Alison Samuels over at Newsweek penned an article with the above title. In it she describes how Michelle Obama being first lady is groundbreaking to African American women for many reasons.
When her husband raises his hand to take the oath of office, Michelle will become the world's most visible African-American woman. The new First Lady will have the chance to knock down ugly stereotypes about black women and educate the world about American black culture more generally. But perhaps more important—even apart from what her husband can do—Michelle has the power to change the way African-Americans see ourselves, our lives and our possibilities. SOURCE
Is this true? Does Michelle hold so much power in her brown fist?
I received an email a while back stating that America's fear was not of an African American president but of an African American First Lady. Remember the first roll our Michelle Obama? She was smart, aggressive and a fierce defender of her husband. Then came the first time in my life I am proud of my country bit. Next the re-roll out of Michelle was more soft-spoken. I am 'mommy-in-chief' Michelle. The first Michelle had one two many teaspoons of 'sass' for the American palate.
Samuels further details how Michelle's looks will challenge even more stereotypes without but also within the African American community. Men of power, African American men of power, tend to marry trophy wives like every other cutlure of men. Usually it is the light, bright, almost white wife, if not a white woman straight out. I must be honest. I was excited to see the "type" of sista President Obama married. It put to ease my doubts about his 'downness'. You can't get more down than a dark sista from the southside of Chicago.
What say you? Does any of this amount to a hill of beans?
