Morning After Reflections on Cape Coast Castle, Michelle & the Week that Was

To reflect or not: this is the question. Reading comments on the Obamas trip to Cape Coast Castle, some say 'talk about it', others say 'let it go; we must move on'. I've decided to let others do the talking on Cape Coast Castle, while I keep my own issues straight in my head.

In all honesty, I'm still trying to understand the 'managing of Michelle this week' and how deeply the topic hit my own psyche.

With all the work I put into this lots of media-read blog, I'm allowed to think out loud. I can speculate where other journalists can't; blogging is personal and therefore, it gets messy at times, especially when you're a stream-of-consciousness writer as I am.

I've not been so unsettled over women's rights issues in many years. Fashion IS political; journalists know that fact -- high-profile outfits are chosen carefully to send messages.

I don't expect my mother in Dubuque to process the meaning of Michelle's clothes when she sees them. Mom gives Michelle a high-five for looking appropriate at the Vatican. I'm paid to look under the veil.

I'll write in my A of C journal about the Fashion & Politics show that has opened at FIT's museum here in New York, running until November 7, 2009. There's more going on over at FIT than a focus on Isabel Toledo's inaugural outfit for Michelle. The show that just closed was entitled: Seduction.

Fashion is messy, too. Our inner-selves say the darndest things, whether we're writers, consultants or First Ladies.

via Daily Mail UKToday, I'm scoping out articles related to or prompted by the Cape Coast Castle visit.

The Daily Mail UK -- a middle of the road, British 'rag' that I really like (it's as close as Anne gets to a tabloid) -- has some good photos.

The Washington Post gives us a daring, in-depth discussion this morning of 'colorism': The Legacy of Colorism Reflects Wounds of Racism That Are More Than Skin-Deep.

The LA Times takes a look at the 200,000 children in West and Central Africa sold today by their parents as slaves: Africa's bitter cycle of child slavery.

I'll add to our list, as thoughtful articles or blog musings appear in the coming days.

Think (RED).

See more videos on modelinia.com

Given the focus on Africa, created by Team Obama this weekend, I do want to call out this superb (RED) video by Christy Turlington on Modelina.com. Michelle-Style is a big supporter of Bono's (RED) campaign, and will reformat a bit here to focus on some of these issues.

Read also: Elle Sees RED with Bono, Scarlett and Gisele.

Think ALAS

Only this week did I discover that Howard Buffet and Shakira are big buddies.

My Shakira essay: Shakira, a Smart Sensuality Activist, Takes Me Back to Colombia, Where My Life Journey Really Began is a big hit over at Anne of Carversville, and I followed it up yesterday with more about Shakira and Warren Buffet, who donated almost $100 milliion to her efforts and ALAS, a movement dedicated to the children of Latin America.

Read Shakira & Howard Buffet: Attached at the Hip Philanthropy Bedfellows.

Shakira is NOT a woman in retreat on feminist issues at all. The more I study her, she is the consummate Smart Sensuality woman and an inspiration to me in a week that I frankly tired of watching 'the spouses' parading around with little to do and nothing to say, in a world that desparately needs their voices.

I honestly hope they stay home in the fall.

Much love, Anne