Grace Under Fire
On Monday night, the first night of the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama was absolutely fantastic. She looked stunning. She spoke eloquently and passionately about her background, which was filled with love, devotion, and examples of hard work and perseverance. She spoke with sincerity and conviction about the similarities between her and Senator Obama’s upbringing, their values, and their commitment to ideals such as fairness, justice, and opportunity. I was touched by her moving recollection of Barack Obama driving her and their newborn daughter home from the hospital “at a snail's pace, peering anxiously at [them] in the rear view mirror feeling the whole weight of her future in his hands, determined to give her everything he'd struggled so hard for himself, determined to give her what he never had: the affirming embrace of a father's love.”
As she spoke about the tremendous sacrifices that were made so that she and Senator Obama could have better opportunities, she spoke to Americans who mistakenly believe that they are somehow elite. As she spoke about her father’s hard work, despite his physical disability, she spoke to Americans about her humble beginning. As she spoke about visiting neighborhoods devastated by steel plant closings, parents living paycheck to paycheck, and grandparents living on a fixed income--she reassured Americans that Barack Obama not only understands working class people’s concerns, but he is actively committed to addressing these concerns and assisting the least among us. As she spoke about why she loved this country, she spoke to Americans who incorrectly doubted her patriotism.
Michelle Obama has been subjected to disparaging attacks and illogical criticism in the media. She has been insulted, misquoted, and she has had her character distorted. Many in the media have tried their best to label her in the most unflattering ways possible. Many pundits and reporters have gotten away with it because it is easier to believe degrading stereotypes about black women then to be open to the possibility that she is a loving wife and mother, extremely intelligent lawyer, hardworking and successful businesswoman, and valuable citizen. Despite the unflattering attacks, she has shown amazing class and timeless grace. Michelle Obama’s speech was fit for a Queen and fortunately, our queen was up for the task.
Crecilla Scott is the founder of Infinity Research, LLC, a social science research company in the Washington DC area. She is the host of a local TV show, "Conversations with Crecilla." She is also a passionate speaker, who has given professional presentations for various organizations and federal agencies. She can be reached at Crecilla@liukarama.com.
Additional Resources
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/18/AR2008071802557_pf.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/07/23/DI2008072302382.html
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/conventions/27359089.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZTBjNDY1MzBmN2FhNDgzZDQ3OTViNWQwZmI5NGFjMWI=
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