With a background in computer science and dreams of entrepreneurship, I am reminded every day that in my career I am a woman playing in a man’s world. So I am constantly looking for powerful female role models that have succeeded in a male-dominated environment.
Which is why I was extremely disappointed when Hillary Clinton lost the nomination for the United States presidency.
Don’t get me wrong – there was plenty I didn’t like about Hillary. Just like there was plenty I didn’t like about Obama. But with the two having similar platforms I mostly agreed with, I picked the woman.
Yes, I admit it. I desperately wanted the woman to win, because in my field the women who win are few and far between because there are hardly any women to begin with.
But I may still get my wish for having a powerful female role model in the White House in Michelle Obama, which is one reason I’m now wholeheartedly throwing all my support behind her husband Barack. Here’s why:
Michelle Obama is Authentic
Michelle Obama speaks openly about her husband and their family life. She admits she never wanted Barack in politics and discusses the sacrifice she has made for this country – allowing her family to undergo scrutiny in order to support her husband’s presidential campaign. Women can relate to this sacrifice she makes – as a wife and as a mother – and Michelle rallies them around her.
Michelle’s authenticity wouldn’t be possible if she was running for presidency, because her words would be considered weak rather than heartening. But with no pressure to make promises to her audience, Michelle Obama is nearly unstoppable in her efforts to gain a following of passionate citizens.
Michelle Obama is Educated
Michelle Obama has the same impressive educational background as Hilary Clinton – she graduated from Harvard Law school in 1988 and has been a practicing lawyer since, serving at universities, for firms, and in politics with Mayor Daley of Chicago.
Michelle Obama has a strong career history in politics and law and is clearly a close adviser to her husband. I believe her ability to balance femininity with power is what the women in this country need to take the next step into leadership and eventually into a female presidency. Being an alpha female is no longer about joining the Good ‘Ol Boys club, which is the perception Hillary Clinton gave many of us. Instead, it’s about taking the natural abilities and strengths that women are blessed with and using them to change the world in a different way than a man could.
Michelle Obama is the new Jackie Kennedy
The elegance, grace, and personal aesthetic of Jackie Kennedy has made her one of the most beloved first ladies in United States history. As I watch Michelle Obama, I notice similarities between the two women.
Perhaps you think the power to sell dresses is a frivolous Paris Hilton trait, but just think what Michelle Obama could sell if she used that power to support a charity. The position of First Lady is perfect for a woman interested in making a real difference in the world. While her husband runs the country, Michelle can put her influence to use in other, complimentary ways.
What do you think of Michelle Obama? Is she the female role model the United States needs right now?
Monica - I think most people don't think about the power that the First Lady has, so it's interesting that you've pointed out that Michelle Obama could be very influential in the position. It's almost like two people running for president! Thanks for sparking this idea - I'll be thinking about this.
I would never have thought of her as a role-model, but then I have a rather negative impression of her, mostly based upon the time in February when she said that she was finally proud of her country. A first-lady should definitely be proud of her country for more reasons than that her husband is it's leader. But maybe I'm wrong about her. Who knows . . .
susan
You are not wrong about her. Barack would have been better off marrying a bi racial lady or someone such as Tiger Woods married, as his racist mean spirited wife will do nothing but cause grief to his time as president of the United States. He was raised by propr white folks and has a white way of looking at things. He is not biased at all, but rather worldy in that he has an Indonesian sister and lots of contacts with other nationlaities. His wife on the other hand is stuck on "slavery" still as the Jews could have been with their repressions but managed to get out of it and go on with their lives. Michelle will prove to be a stopping point and grind-stone in his presidency. Let us pray for Obama as he has so much to contend with, an oppressive black racist wife and the world to figure out, and he seems to be a genuinely nice person.
Amanda, thanks. And I enjoyed your blog - I love meeting new bloggers through the comments section.
Michael, I agree, when I first heard about that I wasn't so sure about her. But on The View last week she explained what she meant and how the media blew it out of proportion, and it seemed genuine to me. You can watch her entire interview from The View on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59twO1fJwtQ
Tricia
Michele Obama, should Barack get elected, will benefit from Hillary Clinton's years as First Lady. Hillary was the first woman in the White House with her own high-powered career (MO was a highly compensated, successful executive as well), who supported her family during her husband's rise. Michele has followed that same path. The difference is, Hillary and Bill Clinton were talking as far back as college about how they wanted to improve the lives of the poor, the discriminated against, the invisible. And then they dedicated their lives to achieve those goals.
