After I watched Barack Obama's amazing speech accepting the Democratic nomination for Preisdent of the United States, I fell asleep last night to the chatter of news pundits emphatically talking about history being made. The Fashion Writer in me twisted and turned as I kept dreaming about writing a story about Barack's suit. Was there any significance to Barack's black suit and silky, light blue tie? Not really. Awake, I know Barack always wears a black suit. What about Michelle's just below the knee-length purple belted shift? I liked it. It was classy and the pearls were a nice touch. The whole ensemble said First Lady, but that's about it.
The significance of Barack's Primary win goes beyond clothing, because if the handsome Senator makes in to the White House, America will have a new look. Our country will finally have a shot at operating from a different set of values. And the greater public will be forced to see black men as more than criminals, rappers and athletes. That's definitely a trend worth watching and chronicling. What do you all think?
Comments (2)
We simply need a president with good values not necessarily different ones and I don't see Obama as that different even if he is a multiethnic, African-European American. I also disagree with the assertion that the greater public currently sees black men as only rappers etc as the author of the article states. The media, the black media included and blacks themselves are responsible for that perception and a black president will not be able to change them or the way some represent themselves. We all need to disown those that we find short of admirable values and not defend their negative behavior. For those that we admire, like Obama, Americans will all work together to raise them up and defend them and their cause as admirable citizens and statesmen.
Posted by Erico | June 4, 2008 2:15 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 14:15
Writing in from England, I couldn't agree more that the elevation of Barak Obama is going to have - and is already having - a significant impact on the way that Black men are portrayed by the white media in particular and also white society in general.
There is too much emphasis on What Is Wrong With Black Men, something that the media and society simply does not apply to the portrayal and representation of white men no matter how many white corporate fraudsters, paedophiles, and serial killers are in our midst.
Go Barak! Many congratulations to you and Michelle for all that you are doing! I do believe that Michelle has been quoted as saying that she hoped that their involvement in the campaign would allow the world to see another image of what it means to be black. The lady was so right.
Oh, and another thing. What an absolute joy to see a black man, a high profile public figure who obviously loves - and is still very much in love - with his black wife. It isn't unusual. It surely isn't uncommon. However, again, it isn't something that is usually shown when images of black people are put out here. Love it!
Posted by Deirdra | July 9, 2008 6:27 PM
Posted on July 9, 2008 18:27