I wanted to post a viral video ala Chris Crocker's "Leave Britney Alone" YouTube sensation but I don't have a camcorder so I'll have to settle for this blog.
As you known (unless you live under a rock) Michelle Obama was on ABC’s “The View” yesterday morning. Her appearance set off this media firestorm, cable news outlets pumped it up as her “likeability test” and her “media makeover”. They all say this appearance and future ones will show the softer side of Michelle.
Well, I would like to take this time to say” Leave Michelle Alone” and for that matter “LEAVE ALL STRONG WOMEN ALONE.”
Now, I may be wrong but I am getting the perception that people get upset when women, especially strong women stand straight up and toe to toe with strong men.
What I want is a First Lady who is reminiscent of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt (we had that for a time being with then Mrs. Hillary Clinton). Eleanor did not sit idly by her husband’s side knitting sweaters or house slippers – the woman took an active role in Civil Rights and supported the formation of the UN (which she was later appointed to as a delegate to the general assembly by President Truman).
The way I see it, the role of the First Lady is important, just as the Role of the President is important. Who has a man’s ear and attention more than his wife? And yes, these women typically aren’t politicians but I’d rather have one who knows more about our nation’s foreign policy than the Ralph Lauren sample sale down on Fifth Avenue.
I like to think of myself as a strong woman. I know my mother and sister are, so are my best friends. So this idea of “softening” Mrs. Obama’s personality and approach is ridiculous because that’s what makes her appeal to us regular folks. Here is a woman who stands tall at 5 feet 11 inches … she cowers from no one.
When Senator Clinton was running for the presidency we often heard political pundits say she needs to soften her image. How will wearing a skirt convey her ideas for universal health care anymore than when she wears one of those pantsuits?
Is a Stepford Wife really what we need in the White House? Who are we kidding? Most women today work full time jobs while taking care of their families. I doubt any of them take the “soft” approach in either of their roles as mother or professional.
Men aren’t asked to be soft – to appeal to women. So why must a woman be soft to appeal to other women?
So do me a favor… leave Michelle, Hillary, Nancy Pelosi and all the other strong women out in the world alone, before you find a 4 inch stiletto stepping on your backside.

These are just the thoughts of a 20-somethinger ... please feel free to leave a comment

Afua
News Producer
(Uh-fee-yah)