I have no warm and fuzzy feelings for our First Lady. Of this I have been clear. This whole celebrity status a la Hollywood is a sad path for the occupant of this position to be taking, in my opinion. I expect more of a First Lady. I expect a level of dignity and humility on achieving this level in our society simply for being married to the man in the Oval Office.
Her Oscar ceremony attention grab was the topic on a panel Sunday morning.
On his Sunday show, Howard Kurtz provided commentary from Sally Quinn of the Washington Post and From Media Post, the Editor in Chief, both of whom sang Mrs. Obama's praises. Quinn played the race card immediately in the criticisms of the First Lady's Oscar presentation moment by calling her a "black American woman" who would be a healing figure on the world stage. Wow. When challenged by Kurtz if it was a racial thing, this criticism, Quinn quickly denied the implication. Right. The race card had been thrown.
I acknowledge Mrs. Obama's work on the issue of childhood obesity. Other than that work, along with the swooning press coverage of her every move, what else is there to her time in that position? The continuing celebrity worshiping cult on the left - both in office and in media - is just creepy. Remember that this is the woman who was raised in the family from the south side of Chicago. That family was a part of Reverend Wright's hateful congregation, connected to the Chicago political machine, and best friends with Jesse Jackson's daughter. She is far left in political philosophy and the Democrats worship her. Even a move as silly as cutting her hair and sporting bangs warrants endless media stories.
She called her bangs an action of a midlife crisis. Really? That is meaningful? I think back to my own days of feeling a midlife crisis. I found a community project to become involved with and helped open a Children's Museum in our city. So, forgive me if I'm not impressed with bangs. Or even of that decision-making process.
Both Obamas suffer from hugely inflated egos, it would appear.
Republican veteran Peggy Noonan wrote in her weekly Friday column that Michelle Obama is everywhere these days. She's part of the permanent Obama campaign now, embracing her celebrity status.
While the president is bringing a partisan edge and soft-voiced pugilism to the drama, the first lady is becoming . . . let's call it culturally dominant, and in a way that seems politically related, that seems fully networked and wired. Michele Obama is omnipresent—dancing with Jimmy Fallon, chatting with Rachel Ray, on "Good Morning America" talking about the kids and another show talking about the bangs. On ABC she accidentally said something factually incorrect, and they thoughtfully edited it out. Mrs. Obama's presence reached its zenith, one hopes, Sunday night at the Academy Awards when she came on, goofily star-struck military personnel arrayed in dress uniforms behind her, to announce the Best Picture award. It was startling and, as she gave her benediction—the movies "lift our spirits, broaden our minds, transport us to places we can never imagine"—even in a way disquieting.This would not be an accidental assertion of jolly partisan advantage. It seemed to me an expression of this White House's lack of hesitation to insert itself into any cultural event anywhere. And this in a 50-50 nation, a divided nation that in its entertainments seeks safety from the encroachments of politics, and the political.I miss Michelle Obama's early years, when she was beautiful, a little awkward, maybe a little ambivalent about her new role, as a sane person would be. Now she is glamorous, a star, and like all stars assumes our fascination.
I hope our next First Lady goes back to leading a life of meaningful contribution, both here and abroad.
1 comment:
Some of the well known artists sometimes get a little difficult to manage; fame comes in a way that lots of celebrities aren't steeled for.
Post a Comment