CityView Magazine

42 | March 2020 Michelle and Barbara are from completely different generations and socio- economic groups, the latter clearly related to their racial differences. Although Barbara was from a more affluent background that could have afforded her the best education possible, she chose marriage over an education and career. Even though she was accepted to Smith College, Barbara decided to drop out aer her first year. Michelle had to struggle and work to get a first-class education and then parlayed that into a very prominent career. She had a very loving family that always supported her. Barbara's mother made for a very difficult upbringing that affected her for the rest of her life. She dealt with the inner scars of her mother's criticism by being the first to point out her own flaws, before anyone could mention them. Barbara acted like she didn't care what other people thought, but maybe deep down inside she cared more than she let on. Michelle, on the other hand, cared very much what others thought of her, always wanting to please. ese differences influenced their personalities and how they reacted to their public roles. However, I was most taken with how alike they were. ey both loved their spouses and children very much and worked at making a warm, caring environment for them. Both were loved and adored by the public. And unfortunately, both received heartless criticism from this same public. Barbara suffered from criticism for her gray hair, her frumpy clothes and her weight. She oen handled it with self-deprecating humor. When author Susan Page asked her what she thought the title of the book should be, without missing a beat Barbara said, "e Fat Lady Sings Again." Michelle faced equally harsh criticism about her clothes, the size of her derriere (by an American congressman), and for being un-American. She truly took it to heart and was hurt. Her intensity and passion while speaking on the campaign trail lead to her being called "an angry, black, woman" Her initial response was "what were they more critical of " – that she was angry, black or a woman? However, she got over her hurt, sought help from her campaign advisors, and developed a more relaxed style for delivering her message. Both women were greatly affected by family illness and death. Both women were able to take their own personal pain and work for causes outside of themselves. As First Lady, Barbara took on the cause of literacy and also became the first to focus a light on the plight of children with HIV/AIDS. e image of her cuddling a baby with AIDS will forever be imprinted in my heart. Michelle focused on childhood obesity, healthy food choices, and involved school children in planting a garden at the White House. She also promoted an initiative, Joining Forces, focusing on supporting military families. Despite being from two different generations and socio-economic backgrounds, one on a career path and one satisfied to be a homemaker, and from two different political parties, these two beloved women have so much more in common than these differences might suggest. eir backgrounds, experiences, and their strengths and weaknesses made them who they became. ey adjusted when necessary to do what had to be done for the success of themselves, their husbands and their children. We can all be touched in so many ways by reading these two inspiring books. As First Lady, Barbara took on the cause of literacy and also became the first to focus a light on the plight of children with HIV/AIDS. Michelle focused on childhood obesity, healthy food choices, and involved school children in planting a garden at the White House. She also promoted an initiative, Joining Forces, focusing on supporting military families.

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