Yes we can. We can still be women, "all-girly" (kick stereotyped to the curb) and all, and do whatever the heck we want. I read an article in the New York Times written by Vanessa Friedman, in the Times Fashion & Style section. The article was about First Lady, Michelle Obama and what she wore on her recent 5-day trip to Asia, visiting countries such as Japan and Cambodia to champion her "Let Girls Learn" education campaign.
You know how it is dear readers, Mrs. Obama goes on a trip, the conversation will always, always focus on what she wears. This visit was no exception. What I do like about this particular article however, was that the writer made some good points which gave some "food for thought" aka made me think.
I'm looking at the First Lady's dress from a photograph in the article (posted above) and I really can't see where this would come into play. But it is the writer's opinion, and upon reading further, I realized why she made these observations and felt the way she did.
According to the writer, the First Lady's choice of clothing style for the entire trip was not very empowering. She wondered how could the First Lady dress that way when her whole program was geared towards empowering young girls and telling them that they can do anything they want, when her choice of wardrobe reminded her (and possibly anyone who saw the First Lady) of the 1950's; back in the day when the very notion that a woman could do anything such as be a leader, or even work outside the home was a big no-no?
The writer came to the conclusion that the First Lady was very astute in her decision to wear what she did. Her clothing choices were all very feminine and very "girly" because she wore dresses, and skirts with depictions that bordered on being whimsical. Everything that a woman in business, and in charge would never do because to be taken seriously most women in business often wear their "man-style" attire with the only hint of femininity being the bright blues and reds of their suits.
What Mrs. Obama has done is shown the young ladies (and the world) she is empowering that they can get an education, become leaders, and do whatever they want, while keeping their femininity in play. What our girls and young ladies choose to wear does not make them any less than they are. Is that awesome girl power or what?!
You know how it is dear readers, Mrs. Obama goes on a trip, the conversation will always, always focus on what she wears. This visit was no exception. What I do like about this particular article however, was that the writer made some good points which gave some "food for thought" aka made me think.
The writer, Ms. Friedman, noted that instead of her usual power suits and bold prints in a hue of colors, Mrs. Obama's wardrobe was rather, "girly" and (screamed) "Femininity to a Point". Ms. Friedman didn't like any of the outfits that the First Lady wore at first, in her article she observed of the First Lady's choice of clothing:
"They bring to mind the decades when gender roles were codified and distinct, when women’s sphere was the home, and their game plan didn’t necessarily included higher education." Excerpted from "For Michelle Obama, Girlie Clothes that Lean In"
I'm looking at the First Lady's dress from a photograph in the article (posted above) and I really can't see where this would come into play. But it is the writer's opinion, and upon reading further, I realized why she made these observations and felt the way she did.
According to the writer, the First Lady's choice of clothing style for the entire trip was not very empowering. She wondered how could the First Lady dress that way when her whole program was geared towards empowering young girls and telling them that they can do anything they want, when her choice of wardrobe reminded her (and possibly anyone who saw the First Lady) of the 1950's; back in the day when the very notion that a woman could do anything such as be a leader, or even work outside the home was a big no-no?
The writer came to the conclusion that the First Lady was very astute in her decision to wear what she did. Her clothing choices were all very feminine and very "girly" because she wore dresses, and skirts with depictions that bordered on being whimsical. Everything that a woman in business, and in charge would never do because to be taken seriously most women in business often wear their "man-style" attire with the only hint of femininity being the bright blues and reds of their suits.
What Mrs. Obama has done is shown the young ladies (and the world) she is empowering that they can get an education, become leaders, and do whatever they want, while keeping their femininity in play. What our girls and young ladies choose to wear does not make them any less than they are. Is that awesome girl power or what?!
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