Oy vey! Sun-Times OpEd on Michelle Obama's butt "it is a solid, round, black, class-A boo-tay"

[wndycty]

ON EDIT: The author of the OpEd is a Black woman. My dad and I were discussing it (the column not the "boo-tay") and we talked about just because we (Black folk) talk about things in our living rooms, barber and beauty shops doesn't mean its newsworthy and belongs in a major daily newspaper.

Another first for first lady: She's got back
November 22, 2008

BY ERIN AUBRY KAPLAN

Free at last. I never thought that I -- a black girl who came of age in the utterly anti-climactic aftermath of the civil rights movement -- would say the phrase with any real sincerity in my lifetime. But ever since Nov. 4, I've been shouting it from every rooftop. I'm not excited for the most obvious reason. Yes, Barack Obama's win was an extraordinary breakthrough and a huge relief, but I don't subscribe to the notion that his capturing the White House represents the end of American racial history. Far from it.

What really thrills me, what really feels liberating in a very personal way, is the official new prominence of Michelle Obama. The president-elect's better half not only has stature but is statuesque. She has coruscating intelligence, beauty, style and -- drumroll, please -- a butt. (Yes, you read that right: I'm going to talk about the first lady's butt.)

What a bonus! From the ocean of nastiness that defined this campaign, Michelle Obama rose up like Venus on the waves, keeping her coif above water and cruising the coattails of history to present us with a brand-new beauty norm before we knew it was even happening.

Actually, it took me and a lot of other similarly configured black women by surprise. So anxious and indignant were we about Michelle getting attacked for saying anything about America that conservatives could turn into mud, we hardly looked south of her neck. As I gradually relaxed, as Michelle strode onto more stages and people started focusing on her clothes and presence instead of her patriotism, it dawned on me -- good God, she has a butt! "OMG, her butt is humongous!" went a typical comment on one African-American online forum, and while it isn't humongous, per se, it is a solid, round, black, class-A boo-tay.
-snip-

http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/1294129,CST-EDT-open22.article

[glowing]

1. This is soo not appropriate.. I know they are the first black family..

and society is used to treating black people like a caricture.. but seriously, have some respect... and stop oogling the First Lady like you do to Beyonce.

[CTyankee]

2. It's really disgusting.

I'm not prudish but I thought Bill Clinton was boorish when he talked about his underwear. This is boorish and sexist. The fact that Mrs. Obama has beautiful taste in the way she dresses and presents herself is consistent with the role of First Lady.

I can't believe somebody actually wrote this and it was published. It is beyond inappropriate...I am just outraged by it...

[blogslut]

6. Did you read the whole article?

?

[CTyankee]

8. Yes, and I didn't care for it. Why bother with this? What's the point? n/t

[RollWithIt]

3. Lighten up man, I thought the line about Jackie O having no booty was funny...

Seriously, it's meant to be funny.

[glowing]

10. Its one thing to mock the living daylights out of the current twit in chief..

but we have a real President now and a lovely first family. Respect has def. been earned and I expect it.. these idiots need to lay off their idiocy. I think Michelle looks great. She radiates beauty, poise, and honesty. She's a great role model.. I don't think we need to read about her behind.

[Honeycombe8]

15. It's time to move past judging women by their body parts, don't you think?

Funny or not. I get what the article is trying to do. It's also been done before. And done before that. And done before that. Being funny by making fun of a woman's body part.

Let's see an article on Obama's butt, and we'll see how funny the posters think that is. I'm betting not.

[demokatgurrl]

7. The article was written by a Black woman

and it's very good. Lighten up.

[glowing]

11. No, she's the first lady..... I understand she's proud of the First Lady being black..

but stereotyping the first lady into a caricature is wrong no matter what color...

[Honeycombe8]

16. No excuse. Women being judged by their body parts...so old school. Let's move past that. nt

[Kahuna]

31. Because it was written by a black woman that makes it okay???

Not in my book it doesn't. There is no excuse to be so crass.

[Essene]

61. i will not lighten up. i will not read that drivel. it's obnoxious

the author's race and "authenticity" doesnt matter.

it's reducing the first lady to a racialized, sexualized feature.

