ESSAY: 'We Don't See All of Who We Are'

March 31st 2008:

Wise words spoken during one of Obama’s many speeches; Michelle that is – not Barrack. Throughout history the representation of the black woman has been less than favourable. She is often sexualised and dramatised, whether for comical effect or to further discredit the very foundations of a struggling nation. Her value in society shuffled around like a pack of cards – always the joker, but never the ace. Her very existence often laying at the bottom of the social ladder, or just simply ceasing to exist.

The many complexities of what it means to be a woman, first and foremost, are apparent. Added to this the identification with a race so full of riches and woe, it would seem there are many avenues to choose from. But that has not been the case, until now. Not for a long time has the representation in the media delivered so much promise.

Introducing Michelle Obama: a Vice President of community and external affairs for University of Chicago Hospitals and a graduate of both Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Not to mention wife of Barrack and a mother of two. Impressive indeed, but not the main focus. Her ability to comprise all these areas of her life and not apologise for being active, and determined in each is what makes her a remarkable woman.

I am often bombarded with women who appear to be mere shadows of those I identify with in my own home. Not ashamed of being ambitious, whilst drawing her own guidelines for success along the way and proud of being cultured and passionate beyond belief, I share an affinity with Michelle. For these are parts of the core values passed on to me, like heirlooms, from my mother.

It is rare to see us placed within a context; particularly one that is not limiting and void of any profundity. One dimensional characters are all too easily churned out for the masses to feast on and digest without complaint. All too often we are seen as carrying on in this world alone. According to the media, family is an alien concept for the black woman. With no support system, or rejecting the one that was offered we are portrayed as bitter from our experiences and lashing out at those who look most like us: the male and the female form.

So, what a breath of fresh air to see Michelle and the family unit intact: wholesome and tangible. She is not an apologist for drawing strength from this; recognising the benefits and holding fast. Nor is she an apologist for celebrating selfhood outside of her kin, instead she revels in the dynamics that complete her. She is a card-carrying member of Woman.

© Rachelle Hull, 2008