I find that Michelle Obama performs her gender quite interestingly. I might even suggest an adverb I've rarely verbalized to my folk and that is: exquisitely.
Some people are having a hard time dealing with her sleeveless tops. Experientially, I do not get this. Cognitively, (and sadly) I do.
There is even a new term that explains her fashion choices: Sleevegate.
I wish I were joking.
Let's, for a moment, consider her clothing choices. Well-sculpted arms are code for something: disciplined self-respect. Good genes only take one so far, I find.
I admire her corporeal presentation because, as a bit of a gym rat myself, I experientially get how much of a time and effort investment it is to present one's self a certain way aesthetically.
So those who are bothered by her sleevelessness, might I respectfully suggest that they transform their intolerance of well-sculpted arms into, well, an intolerance of unhealthy habits that eventually lead to a lack of 'well-sculptedness'?
Now, I was not around when Jackie O sported a lack of sleeves. I was a teenager in the 90's, so what do I know, (experientially that is!) about Jackie O. But I suppose I could comment about sleevegate.
I have long maintained that form and aesthetics at large are code for rich content. I find nothing inconsequential or trivial about the kind of fitness that is rooted in healthy moderation. It's after all a beautiful thing to observe and, more importantly, experience.
Tip of the hat to well-sculpted arms, I say.
Subscribe to Gendering the Media Podcast
Subscribe to Gendering the Media Podcast
graphs per huffpo
Posts
9 comments:
"So those who are bothered by her sleevelessness, might I respectfully suggest that they transform their intolerance of well-sculpted arms into, well, an intolerance of unhealthy habits that eventually lead to a lack of 'well-sculptedness'? "
....
OH SNAP!!
I dig this, BR!
Totally.
I dug this.
Thks
Fitness should be patterned after and admired not criticized.
I don't get the sleeve debate either. She looks good.
It's a sign of strength and self-discipline in the sight of so much unregulated greed and a lack of moderation. Plus, aesthetics, as you say, is rarely about form alone. It takes time and work to look good and it's a far-reaching investment, that's for sure. It's also something that's done overtime which again speaks for restraint and self-control. I say, embrace and pattern after. Don't resent. We should all become more gym rat-ty
I also find it interesting that she gets compared to Jackie O all the time. Why is that? I don't really see a similarity between the two....
I agree with you. Michelle Obama has a great figure, and amazing arms, and if I had those too, I'd proudly show them off.
Furthermore, I see nothing scandalous or unprofessional about the look. She looks elegant, youthful, and sophisticated, and that has more to do with the whole package than her bare arms.
Sleevegate! People need to get a life!
indeed....we bemuse me...
I have also thought about the odd relationship many have with arms. I mean, this is 2009! 2009! Why is the appearance of the arm so worthy of attention. Is the bare arm the old ankle?
But I agree. A well-kept respected body stands for self-respect. It;s a beautiful thing to see.
Post a Comment