[1Hippiechick]

65. Important point, and agreed. It's about diversity and inclusiveness - including others' viewpoints.

[Raschel]

34. I know my girls and I never once discussed Michelle's butt. How shallow and classless.

Just idiotic. I don't recall any articles discussing Laura Bush's butt. This woman may think she's being funny, but she's insulting the dignity that the Obama's have displayed.

[JerseygirlCT]

78. It's that weird celebrity culture thing that they desperately want

to pigeon-hole the Obamas into.

Perhaps because it allows them to be taken less seriously?

She's a beautiful, strong, intelligent, fiercely maternal woman. I find an awful lot to admire about her. And yes, that's helped because she's actually in my peer group. It's cool for me.

But she's not a celebrity. I don't want to focus only on her clothing or her hair or her butt for heaven's sake. There's so much more to this woman! And I think we've only seen the least little bit of it. She's a person of substance, and a terrific role-model. She's going to make an outstanding First Lady.

And she should be treated with the respect due that position, I think.

[eshfemme]

4. LOL! That makes me think of this hilarious Daily Show segment that Wyatt Cenac did

where he re-visited a Jewish nursing home for their reaction to the debates and that was one of the comments that was made: She has a huge tuchus. Those old farts were awesome in how uncensored they were. :rofl:

[BrklynLiberal]

5. I assume this was meant as a compliment, but I believe that the inherent strength

and beauty of Michelle Obama could have been lauded in terms that are more appropriate for the First Lady of the United States of America. She deserves at least that much respect.

[EconomicLiberal]

9. So this article is just fine because it is written by a black women?

Imagine the uproar if it was written by a white woman?

[wndycty]

12. Not at all. . .I felt the race of the writer was important to mention. . .

. . .so that folks would know who it was coming from. I am in no way saying it excuses anything. Jeeze

[Kahuna]

32. It doesn't excuse a damn thing for me. nt

[1Hippiechick]

66. Agreed. It's in the same category as AA's using the "N" word w/each other. Acceptable between THEM

in the context in which they use it/mean it, but not acceptable outside their race for someone to use it in conversation w/them.

I totally understand that and don't have a problem with it. Same thing with the article. I loved it. It's about being comfortable enough "in your skin" to be and say what you want to be and say, and to hell with anyone else who doesn't "get it."

She knew that she would be criticized by some for writing the article, yet she forged ahead. I love the fact that she had the self-confidence to pursue the topic. :) There will be people of all colors who agree and disagree with the article. So?

[eleny]

13. I read the whole article and loved it

I'm white and even when I was a size 10 I had a big butt. So this paragraph near the end of the article was one I relate to very well.

"Ordinary black women have waited a long time for this. Oh, we've suffered. In a country simultaneously obsessed with consumer excess and weight control, we've been caught in the middle. Throw race into the mix, and we've been downright strangled. The expectations run something like this: It's OK for black women to be heavier than most, but we still have to conform to a universal (that is, white) standard of thinness and shape. This means that, even if you're 120 pounds, your butt better not account for more than 2 percent of that."

Often, when I've seen Michelle, I've thought that she's going to help bring back into vogue the kind of woman's body that was more popular back in the 1950s. Marilyn Monroe comes to mind. The kind of body that says va-va-va-voom!

[wndycty]

14. I understand the whole thing with body image and everything, HOWEVER. . .

. . .I think we marginalize Michelle Obama when we talk about her butt.

[eleny]

18. Nope, it elevates women with "real" bodies

Just you wait, women with womanly bodies will slowly come back into style.

I've seen layouts in fashion magazines where the models accentuate a gaunt, unhealthy, drug addicted image. Enough of that! It's time for someone to bring back an appreciation for the body that speaks to the phrase "picture of health". Enough with the surgeries, the botox, the fat sucking operations, the body sculpting. Michelle's very presence on the national stage tells us it's okay to be real.

Her body is only one aspect of her. And I don't think there's anything wrong with discussing it as we used to discuss Jackie Kennedy's style. Both of those women are also known for their intellect. One isn't sacrificed for another. Women can be appreciated for mind and body. You could learn something here.

[Honeycombe8]

85. "Style" and the size of female sexual body parts are 2 different things.

