Not Logged in.
Book Jacket

Becoming


An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the ...
Summary and Reviews
Excerpt
Reading Guide
Author Biography

Have you, like Mrs. Obama, had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?

Created: 01/01/19

Replies: 4

Posted Jan. 01, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Have you, like Mrs. Obama, had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?

In high school Michelle Obama said she felt like she was representing her neighborhood. At Princeton, faced with questions of whether she was the product of Affirmative Action programs, she felt like she was representing her race. Was that more than a feeling? Was she actually representing her communities in those settings?

Have you had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?


Posted Jan. 11, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paulak

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 264

RE: Have you, like Mrs. Obama, had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?

Certainly not to the extent that Michelle Obama has. As the eldest, I have felt a role model for my siblings and, later in my professional life, for my colleagues. But those are relatively small populations compared to Obama representing almost an entire race!


Posted Jan. 19, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kellilee's Gravatar
kellilee

Join Date: 11/18/14

Posts: 70

RE: Have you, like Mrs. Obama, had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?

I have not had that experience but I have friends and colleagues that have shared their similar experiences with me and with that representation comes unbelievable pressure made so much more present by social media.


Posted Jan. 25, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ylhoff

Join Date: 10/23/12

Posts: 85

RE: Have you, like Mrs. Obama, had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?

I have had times where other people were expecting me to be a representative. What they didn't know was that I don't represent any community because I was raised in several different communities. I see how I navigate the world as flexible and not attached to any particular thing. It is freeing, but can be lonely at times. There is no such thing as a perfect situation. It often takes more energy to hold off people's need to put me in a box for their comfort than to just be.


Posted Jan. 31, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ruthiea

Join Date: 02/03/14

Posts: 271

RE: Have you, like Mrs. Obama, had moments in life where you felt as though you were representing one of your communities?

I have been in that situation and it felt vey daunting. I had to straddle my own self vs. not wanting to perpetuate any stereotypes. I wanted to fight preconceived notions while not getting angry or frustrated with people who believe such ideas. It can be very exhausting to always be aware of any "isms" people have and not be angry and/or defensive. When the negative stereotypes lead to violence it becomes even more disheartening.


Reply

Please login to post a response.