Michelle Obama served as one of the most poised and relatable first ladies this country has ever seen. She also made history as the country’s first black first lady.
Unfortunately, the minds of some Americans still suffering from racism, even in the 21st century.
So, being America’s first black first lady was no easy task. Especially, in the age of social media where people are emboldened to say things they wouldn’t dare say in person because they are hiding behind a screen.
Obama opened up about her experience as first lady and the hurtful things she had to endure while serving in that role.
Despite these hardships, she stayed strong and didn’t let it get in the way of her making an impact during her eight years in the White House.
Even though Obama is a highly educated woman (she is a lawyer with a degree from Harvard Law School) who aimed to turn the country’s attention to social issues like poverty, health, and education when she was first lady— some critics only focused on the color of her skin and would make hurtful racist comments calling her an “ape in heels.”
According to Upworthy, one of the top searched Google Images for her was an image of her that was altered so she appeared as a monkey.
In addition to racist attacks, she often was the subject of misogynistic comments that made inappropriate references to her body.
“The shards that cut me the deepest were the ones that intended to cut,” she said during a discussion at the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s 30th anniversary. “Knowing that after eight years of working really hard for this country, there are still people who won’t see me for what I am because of my skin color.”
She applauded women everywhere by acknowledging that women, just like her, are cut with hurtful words and actions every day. And while the hateful behavior of others in not excusable, women have the resilient capacity to get up and keep moving.
While we are often bombarded with content in the media that aim to divide people and show us the darker side of our fellow Americans, Obama believes that this doesn’t represent the majority of people in our country.
“The people in this country are universally good and kind and honest and decent,” she said, according to Denver Post. “Don’t be afraid of the country you live in. The folks here are good.”
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