Hooks and Perry

In class last week we watched a discussion between Bell Hooks and Melissa Harris Perry where they discussed the intersection of race and class in the media. I really enjoyed watching the dynamic between the two women; it was also interesting to see where they disagreed with each other. I definitely would like to see more discussions like this, I learned a lot and it definitely made me think of things I normally would not have. I was really interested in the conversation the two scholars had about Michelle Obama and her body. Michelle’s body has always been a topic of discussion in the media where she is often critiqued for her toned arms and behind. She is hardly ever discussed as a whole. Michelle Obama as a person and as the First Lady is overlooked, which is common for women in power. We do not get to know Michelle for who she is because the media chooses to concentrate on her body and not so much on what she has accomplished. She can definitely be considered the modern day Venus hot and tot because so much media content is devoted to her body, her toned arms and how women can achieve them. I commend Michelle for how she has owned how the media portrays her. If this is what people are going to talk about then so be it. Michelle is such an inspiring woman who is constantly scrutinized in the media because of the way she looks and her accomplishments are also always downplayed because of her race and gender.

Why is there a need to give Michelle’s body the once-over? Powerful women in the media continue to be reduced to the sum of their parts but not men, why is that?