In a nationwide survey conducted by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation, black women described themselves as relating to Michelle Obama and sensing that she understands them. Sure. Just like I sense she does not understand me.
Nearly eight out of 10 black women say they personally identify with the first lady, and when asked to give a one-word description of Obama, among the words most commonly used were "intelligent," "strong" and "classy."
"America-hater."
"Klingon"
"Visigoth"
In follow-up interviews, black women say the first lady's racial and gender identity are essential to the deep connection they feel they have to her. They call her a role model, someone familiar to them -- like a sister or aunt.
That emotional stake makes watching Obama navigate the world stage both "thrilling and terrifying," says Melissa Harris-Perry, a professor of political science at Tulane University who has written about the first lady's impact on black women.
"Every time she flawlessly performs her role as first lady just by being who she is, she shows how extraordinary and exceptional we are," says Harris-Perry. "It is really fun to watch. It feels like, yes! Oh, this can never be denied.
"But every time she is booed at a NASCAR rally, the terrifying reality emerges that it will take so little for the love and admiration of Michelle Obama to go away. Anything she does that is construed as negative or stereotype-reinforcing will undoubtedly be held against us."
If you hate America, you might be correct. Somehow, I never tied my self-worth to someone else, not even Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, or John Bolton.
