No matter whom you supported in the election, all women will benefit from Michelle Obama's presence in the White House. Here's how -- excuse me while I gush a little.
- She's a good mother. Whether you're single, married, a parent, or never plan to be, the image of a strong, responsible mother -- one who also manages to maintain a demanding career of her own and support her husband's -- is a wonderful example for all women. Not only does she prioritize her daughters over everything else -- getting to soccer games, ballet recitals, and birthday parties, election or not -- she also constantly advocates the importance of responsible parenting for all children. To paraphrase Gandhi, a society can best be judged by the way it treats its children.
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Why does race matter? Because women are still a minority of sorts themselves, so a black woman represents two historically oppressed groups. When the Obama administration takes up issues like education, health care, and a fair-and-balanced workforce, Michelle Obama will be the force advocating for every group of women in the country, and she won't be the only one. She has a history of employing an entirely female staff of aides and advisers. Some might consider such hiring practices exclusionary. We think it shows she has confidence in the intelligence and strength of women to get things done. And let's not underestimate the power of image. Her simple presence in the White House -- a descendant of slaves will be hosting White House dinners! -- is an extremely powerful image for our country, and for the world. Now I know why the Secret Service gave her the code name "Renaissance."
Heather Wood Rudúlph is co-founder and editor of SirensMag.com. To see original article, click here.
