Unlike Michelle, Malia Obama IS Able to Talk with Her Mouth Closed!

This is one fashion story that I'm proud to report on, and it comes out of the UK -- of course.

While we grownups are fixating on Michelle's Liz Claiborne cardigan, her daughter was out making a fashion statement of her own yesterday -- and I doubt it was by accident.

Hey Robin -- now this is how a woman is heard, even when she's supposed to be the perfect little G-8 lady and keep her mouth shut.

"Yes!" I blurted out jubilantly late yesterday, when I saw Malia wearing a T-shirt with a CND symbol on it. No doubt about it, Malia Obama has a point of view on nuclear weapons.

The CND logo was first sketched out by the British designer Gerald Holtom in 1958 and has become a universal peace symbol.

Holtom, a conscientious objector during world war two, explained that his own anguish had informed his iconic design.

"I was in despair," he said. "Deep despair. I drew myself: the representative of an individual in despair, with hands palm outstretched outwards and downwards in the manner of Goya's peasant before the firing squad. I formalised the drawing into a line and put a circle round it." via Guardian UK

The British press reminds us that last year, in a public letter to Malia and Sasha, their father expressed his hopes that his daughters would continue the family tradition of campaigning, writing that the girls have an obligation to themselves. "It is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realise your true potential," he wrote. (Read entire letter at Parade.com)

The Guardian reports that a CND spokesman was delighted with Malia's fashion statement.

I say we have a bonafide Smart Sensuality woman in the making! The CND continued: "Perhaps Malia has been the driving force behind the administration's push towards a new disarmament deal? We'll get an 'I'd-rather-grow-up-than-blow-up' T-shirt in the post to her straight away."

Please note that every British newspaper is all over this story. Based on this moment's Google search, in the US, we don't care about it. Why not? Even my dear Huff Po, who beat the NYTimes and WaPo last night on correcting the positive news about the environment talks, says nothing.

Clearly Malia's parents approved of her wearing the peace sign. Trust me; it's OK. We can write about the peace logo. Anne

Mom in Liz Claiborne:

via the London Times:

A visibly moved Michelle Obama declared, "We must do all we can," as she toured the ruins of the earthquake-hit medieval city of L’Aquila today with 11 other wives of world leaders attending the G8 summit, including Sarah Brown, the wife of the Prime Minister.

Mrs Obama was heard asking her guides how many children had died, and said she was worried what their "psychological state" must be, and how they could be persuaded to return home "without fear". ''I'm very moved," she said. "I and my husband have been very struck by what we're seeing and we'll try to do everything possible to support you."

Comments

[Leo]

I really don't think she was trying to make a statement. Maybe she just likes the shirt. The girls have worn shirts before that have "peace" on them.

[Editor]

Valid point, Leo. But in Europe, the consciousness on all political issues is so much higher than in America -- and the Obamas know that fact. I believe they think twice before letting her wear one especially that big.

You may be right, but all the Europe press took it as a signal. Ditto New Zealand.

Newsday picked it up as a political statement.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/shoptalk/blog/2009/07/malia_obamas_peace_sign_tshirt.html

Here it is in New Zealand

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10583536

You raise an interesting point though about girls mixing political statements with fashion and not doing so to make any kind of statement. As tough as they're riding roughshod on Michelle this week, I just think Malia's wardrobe was preapproved.

Let me know what you think of the Obama 'guy' photo. You'll probably have fits with me over those comments. Thanks. Anne