Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently shared insights into the intense public scrutiny she experienced during her time in the White House. Speaking about the “white hot glare” she faced as a Black woman, Obama reflected on how this pressure influenced her fashion choices and personal expression. Her comments came while promoting her new book, The Look, which delves into her communication through clothing.
In her book, Obama highlights the unique challenges that came with being the first Black couple in the White House. “We were all too aware that as a first black couple, we couldn’t afford any missteps,” she stated. She emphasized the particular scrutiny she faced as a Black woman, noting, “I was under a particularly white hot glare.” This perspective illustrates the heightened expectations placed on her and her family, which she elaborated upon during an interview with ABC News’s 20/20.
Fashion as a Form of Expression
During her White House tenure, Obama was cautious about discussing her fashion choices, fearing they might distract from her work. Now, she embraces fashion as a form of “soft power,” stating, “Style and fashion, and how we show up in the world is an important way that we send a message.” She believes that clothing choices reflect one’s values and background. “What you’re wearing says something about what you care about,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful presentation.
Moreover, Obama considered the perspectives of women in her community, saying she was conscious of how her choices would be perceived by “mothers and grandmothers out there who I knew would be shaking their head if I didn’t show up right.” She mentioned that she avoided wearing white to create a more welcoming presence and criticized societal norms that target women based on appearance. “We live in a culture, sadly, where if somebody wants to go after a woman, the first thing they do is go after our looks,” she noted.
The Look and Personal Reflections
Co-authored with her stylist, The Look features photographs from her time in the spotlight alongside explanations of her wardrobe decisions. In the book, Obama also expresses a sense of liberation now that she is in her 60s, stating, “You know, there’s something about the 60s. It is the best time of my life now that my daughters are launched and doing well. My husband’s settled. There’s a certain freedom that I feel I’m at that stage in life where I can say, ‘Yeah, maybe I know a few things.’”
Obama’s reflections on her experiences underscore the complexities of her role as First Lady and the societal expectations that accompanied it. Her candid insights into the intersection of race, gender, and public perception continue to resonate, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women in prominent positions.