Style is legitimate and can be discussed about the men, too.

Discussing the size of a woman's rear end or boobs or other areas that men consider to be sexual - all too often women have been judged in that way. It is neither good nor bad if Michelle has a large or small derriere. And it is neither good nor bad if Jackie O had a large or small derriere.

Now, if the article ALSO remarked on similar body parts and comparisons about their husbands, as well...then that would be different.

What IS the comparison of Obama's rear end to JFK's? When will we see a whole article devoted to that subject? (see how silly that sounds?)

[lukasahero]

93. Didn't Hillary have a real woman's body? eom

[SwampG8r]

97. ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[lukasahero]

98. Thank you for proving my point. eom

[SwampG8r]

101. i gotta start usin that sarcasm thingee

[lukasahero]

102. Around here? Yeah, you really do!

Sorry about that. It's just that around here, I never know. :(

[SwampG8r]

103. i always extend a sarcastic doubt

i should know better
every time i reply in one of these threads about womens bodies and their parts i regret it

i am of the opinion that being gracious and honest are more sexually appealing than a big butt
we should count ourselves lucky to have a woman who possess's so many of the admirable qualities of womanity and has them wrapped in such an attractive package
i hear the comparisons a lot and many time undeservedly
but the comparison of what michelle obama will do and what jackie o did do is correct
michelle will impact womens lives in america through fashion as jackie did
and by the causes she champions as jackie did

turn that frown upside down

eta:theres nothing wrong with a big butt either btw

[Kahuna]

84. Not only that..White women have butts like sisters too these days..So..

why is that writer making a big deal out of it? Big butts aren't just for sisters any more.

[SwampG8r]

104. why has my wife not been

issued one of these boo-tays as you call them?
all im seeing is the same tiny little irish tushie ive always seen

[fed_up_mother]

17. Next, we'll be talking about whether our first black president wears briefs or boxers

:hide:

[No Elephants]

19. Poor judgment on the part of the author and the paper.

[BklynChick]

20. Loosen and lighten up, people. I love this article.

[eleny]

22. Thank you! So did I...

And I said so up-thread.

[1Hippiechick]

69. Ditto on both points. :)

[AllentownJake]

21. I think the point of the article is

That black girls have a role model as well growing up and that Black women are truly beautiful.

Granted Michelle is the first lady not the President but she is a remarkably intelligent and accomplished woman. It helps when someone who looks like you is succesful. It help eliminates barriers in your mind. Also on family matters there is little doubt who rules the Obama household lol. You can see the way Barack interacts with her. He truly loves and respects her and Michelle's input is highly respected.

I like the way she tested him before she dated him....having him play basketball with her brother who was an NCAA player to see if he was worthy was a good example.

[crispini]

23. hee

"just because we (Black folk) talk about things in our living rooms, barber and beauty shops doesn't mean its newsworthy and belongs in a major daily newspaper."

I kind of agree, but you know, whatever. It falls in the whole "fashion and lifestyle" kind of thing.

[fortyfeetunder]

24. It was unnecessary

for print medium....

[Berry Cool]

25. I'm waiting for the first article on the size of Barack's package.

Just imagine the flurry of upset that would fly up over that...the cries of "Inappropriate!" "Tasteless" "Racism!" "Objectification of the President-elect!", etc.

But I guess it's OK to say Michelle's got back, because she's a woman. And another woman is saying it.

I wonder how people would feel if a man wrote the article. Or if it instead said "It's SO nice to see a First Lady with real boobs like mine."

Then maybe people would see it differently.

[Kahuna]

33. Hello!! The day that happens all hell will break loose. nt

[opihimoimoi]

50. His extra long hands will be a clue???

[Paladin]

26. By All Means, Let's Direct Attention To Michelle Obama's Ass.....

....instead of taking in her intelligent comments and her glorious personality....

[Seen the light]

27. Great article, some people here are too uptight

This is DU not Sarah Palin's Assembly of God church right?

[Madam Mossfern]

30. Great article

and I agree with Eleny. Don't think that this is not discussed in polite company. I applaud the fact that girls will have a healthier role model. I'm white, but have consistently since I was a teenager been reminded (and often complimented) about my "black butt", even when I was a size 2P.

