In honor of President Elect Obama’s upcoming inauguration. I’m going to post a piece that I wrote over 1 year ago. Happy Reading. We're leaving Sunday for Washington. Consider this a free week for Joe Deters.
Earlier this week Caroline Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama for President in an op-ed piece titled A President like My Father. After reading her endorsement. I couldn't help but wonder if Caroline Kennedy who believes that Barack Obama could a President like her father, also believes that Michelle Obama could be a 1st lady like her mother Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Beyond obvious superficial comparisons --their beauty, lovely wardrobe, and perfectly flipped hair- I wondered if she'd compare Michelle's compassionate spirit, to be similar to Jackie O's. I wondered.
After wondering what Caroline Kennedy thought, my thoughts traveled back to my childhood in which I played with white Barbie dolls with long flowing blond hair. As a child I didn't care about the race of the dolls I played with. But as an adult, I recognize that children respect and need role models that look like them. So, yes, I'll admit visions of sugar plums danced in my head. Next X-mas I'd love to buy my pre-schooled aged niece, who loves to play with white Barbie dolls with long flowing blond hair, a Michelle Obama 1st lady doll. Seriously. Michelle Obama looks like change- sugar, poised spice, and everything nice.
Throughout my life I've had the pleasure of having many role models. Both Black, White, Hispanic. True role models come in all races.
Michelle Obama is a role model. She is the founder and former executive director of Public Allies - Chicago, a leadership training program that received AmeriCorps National Service funding and helped young adults develop skills for future careers in the publicc sector.
Still, I'd love to buy a Michelle "0" doll and throw a tea party with my niece. We'd talk about school, politics, and silly girl stuff too.