Hillary catches a lot of flack for her time on the Wal-Mart board, but I'm sure most don't know that her focus and what she helped to change about the company was equal pay and advancement for women that didn't exist before her arrival. She has also been an advocate for children from her days in college, and that has never stopped. There is no comparison to Hillary, she is unique and we are unlikely to see a woman of her importance again for awhile. Michele Obama should be grateful to walk in her footsteps -- she is not even close to being as impressive.
After eight years of a very dull and bland First Lady, America is going to experience a very different style in Michelle Obama (should her husband win the Presidency of course - nothing can be taken for granted). I see nothing but positives in such a prospect.
Hey, Monica. Love this post. The best part is that you linked to her dress. I can think of very few women who serve as a good a role model as Michelle for how to dress to be taken seriously without looking dull.
Just wanted to tell you that I agree with most of what you said about the Hillary-to-Michelle thang. I would love to see Michelle Obama be first lady. Actually, I'd even rather see her as President than Hillary!
Put a Powerful Woman in the White House – Vote Obama
With a background in computer science and dreams of entrepreneurship, I am reminded every day that in my career I am a woman playing in a man’s world. So I am constantly looking for powerful female role models that have succeeded in a male-dominated environment.
Which is why I was extremely disappointed when Hillary Clinton lost the nomination for the United States presidency.
Don’t get me wrong – there was plenty I didn’t like about Hillary. Just like there was plenty I didn’t like about Obama. But with the two having similar platforms I mostly agreed with, I picked the woman.
Yes, I admit it. I desperately wanted the woman to win, because in my field the women who win are few and far between because there are hardly any women to begin with.
But I may still get my wish for having a powerful female role model in the White House in Michelle Obama, which is one reason I’m now wholeheartedly throwing all my support behind her husband Barack. Here’s why:
Michelle Obama is Authentic
Michelle Obama speaks openly about her husband and their family life. She admits she never wanted Barack in politics and discusses the sacrifice she has made for this country – allowing her family to undergo scrutiny in order to support her husband’s presidential campaign. Women can relate to this sacrifice she makes – as a wife and as a mother – and Michelle rallies them around her.
Michelle’s authenticity wouldn’t be possible if she was running for presidency, because her words would be considered weak rather than heartening. But with no pressure to make promises to her audience, Michelle Obama is nearly unstoppable in her efforts to gain a following of passionate citizens.
Michelle Obama is Educated
Michelle Obama has the same impressive educational background as Hilary Clinton – she graduated from Harvard Law school in 1988 and has been a practicing lawyer since, serving at universities, for firms, and in politics with Mayor Daley of Chicago.
Michelle Obama has a strong career history in politics and law and is clearly a close adviser to her husband. I believe her ability to balance femininity with power is what the women in this country need to take the next step into leadership and eventually into a female presidency. Being an alpha female is no longer about joining the Good ‘Ol Boys club, which is the perception Hillary Clinton gave many of us. Instead, it’s about taking the natural abilities and strengths that women are blessed with and using them to change the world in a different way than a man could.
Michelle Obama is the new Jackie Kennedy
The elegance, grace, and personal aesthetic of Jackie Kennedy has made her one of the most beloved first ladies in United States history. As I watch Michelle Obama, I notice similarities between the two women.
For example, the White House Black Market dress Michelle Obama wore on The View last week is flying off dress racks at nearly every store in the country. Michelle Obama is not even First Lady and she is already set to become an iconic woman of the 21st century. After all, when was the last time you bought something Laura Bush wore?
Perhaps you think the power to sell dresses is a frivolous Paris Hilton trait, but just think what Michelle Obama could sell if she used that power to support a charity. The position of First Lady is perfect for a woman interested in making a real difference in the world. While her husband runs the country, Michelle can put her influence to use in other, complimentary ways.
What do you think of Michelle Obama? Is she the female role model the United States needs right now?