Yes Michelle is brilliant, and she's beautiful too, in a real womanly way. Face it, people will alway comment on the way those in the public eye look. It's human nature.

[Paladin]

38. And When Hannity And Limbaugh Start Making Smutty Remarks....

...about the First Lady's posterior---as they most certainly will---will you be directing us avoid getting "too uptight" about it?

And will you be telling us not to get "too uptight" that Hannity and Limbaugh have this thread to wave around and quote from, confirming that some Democrats are OK with this sort of thing?

[eleny]

40. The article in the OP is not "smutty" in nature. It's celebratory

So I find it sad that you equate it with smutty remarks that might be made by others. There would be a vast difference in intent by Limbaugh from the author of the article.

Btw, found an interview with her at an online radio show and found her perspective really terrific.

[Maru Kitteh]

28. This is exactly the kind of sexist bullshit that keeps women bound to

the FUCKED UP standards of society that tell us we must never age, we must be perfect mothers, have perfect (but appropriate) careers, take care of our parents, a man and our children without complaint or breaking a sweat, exercise 90 minutes a day lest we have an extra pound somewhere, clean our homes obsessively with Febreeze, high-powered vacuums and little disposable dusters, and all with the perfect no-smudge makeup, in the perfectly fit bra, in the latest fashions, nipped and tucked and stretched until we can't blink anymore.

Why the hell should we care (and what fucking business of ours is it) about the first lady's ass? Abigail Adams may have had a great ass.

I don't really care that this article was written by a woman or that she is black. It's sexist bullshit and I'm sorry that Michelle will have to tolerate bullshit like this.

It gives stuck on stupid a whole new meaning.

[LostinVA]

36. I just said the same thing to my wife -- it does nothing but insult Michelle Obama and other women

I don't care if the person who wrote it was female, black, etc.

Michelle Obama is an educated, accomplished woman, an attorney, etc. Black women have enough problem being treated with respect in this society, both within the African American culture and outside of it (sexualized and degraded in porn -- and I'm not anti porn -- etc.). Hip Hop lyrics and videos, anyone?

Women have enough problems in society, and we all know how laced with sexism so much political rhetorric has been the last two years, and Michelle Obama has gotten smeared with some of it.

Yeah, she's sassy and good looking, but she is First Lady, and a lady. This would annoy me if Oprah said it, but an OP/ED in a major paper??????????????

Being a woman doesn't give the author a pass, it just gives her a benefit of the doubt on her motive.

[bettyellen]

53. it'd dergading to legitimize this booty conversation at all

she didn;t put her booty on the table for our analysis- so lets STFU about it.

[malik flavors]

80. So, when people talk about the Governator's biceps, that's also sexist and inappropriate?

[opihimoimoi]

29. Did you mean A CLASS ASS? I don't think this is approps for our 1st lady that we be talking this

ass shit...LOL

Let her ass be for gods sake...its Obamas...and what he do with her ass is his business..

All that aside,,,Now that you mention, she does have a class ass....

[Beacool]

35. It was meant as a tongue-in-cheek article, but it's still inappropriate.

Why focus on Michelle's backside? Yes, she has a big butt, but guess what? So does Hillary. I heard and read enough comments about Hillary's butt during the last couple of years to last a lifetime. We don't now need to spend the next few years focusing on Michelle's rear end. It diminishes women to be considered by their body parts. I didn't appreciate all the comments about Hillary's butt & ankles, the remarks about Palin's legs and now this asinine article on Michelle's backside.

:-(

[Kahuna]

87. It was just as inappropriate when that WaPo writer wrote about Hillary's

cleavage. What dribble. If newspapers wonder why they aren't useful anymore that article was one example.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

37. The author, however well-intentioned she may be, does Michelle a disservice

I get the point she's trying to make but there are better ways of making it IMO. I find this article demeaning to our incoming First Lady

[FrenchieCat]

39. Most women want "Back"....and Michelle Obama has it.

Is it disrespectful to point out the obvious; to mention what many are thinking? I'm not sure that it is.

Considering that a Black woman is writing this, to some extent she has a point, one that many might miss; Bootay is something many women want, and many men like.....and we have been blessed with a first lady that no only has it, but can flaunt it.

