I went Facebook yesterday and while I was looking at my newsfeed, I noticed that my 12-year-old niece had added this “Piece of Flair”. I can’t tell you how much I love this.
Our society worships at the altar of the 90210 stick-girls and calls Jannifer Love Hewitt “plus-size” and “curvy” for wearing a size four. At the same time, the First Lady is crucified for having pride in her athletic arms and legs. (OMG, did you see that she actually wore shorts on vacation on Martha’s Vineyard? Like, how totally unheard of.)
On the other hand, maybe Michelle Obama’s positive body image is having a ripple effect. Let’s face it: The parallels to Jackie Kennedy are not unfounded. She is educated, classy, beautiful and glamorous. Jackie O’s signature item was her sunglasses. Michelle O’s are her healthy, toned upper arms. Admit it: you’re jealous as hell. I am. I think Michelle Obama’s lasting legacy will be to be healthier and have a positive body image. I think she’s having an effect already.
My niece is trying out for the volleyball team at her school. I have no doubt that she’ll make the team, but even if she doesn’t, I love that she is taking pride in her body’s strenth and power. Strength is beautiful. Health is beautiful. It’s not just about a number on a scale or a dress size.
I'm Danine Spencer and I am (in no particular order) a writer, blogger, feminist, disability rights advocate, political nerd, techie, dog-lover and Diet Coke addict. Please click on the
I hope Michelle Obama keeps wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts and WHATEVER ELSE SHE FEELS LIKE WEARING. What a statement — she is her own woman, and she will live her life as her own woman, even — GASP! — wearing shorts in the summer. She didn’t become “Mrs. First Lady Barbie”, she’s still being herself, and planting a vegetable garden in the White House.
Have you seen the Feminist Stuff app on Facebook? It’s pretty hysterical, at least I think so. Sending you some… now.
What better way to get the word out about a cause than to create a way to send hysterical buttons around social networking sites? I think you’re giving me ideas…! We need buttons that say “Strength is Beautiful” and “Health is Beautiful” and “Opinions are Beautiful” and “Happiness is Beautiful”… wow, the possibilities are endless.
“She didn’t become “Mrs. First Lady Barbie”, she’s still being herself, and planting a vegetable garden in the White House.”
AMEN. However, this might be part of the problem – she’s too normal. The First Lady in shorts was so shocking because it was so casual and we are so used to the POTUS & FLOTUS being so ceremonial & formal.
I’m not sure if that’s wrong – especially since she has young children – it just is.