Say it loud, say it loud, say it loud. Our First Lady is black and I'm proud.

[BurtWorm]

[Terran]

1. Whoa

What. An. Awesome. Photo. Of Our First Lady. Damn!

I cannot wait for this family to assume their new public roles. I will relish the sound of exploding freeper heads and look forward to grace, wit and intelligence returning to the White House.

Edit: Oh, the pic is by Annie Leibowtiz--no wonder it's awesome.

[Ilsa]

10. Should have known that A.L. was in charge of that one. nt

[jobycom]

2. I'll be more proud when we grow beyond terms like "First Lady"

But that's just me.

I'm proud our president is a Democrat, first and foremost. Maybe that makes me an anti-Republite, but I can live with that.

[Terran]

4. Well, I agree "First Lady" is archaic and loaded with outdated

asumptions, but there is still something to be said for what the term "lady" used to mean. Michelle Obama is everything a "Lady" was once considered to be: beautiful, intelligent, poised, capable, educated, and a good mother--she is the whole package. And the fact that America is now forced to recognize an African-American woman in this role is highly significant. When we finally get a woman elected president, let there be a "First Gentleman". I like the historicity of these terms, and the irony now coming into play because of who the First Lady will be.

[jobycom]

6. I think as long as the term Lady is seen as some form of ideal women should shoot for

we won't have a female president. Or if we get one, we won't get two. I'm not impressed with beauty (unless I'm in a bar) or poise; I admire intelligence, capability, education, and a good parent--because good parents tend to be better people in general.

I believe misogyny is the most deadly form of bigotry in America these days, leading to the most horrendous rapes, murders, thrill-kills, domestic violence, and personal oppression plaguing us, and I believe that until we overcome the language that creates a two-tier citizenry (lady, coed, stewardess, etc) we will never overcome it. The nightly news will continue to be filled with the bodies of women some man decided he could dispose of because he was done with her.

And no, I don't believe using the term "First Lady" results in murder or is some horrendous slur. It's just a minor symptom of a bigger problem.

[Terran]

14. Agreed on almost all points. I don't think "lady" has the meaning

of "ideal woman" anymore, though; that faded out with the influence of the British class system on America. It survives only in the phrase "First Lady". I think back in Jefferson's day that phrase was meant to refer to the nation's hostess, as it were--the woman who would be responsible for making the greatest impression upon foreign visitors who officially visited the White House. Now it is merely what it is, the president's wife. And yet most Amercians still want to impose that kind of responsibility on that role.

I think Hilary was really the first to break that mold, and now Michelle, being not only a lawyer and a smart woman but also black, will break it even further. That's kind of what I was getting at by mentioning the irony of the situation: here we have a woman in that role who's differences from most prior First lady's are unprecedented in scope, and yet she will still have those expectations imposed on her. I'm betting by the time 8 years are over, she will have had considerable influence upon the way women are seen in this country. I think she, as much as Hilary, will help pave the way for a woman president (hopefully in 2016).

[Mad_Dem_X]

13. I for one have no problem with the word "lady"

For just the reasons you stated. To me, the word means Poised, respectful, educated, smart, etc. I don't consider it a negative word at all.

[bdamomma]

3. I think she will contribute alot.

I have much respect and admiration for them all.

[Lyric]

5. I don't care what color she is, she's AWESOME!

:yourock: Michelle!

[BurtWorm]

7. Agreed.

Awesome and beautiful.

:loveya:

[Ilsa]

8. Da-yum. She looks so sexy in that photo! Totally cool! nt

[Maven]

9. That's an amazing picture.

K/R

[Mad_Dem_X]

11. What a beautiful picture!

And what a beautiful woman, inside and out. My husband thinks she's hot. :)

[lady raven]

12. Michelle is beautiful. n/t

[ailsagirl]

15. And smart as HELL!! She'll be an awesome First Lady