1.05.2009

Media Scrutiny of Obama Kids - It's Starting...

I'm feel so horribly that Malia and Sasha have to grow up in the spotlight in a world that is not yet color-blind. I remember the exact moment when I realized that racism still exists and how I felt as a young black girl in a classroom where I was treated differently than the other children. I was 8 years old and it's a very life-changing experience. So, not only am I worried about them being scrutinized as the President's kids, I'm worried about them being scrutinized as black children and having to carry that burden at such a young age. I almost feel as though they are part of my family and I want to protect them from the hateful words I've seen so far. Not in the articles themselves, but in the comments sections. TMZ, Politico, the Drudge Report, etc are just a few of the news outlets that have reported on the girls' first day of school. Do you think that their father's position requires them to be under such scruitiny? I mean I understand it, but I just do not agree with it. *Sigh*

Check out TMZ's article (and the comments):

[TMZ] - Obama Girls -- The Lil' Ladies Who Lunch

My favorite reader comment: "Be nice to Malia and Sasha. Your kids may work for them one day." (MESSAGE!)

6 comments:

Anonymous January 5, 2009 at 4:45 PM  

LOL I love that reader's comment!

It is unfortunate that these 2 will not be able to have privacy, but that is just the way it i for the kids of politicians. Some people will be ignorant, as we all know, but they can't take away what Obama and his family has already done for the black community.

Tasha January 14, 2009 at 7:54 PM  

I worry a lot about the Obama girls. They are probably too young to realize that many people are basing their opinions about black youth on their actions. It's unfortunate that so much responsibility sits squarely on the shoulders of a 10 and 7 year old.

I really wish the media would leave them out of this and focus on the girls' dad.

Changa Bell January 16, 2009 at 1:47 AM  

I agree it is a shame that our US culture will attack these precious little girls with a racist agenda at times. I have a 9 year-old daughter who is very bright and beautiful. I often want to shield her from the atrocities and double standards. But as journalist and media purveyors we will have to do our best to offset those unfair views with a more balanced and open depiction of the truth.

Constructive Feedback January 28, 2009 at 11:01 AM  

[quote]They are probably too young to realize that many people are basing their opinions about black youth on their actions. [/quote]

Think about your statement for a minute.

* WHO is doing this type of judgment?

* Is it even logical for someone to ACCEPT the judgment of another person who bases their views about BLACK PEOPLE on two Black girls who are daughters of the president?

* How is it that it is LEGITIMATE for Black people to make use of the ENTIRE OBAMA FAMILY as a "positive reference" for what we as Black people should transform into BUT .....it is not legitimate for White folks to keep an eye on them as well - telling the good and the bad?

Think about it

T January 31, 2009 at 4:48 PM  

Are you two ok? Come back... we miss you!

Tafari February 6, 2009 at 12:33 PM  

Where yall is?

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