
Comment:
As much as I hate to admit that the topic is true, this is a great article. I have had heard fair-skinned women call dark-skinned women, "regular black women." I could not help but think, "there ain't a damn thang 'regular' about me!" As a single woman, I cannot ignore the fact that as the dating pool decreases, more and more women who share a darker complexion are on the outside looking in. I love to see Barack and Michelle. Not only do they show an beautiful example of Black love and family, but it makes my soul soar to see a "regular black woman" could be the next First Lady. -
Posted By:
faboo at 01/29/2008 9:38:35 AM
Comment:
I hadn't thought of it that way. That would explain why I was shocked not to see a blond hair/blue eyed trophy attached to the Senator, the first time I saw her 4 years ago. I think she would probably be the most alive First Lady in a long, long time. There's a vitality to Mrs. Obama and her intellect shines through. I'd be please to see her standing along side the president. It would be a big change from the automatons that have been First Lady the last 30 or so years. -
Posted By:
L-VII at 01/29/2008 8:12:46 AM
Comment:
I agree with you, that he chose Michelle makes him a far more attractive candidate to me. I cannot help but be awed by both of them, they are a match intellectually and she is a real asset to his campaign. I was slightly annoyed that people said she emasculated him when she told stories about him leaving his leaving socks around. I am not so sure that the Mainstream media is ready for a woman like her. One who is self assured and as accomplished as she is. I don't kknow but I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. -
Posted By:
Peter at 01/28/2008 9:36:53 PM
Comment:
What a beautiful description of a beautiful lady. Thanks for a great read! -
Posted By:
vicman at 01/28/2008 6:51:43 PM
Comment:
What about the "Black" women who don't look like you? Unless you actuall know Michelle Obama and their marriage I suggest you stop projecting your views onto Michelle. -
Posted By:
F.U. at 01/28/2008 5:40:09 PM
Comment:
I absolutely love that you see what I see when I look at Michelle. Barack has shown black women that we don't need weaves or have to look spanglish to stand by the side of a successful black man. More importantly, she shows black men that beauty, intelligence, and success come in all in packages ??? and the non-pop culture image is more than acceptable???it is actually desirable. On my blog, my alter ego spends her time gossiping, speaking her mind, and caring less who is offended or if feelings get hurt in the process, but I make sure she throws in her point of view on the future president and first lady with utmost respect and regard because The Obamas represent the unimaginable and the impossible....In them I see hope in the form of intellect and beautiful blackness and because of them, I dream just a lot a bit bigger.
http://yeahisaiditandwhat.blogspot.com/ -
Posted By:
Almond Joy at 01/28/2008 5:11:44 PM
Comment:
Let me holler at a fellow sistah Blue Devil -- nice piece! I found the butter comment especially endearing because they eat real butter! -
Posted By:
frankb65 at 01/28/2008 4:39:45 PM
Comment:
right on. -
Posted By:
frankb65 at 01/28/2008 4:37:24 PM
Comment:
right on