by Yvette Carnell
First Lady Michelle Obama celebrates her 48th birthday today, and all of us here at Yourblackworld would like to wish her a very,
happy birthday. But the first lady’s birthday got me to thinking; if the first lady could have anything she wanted on her special day, what would it be?
1.) For Jodi Kantor, New York Times columnist and author of “The Obamas”, to just go away.
Although it is true that Kantor’s book isn’t nearly as salacious as talking heads have made it out to be, it has reinjected the “angry black woman” narrative into the conversation. And considering that the first lady has been battling that stereotype since she emerged onto the national stage, I’m sure she’s sick of it.
2.) Some time with her husband.
One of the takeaways from Kantor’s book is that the First Family is often forced underground and prevented from engaging in the same everyday activities that most of us take for granted. Even more so for the president, who, with 33 schedulers, is always wanted and needed either on Capitol Hill or halfway across the globe. Considering that sort of rigorous schedule, I’m sure some quiet time would be appreciated.
3.) Less fashion advice.
People are people, and we all have our own style and fashion sense. The FLOTUS was celebrated when she went all casual and J. Crew, but fashion critics love you one day and hate you the next. So Mrs. Obama has received a bit of flack now and then, most of which I’m sure she could do without.
4.) Respect.
The very same folks who gushed over Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan can’t find it in their hearts to show First Lady Obama even a modicum of that same respect. And why? Because she gardens? Shops at Target? Does community service? Of course, it has nothing to do with race…
5.) Four More Years
Whether you’re an Obama supporter or not, I think it’s apparent that this first lady supports her husband on most issues. If he wants four more years at it, then I’m sure she does too. That’s teamwork for ya’.
Yvette Carnell is a former Capitol Hill and campaign staffer turned writer. She is currently an editor and contributor to Yourblackworld.