Reporters write about a whole lot of things, and whether this article was necessary is questionable, but in the end, it is not the end of the world, nor will Michelle be shocked by it.

Better a positive article about her behind, then one about her being a stepford wife, or the width of her hips.

[eleny]

42. Right!

We've discussed Laura Bush's "dresses created from drapes" and her dowdiness for 8 long years.

Michelle Obama emerges from a vehicle to visit the White House with her husband, she's wearing a dress that brings out how statuesque she is and nobody is allowed to celebrate? Well, I plan on celebrating her brains and beauty for the next 8.

I'm dating myself, but when I was young my star idols were women including Marilyn, Gina, Sophia and Liz. It's about time their body image came back into vogue and Michelle Obama is just the one to make it happen. Get back, Twiggy!

[madrchsod]

here`s an article from salon

http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/06/24/michelle_obama/index1.html

[TahitiNut]

47. While I'd never INITIATE such a discussion, I have no qualms about being a connoisseur ...

... of the female form - far more inclined to appreciate the 'A' than the 'T' in the eternal 'T&A' dialectic. (I.e. I like tush. Boo-tay. Jessica Alba, for example ... an '11' - the Spinal Tap of tushes.)

In no way shape or form do I subordinate intelligence, compassion, humor, and character to such attributes, however. Michelle Obama is an exceptionally attractive woman most especially due to her strengths of character and heart. At the same time, I'd surely not avert my eyes were she walking away - since I'd appreciate the view. She's got it all. And even when she's older, she'll STILL be attractive because of it.

There's nothing 'sexist' about sexuality and sensuality. There's not an ounce of objectification in my appreciation for the Whole Person.

[1Hippiechick]

70. Ooo-ooo - well-said, Tahiti! :) n/t

[elleng]

81. Frenchie,

isn't this a 'cultural' thing, one of the many things people might or might not recognize as 'different,' and without discussion, think of as 'bad,' or 'not right?'

Been interested in the subject for years (since I lived in Chicago after college, as an adult, met new friends and started a new life.)

[happychatter]

82. gawud people here are anally retentive, hyper analytical and PC to the nth degree

I can't even imagine having a cup of coffee with ya'all more than ONE time

I try to be tolerant... I really do

But if I took myself that seriously, I'd be fucking suicidal

I'm backing up, because I think it might be contagious

[Renegade08]

41. It was Hillary's cankles, and now it's Michelle's bootie.

Yes, it's sexist, even if said in an affectionate way. It reflects a fascination with women's body parts, be they black, white, Asian, Latino, etc.

[eleny]

43. "Cankles" was a negative. This article was written from a positive point of view

Two completely different things.

[Renegade08]

45. So it's okay to write positively about Sarah Palin's boobs, butt, legs, curves, etc.?

the sexism is not being negative about women's body parts, but the fact that we're all focused on their body parts in the first place.

The other problem with the article is that it is also racializes Michelle Obama, as it really is talking about her black butt, not just her butt. I agree, it's done in an affectionate, big black booty is good way, so, I don't think it's completely a bad thing. It may help AA women and girls feel more positively about their body images. But, it's a fine line between black booty talk and baby mama/angry black bi*** racist misogyny.

[eleny]

51. Yes, I suppose it is okay to write positively about Pailin

And yes, there is a fine line between respectful talk and misogyny, racist or not.

Since a black woman wrote the article about Michelle Obama in a celebratory way, I didn't react negatively. As a woman, I understood her dealing with the issue of self image when you have a curvy body.

What I find interesting and sort of sad about some of the responses in this thread is that sex is being equated with smut. To me, the point of the article was to feel good about being curvy and maybe feeling good about a woman in her 40s looking downright voluptuous and being highly intelligent.

I say, it's about time women are released from the message that pencil thin is the ideal. That's all I'm really saying. And that's what I got from her article.

[alwysdrunk]

67. Where do people not notice physical apperance?

...only in your mind.

[madrchsod]

44. erin`s 6-24-08 salons article on michelle

http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/06/24/michelle_obama/index1.html


it`s always interesting what the other side thinks of another writer....for example

this red haired vixen writing for "pajamas media" ( founded by the guy who started little green footballs) has to say about erin

http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2007/06/erin_aubry_kapl.html

i think erin is ok...

