I miss the Michelle Obama who burst onto the public scene earlier this year. I miss the executive suits, the commanding stance, and the powerful gestures. I miss the woman who was gutsy enough to show up at a job interview for an executive position with two babies in tow and say, “I’m a talented person. I’m also a mom. Take it or leave it!” I miss the occasional verbal gaffes that occur whenever a woman is confident enough to speak her own truth. I miss the authenticity.
The repackaged Michelle Obama of recent weeks is markedly toned down. She's vulnerable instead of powerful in her new wardrobe of feminine frocks. She clasps her hands demurely to her stomach and tilts her head and shoulders as if she's trying to take a few inches off her stature and not overshadow the men around her. She's so...very...appropriate.
The old Michelle was novel and interesting. She was inspiring and fun to watch because she looked like she was inspired and having fun. Now she looks like she is playing a role that was written by someone else. It's painful to watch her stuffing that giant personality into a tiny mold. Senator Obama used to cheer her on. Now he seems to just "bring her along."
Maybe that's what a woman has to settle for when she is auditioning to be America's Top Trophy Wife.
Less than two weeks to go. Hopefully when the audition is over, we'll get to see the real Michelle Obama again.
