MICHELLE OBAMA IDOLIZES BEYONCE?

So Michelle Obama named Beyonce as the person she would most like to trade places with. I absolutely adore Michelle, but what’s that about? Is the first lady of the United States saying she would rather be America’s sex kitten instead?

In political terms, I think I understand what’s going on here. It’s an election year. The Obamas are aiming to energize the youth vote,  as they did in the 2008 campaign. President Obama often makes it known that he listens to Jay-Z. That makes him appear in touch with the Hip Hop crowd. More recently, he even swooned the old heads by belting a line from a classic Al Green tune.

I get it. But I’ve never heard the president say he would want to BE the rapper, Jay-Z. I mean, Jay-Z is cool, but let’s face it; there are lyrics from some of his songs that the Obamas never want Sasha and Malia to hear.

Their father has managed to walk a fine line in restricting his admiration of Jay-Z to the music. But when Michelle starts talking about whom she would like to trade places with, like it or not, the symbolism shifts. Everybody is entitled to their fantasies. But in these times, when so many young black children seem more likely to carry around demo tapes than books, it’s a bit puzzling to have the first lady idolizing an entertainer.

C’mon, Michelle. At least pick someone who is an intellectual equal, a person of real substance. There are plenty of black women out there who qualify. Toni Morrison is an easy pick. Lani Guiner as well.

But Beyonce? A bit too gimmicky. Surely they can do better than that.

Clearly,  I’m not the only person surprised by Michelle Obama’s choice of an idol. Check out the article below from theroot.com
Mrs. O and Beyonc: A Problematic Love Fest?

This writer says the first lady sends a dangerous message in calling the pop star a role model.

http://www.theroot.com/views/beyonce-role-model