The Obamas: An American Family

The Obamas: An American Family

Since March, 2007, Barack Obama and his family have been in the public’s eye. When we look at them, we see a traditional and somewhat conservative family unit. What is being overlooked when they are heralded as the shining image of an African American family is that African Americans tend to be conservative with regard to their families. While there is great diversity in the composition of family units, most African Americans strongly value the ties that connect them to a family.

Because our public image has largely been constructed outside of our communities, Americans as a nation are all familiar with African Americans images that have been mediocre at best. However, the Obama family has presented a family face to the world that few outside of African American communities know. On Inauguration Day, we watched a poised Malia Obama photographing her father as he took the Oath of Office and charming Sasha Obama giving her dad the thumbs up afterwards. Yesterday we saw pictures of the Obama girls playing on a swing set outside of the Oval Office’s window. To some, those images may seem like an ideal. But to others, those images reflect our experiences of family life.

I am amazed at how much media buzz Mrs. Obama is receiving for stating that her girls have chores and that they are going to grow up as normal as possible. I’ve been having an “Is it me?” moment on that for a while. I’m not a parent but I have heard from friends who are that it is every parent’s goal for their children to grow up and get residences of their own. I have also heard from parents that they would like to visit a place where they’re not afraid to drink a glass of water. So my sisters I ask you, what messages do you think the American public will learn from the Obamas? I am eager to hear your thoughts about their views on family life.

Be well,
G-5 Sistah

Surviving in tough times

Like most American women, Michelle Obama has her hands full. Keeping her daughters grounded as they grow up in the public’s eye, being a wife to the busiest man on the planet while maintaining her identity must present challenges that few of us can imagine. Yet, despite the extremes she is encountering, Mrs. Obama exemplifies all that women are doing to maintain their families during these tough economic times.

Whether a woman is the First Lady of the United States or an administrative assistant in California, we continue to be the glue that stabilizes families. The current recession has made most of us reflect carefully on our financial choices and spending habits. Being the resilient humans that we are-yes, my feminism and Spelman grounding are showing, we are making the necessary choices for our survival. For me, this recession has re-enforced my primary tent of not paying anymore than I have to for anything. I am at peace with the fact that I am a bargain hunter who borders on being cheap. Finding good bargains appeals to my primal hunter-gatherer root. It is that instinct that drives me to seek opportunities to come home with bags filled with what I need and still have money in my wallet.

I have no doubt that I am not alone in that practice. I’d like to hear from my sisters who are also working hard to get the most from their money. I look forward to hearing ideas about enjoying life frugally while planning our financial futures during uncertain times.

Be well,
G-5 Sistah

Sexism and Sarah Palin

When Sarah Palin was nominated as the Republican vice presidential candidate, I thought, "That's interesting." From the outset, I had a gnawing suspicion that she was selected because she was a woman and for that reason, I was insulted. At the same time, there was continuing fuss and bother over now President Elect Obama's selection of Joe Biden as his running mate- I'll save those thoughts for another blog. Again, I was insulted. As a Spelman woman and die hard feminist, I was waiting for the discourse to change and help me understand why those two women were the best women for the positions.


During the race, Sarah Palin had the opportunity to introduce herself to the American public, express her views, and promote the Republican's platform. Sarah Palin was an excellent running mate for John McCain. She did exactly what she was supposed to do. But in the wake of the McCain Palin defeat, I feel discouraged for Sarah Palin. Let me be clear, I despised how she willingly and eagerly carried forth a message of fear the African American man, blind patriotism for a questionable war, and the retention of American hegemony. However, I find myself wondering whether all of the post defeat fuss and bother over trivial matters that have little to do with her capacity to lead would be occurring if she were a man.


Let's hear what you think.

History in the Making

Welcome Sisters,

The 2008 Presidential race has been a long, contentious battle. Tolerance for diverse ideas and openess to the restoration of democratic ideals have been pushed onto the backseat by the need for some Americans to find comfort in the status quo. The late Dr. Robert Brisbane of Morehouse College told his class full of bright eyed Political Science students that "Racism is just a tool for keeping the classes separated."

As we prepare for tomorrow's historic event, I'd like to hear your thoughts on what we've seen happening thus far. Though we are linked by our alma mater, Spelman College, there is diversity in our views, interests, and beliefs. It is my hope that this will be the first of many discussions that show our strength through the richness of our ideas.