[AtomicKitten]

46. well, um, that's just a teensy bit inappropriate n/t

[AspenRose]

48. Yikes

:wow:

Oh, boy... :popcorn:

[Occam Bandage]

49. Her ass is indeed magnificent. Obama is quite lucky. nt

[Karenina]

52. Very funny and acerbic piece!

Tempest in a teapot! The writer has a rapier wit and I dare say many of her references have swooshed by most here at mach V speed! :rofl:

[Phx_Dem]

54. Lame and tacky.

It seems like nearly every hip hop song I hear is either about women's butts or sex. Now we have to get it from the columnists too? Great. This column is not funny, it's just stupid and tacky.

[Danmel]

55. I attended an NAACP function one time

I am a short white woman and not heavy but I have a very small waist and I do bring the Bootay

So I was waiting in line for the womens room and had to spin my skirt around- (I have to buy a size bigger than my waist to accomodate the tush and an older lback woman in bsck of me said "Baby- you've got a black woman's butt."

I took that as a compliment!

[Beacool]

71. Well, as a curvaceous woman myself,

I can attest to the attraction men have for a big butt and have also been told the same thing as you were, but by black guys. Then again, I'm chesty too, so comments have been made coming and going. I'm more comfortable with the attention now, but used to be very embarrassed by it when I was a teenager.

:eyes:

[democracy1st]

56. weak a.. article weak a.. mind

[Vinca]

57. A tacky remark about a classy woman. nt

[JI7]

58. this just seems very disrespectful, wrong

[Liberal Progressive]

59. I'm a Democrat, and a Liberal. I HATE reading Liberal websites for this reason.

So much fucking self-righteous Liberal politically correct rage in the responses here.

Lighten up, people! If anything, this article celebrates women with actual shapes. This is EXACTLY why people call us the looney left.

LEARN TO TAKE A FUCKING JOKE.

[Bluebear]

89. good riddance

[Max_powers94]

60. I like this...and coming from Atlanta i love big booties :)

[cameozalaznick]

62. What a bunch of politically correct whiny babies here today...

As a white woman blessed with a nice sized backyard, I loved the article. I don't think it objectified Michelle as much as celebrated her. I just wish there has been pics!

[alwysdrunk]

63. Body like that.... people are going to talk

I don't know if it should be in the paper but it's definitely crossed the minds of men and women across the country.

I find it hilarious that some people are saying the great figure on our beautiful new first lady should be "off the table" and should never be mentioned. I wonder how many are just jealous.

[Max_powers94]

68. Yes there are some jealous flat backs in DU.

[ecstatic]

74. rofl nt

[Truth2Tell]

64. If I had written this on DU

I'd be tombstoned. Guaranteed.

[Bluebear]

72. What's next? Postulating on Obama's supposed penis size?

I've heard it all now.

[ecstatic]

73. I'm neutral regarding the article---but for the people who hated it

Ask yourself, is it because you think having a curvaceous behind is a BAD thing? Is it a "flaw," in your mind? Be honest.

Obviously, discussions about Michelle's looks are going to happen, just like discussions about Palin's looks happened. Now there's an extra component to the conversation because First Lady Obama has a physique that is considered beautiful in the black community but not so much in the white community (I believe the "rule" in the white community is the skinnier the better). I've heard many whites describe Beyonce as fat and I believe she is a size 4 or something.

I don't want discussions about Mrs. Obama to sink to a disrespectful J-Lo type level, but people will notice her shape, and talk about it. We talk about PE Obama's looks too. Whether you think it's a good or bad thing will depend on your deep seated feelings towards it.

[Kahuna]

88. You choose to miss the point. It is disrespectful to opine about the

first lady's backside. Period. She's not Beyonce. She's not J-Lo. She is the first "lady" of the United States of America. As such she should not be the object of such frivolous speculation.

