The Falcon   |   Volume 83, Issue 52

Published 5/22/13   |   Log In

Michelle Obama quality role model for women

First Lady’s record hopeful for history

By KATE MORGAN, Staff Reporter

Published: February 6, 2013

Being the first lady of the United States is no easy task. However, whatever political party people might stand by, they cannot deny that Michelle Obama has been nothing short of an incredible example of how a first lady should act. I would even go as far as to say she is one of the best this country has ever had.

The first lady typically becomes a 1950s housewife, taking on a kind and compassionate demeanor. But, there have also been many first ladies who have captivated American citizens while making a social impact on society: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy and Betty Ford come to mind. Jackie Kennedy planned classy social events for the White House, while Eleanor Roosevelt is known as the “First Lady of the World” because of her value of human rights.

Mrs. Obama is an ideal example for young women in this country. Her higher education is overwhelming: she studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University and graduated from Harvard Law School. Her passion and drive are clearly shown throughout both her academic and professional career. She personally inspires me to be an independent, successful young woman in all aspects of my life.

However, some were originally hesitant about Mrs. Obama. Associate Professor of Communication at Vanderbilt University Bonnie Dow said in 2008, “There was this perception that she was a problem for the campaign.” Mrs. Obama was a fierce lawyer, which led the campaign mangers to believe she would be hard for many women to relate to. She completely changed her image, stepped back from being the top-dog lawyer and instead took on the “loving mother” role, which she has accomplished beautifully. She is now both a loving mother to her daughter and to the nation.

In fact, the White House has stated that Mrs. Obama always describes herself “first and foremost (as) Malia and Sasha’s mom.” This continually proves to ring true.

Mrs. Obama is not one to sit idly by on the sidelines while her husband manages the country. Rather, she involves herself by creating programs that change many children’s lives.

Her Let’s Move! program is aimed at helping to stop childhood obesity. This has brought groundbreaking legislation, such as the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. She is making a difference through social programs in the United States.

Some may argue that it was Mrs. Obama’s groundbreaking and heartwarming speech at the Democratic National Convention that got her husband reelected in 2012. She spoke about her relationship with her husband and how they learned about dignity and decency — hard work matters more than how much you make ... that helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself.”

CNN reporter Gordon Stewart did not see this speech as a play for the presidency. “In fact, the overall emotion, and there was far more real as opposed to rhetorical emotion than any speech at this level in memory, was a feeling rarely conveyed in our political language today — love.”

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