Michelle Obama gets candid about media obsession with her arms
What's the story
In her new book, The Look, former US First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up about the media's obsession with her bare arms during her husband's presidency. She argues that this scrutiny was used to "otherize" her and Barack Obama. The book also features contributions from Obama's stylist, Meredith Koop, and designers who dressed her for events.
Media scrutiny
'This felt different'
In The Look, Obama writes about how the media's "fascination" with her bare arms was a tool to "otherize" her. She recalls how she often wore sleeveless dresses, but it was her biceps' appearance before Congress that drew criticism. "While I am certainly not the only First Lady to get scrutinized... this felt different," she writes.
Style backlash
When she was criticized for wearing shorts
Obama also discusses other instances where her style choices were criticized as "un-First Lady-like." One such instance was during a trip to the Grand Canyon in 2009, when she wore shorts, a tank top, an oversized shirt, and hiking trainers. Washington Post fashion reporter Robin Givhan called it "common," which Obama found "particularly painful."
Racial stereotype
Her team struggled with the 'angry Black' woman stereotype
Obama also reveals that her own team struggled with the "angry Black" woman stereotype. At one point, the Obamas's communications team suggested she modify her facial expressions. "I was shocked when our communications team shared notes...that I should be careful of my tone and facial expressions, because my passion and humor could be weaponized against me," she writes.
Fashion advocacy
Obama defied tradition by choosing Jason Wu for inaugural ball
Despite the backlash, Obama was praised for many of her choices and for creating opportunities for emerging designer names. For the inaugural ball, she chose a gown from Jason Wu, a rising Taiwan-born and New York-based designer. "Wearing his dress would signal to the world that I was willing to buck the establishment by silently countering the edict 'this is how it's always been done' in the White House," she writes.