[symbolman]

75. a little too close to pouring sand in skulls of different races to show how "intelligent"

white people were, larger cavity meant more brainpower to ignoramuses that performed it - designed to show our differences, beauty is beauty, that's how I see it.. I don't like big butts but I can see past it.. That was the problem with Beauty pageants for so long, differing opinions on what constitues "beauty", which characteristics were a plus to which race.. A lot of black contestants had to Look White in stature to apply, blows the basis of a beauty pageant with all women invited, some cultures like Large Women, huge women.. So much for the swim suit competition there, eh?

It's all Subjective.

Had a racist ( claimed to Not Be) pal who told me that black athletes had an extra thigh muscle and that's why they were faster, etc, etc.. No matter how many times I told him that ALL humans had basically the same equipment, number of fingers, yadda, yadda, he refused to accept it..

Finally ended up telling him that White Men had an extra Muscle in their Tongue, and that it supplied the fast talk and Greed, before he caught my drift :)

Must be why us white guys speak with Forked Tongue..

I don't want to hear a description of The First Lady's ass, I love her for her Brains, sense of humor, her Honor, empathy, being a kind benevolent person and Fine mother, a role model all women can be proud of, look up to..

Some things don't need to be said past the bars, lcker rooms and Barber Shops...

Neither do I find comedians funny who mostly just say Fuckity Fuck on stage, love to give those a big ass Hook, black OR white.. :)

[NashVegas]

76. I Don't Have a Problem With It

Only, talking about it now just serves to highlight how it wasn't spoken of during the campaign, but how it was open season on HC's and then SP's attributes during the campaigns.

[TexasObserver]

77. True, but probably not appropriate.

I
Like
Big

... now what was the rest of that song?

[malik flavors]

79. It's good that people see here as a real "sista," with curves like other women.

This isn't an offensive article, and I think we all know that.

Black is beautiful.

[Tveil]

83. It is a nice butt n/t

[MrSlayer]

86. I don't think it's that big, it's nice.

Michelle is a very good looking woman.

[Waiting For Everyman]

90. "Lame and tacky" summed it up best.

Michelle deserves better than that from the public.

[CakeGrrl]

91. It's about having a First Lady who bucks the petite, slender trend

that supposedly embodies "perfection" in this society.

I get the point the author's making: Black features are stigmatized to a degree in white society: thick lips, larger noses, sometimes larger thighs and rear ends in a culture that puts pointy-faced Twiggy wannabes on all its trendy fashion mag covers - and has reported modeling agency reps courting anorexia patients - to demonstrate how people should aspire to look.

Simply put, Michelle Obama bucks the trend in the author's eyes. Never mind a magazine cover - a woman with a real figure is in the White House now.

[lukasahero]

94. Which First Lady *hasn't* bucked that trend as of late?

Neither Hillary nor Laura were particularly "petite" and "slender". Trying to make this supposedly about "real women's bodies" is BS - we've had that in the White House before. In fact, Michelle is far more fashion-model-esque than any First Lady in recent history so let's at least be honest about that. Michelle is being appreciated for a beauty that actually supports current trends far more so than prior WH occupants.

Michelle is a stunningly beautiful woman. She's also outrageously intelligent. Which one of those traits provides a better role model for young women both black and white?

[Quantess]

96. Michelle Obama isn't slender?

Are you saying she's fat compared to other first ladies?
:eyes:

Laura...
Hillary...
Barbara...

[Clio the Leo]

92. Hello!!!!!

Hillary!!!! There's a reason why the jackets on her pant suits always hit about mid thigh!

(or is also wrong to talk about the backside of a former First Lady, Senator and future Secretary of State? .... yeah, I know, I know, just speculation)

[SwampG8r]

99. hillary has a great ass

hes just out of the country a lot of the time so you dont notice

[theboss]

95. Well...it is a nice ass

Just sayin'.

[lonestarnot]

100. Skinner needs to give us a 1/2 a mouth smilie for this thread, and its eyebrows should raise.

[Bake]

105. So I guess it'd be really tacky to quote Sir Mix-a-lot ...

I like big butts and I cannot lie
You other brothers can't deny
When a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist
And a round thing in your face you get sprung ...

:hi:

Bake

[polichick]

106. I enjoyed the piece - just like I enjoy pieces about female stars who...

...say no to fake monster breasts and endless plastic surgery.