Michelle Obama's A First-Rate G8 Spouse

Photo via Associated PressRobin Givhan gives us an excellent read today (far better than yesterday's) about Michelle's role as a G8 'spouse' in Italy, and the larger topic of gender relations in Italy. Please read her entire article at the Washington Post: As 'Spouse', First Lady Makes a Subtle Case for Gender Equity. 

I've quoted Robin liberally this morning, as an example of what can and should be written about Michelle's effectiveness and voice in Europe (or anywhere else in the world), as she manages her way through the subject of evolving, global gender relations. 

I have nothing more to add to this volatile but critical analysis of Michelle's behavior and public persona on the G8 trip, being totally satisfied with Robin's analysis. Your time is better spent reading her entire article.

Of all the wives who milled about in the atrium of the museum Wednesday afternoon, Obama drew the lens of virtually every camera. She stood out because she is black, but there were several other black women at the luncheon. She was among the tallest of the wives, but she didn't tower over them. It was her taxicab-yellow sheath with its saucer-size green flower brooch that caught the eye, not because it was fancy, but because it was relaxed. Unstarched. But not shy.

Italians have assessed her physical appearance -- along with her attitude and all that hugging -- and decided that she is a different kind of American first lady. Not so formal. Approachable. Italy is a country that does not shy away from celebrating physical appearance; it is the country of la bella figura, after all. It is considered neither shallow nor judgmental to mix style into the equation when taking the measure of a woman.

But there is a balance. And while Italian feminists are attempting to tamp down the focus on their appearance -- nice legs should not be a bullet point on a résumé, unless the job is as a Rockette -- Obama has signaled a more modern kind of first lady with hers. It seems that the "spouse" has done her job.

Thanks, Robin. Anne