Most millennials grew up in the progressive era of the Obamas.
During these eight years, it felt as though the country was finally capable of working together to overcome the prejudices and intolerances that once divided previous generations.
It’s a feeling that resounded among the crowds witnessing the inauguration of the first African American president, celebrated in the streets after the legalization of same-sex marriage, and was put into action with the passing of DACA.
It’s a feeling that has been sorely missed during the past few years.
The 2016 presidential campaign trail left us with outlandish statements that foreshadowed the disheartening political climate we find ourselves in today.
Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric regarding immigration and Hilary’s infamously sickening “Pokemon-Go to the polls!” will never cease to invoke the collective anger of this generation.
Throughout all the nonsense, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama has been the soothing and steady presence we need to keep us sane in this orange conundrum of absolute Caucasity™.
With her iconic “When they go low, we go high” and the less-than-subtle, stoic side eye she gave during Trump’s inauguration, we can be reassured that Michelle knows the racism and bigotry we, as a nation, will have to strive to overcome, because they are trials she herself has worked to overcome.
In 2018, here she is again delivering much-needed hope and wisdom in her new autobiography, Becoming.
She begins the book by taking you back to her time as Michelle Robinson, a young black girl from the South Side.
She narrates fond memories with her large family and the local black community, as well as, experiences growing up in Chicago during a distinct time of changes.
Even if your upbringing was miles apart from hers, you can feel how genuine and down-to-earth she is when illustrating her uncle’s deep appreciation of music or her struggle with a playground mean girl.
At the same time, she utilizes her young observations and hindsight to discuss how race played a part in her childhood and the existences of those around her.
She captures the exuberance of her youth with just enough clarity that allows you to catch a glimpse of the woman she’s poised to become – insightful, ambitious, and a true scholar.
She tells her life story almost like a set of parables: a mix of both the progression of her life and wisdom to impart with each experience.
She puts into words the discomfort and discrimination many people of color feel in predominantly white institutions.
And although it’s difficult to not admire her academic tenacity above all else, especially if you’re a bit more laid-back like myself, she shows us that new experiences are also important lessons in self-growth.
A young Michelle learnt a lot taking a spontaneous trip to New York City and spending a summer break from Princeton helping her boyfriend pick out a fursuit.
One of the most important pieces of wisdom she hopes to drive home is that learning and growth doesn’t stop once you finish school.
Even after all her hard work pays off – degrees in two Ivy League schools, a six-digit salary, and a cushy job in a law firm – she finds herself discontent with her chosen path and yearns for one that’s more meaningful.
Her commentary on the systemic discrimination of race in the workfield helps her better explain the heartfelt issue many first-generation or non-upper-class college students face.
It’s difficult to chose between the path that can bring you financial stability or the one that gives you meaning, especially when you’ll face an absorbent amount of loans in the end.
The person who inspires this awakening in her is the same person who, as she notes in her dedication, “always promised me an interesting journey.” In fact, it’s almost ironic that ‘change’ would later on become his presidential slogans, because he brings her the reassurance to make it.
Barack enters her life at the point when she needed the most inspiration.
I don’t want to spoil their love story, but it’s worth noting that it’s more heartwarming and genuine than any YA novel I’ve read.
Despite their differences in values, upbringing, and temperament, there’s mutual respect and love between the two. They’re a paradigm of what happens when two brilliant individuals with intrinsic motivation come together. Frankly, it’s difficult to imagine either of them being happy settling for anyone less.
Even with the increasing success of Barack’s political career and expansion of their family, Michelle never loses sight of what she wants and what her children need. When her own life becomes enveloped in her husband’s campaigns, she calls on her experience with community reaching to win over voters to their side.
And when Barack finally wins, she continues to be a vocal part of his presidency, earning both the scorn of racists and Republicans and the admiration of the rest of the country.
As she narrates her years as FOTUS, I found it difficult to not compare her to the current one. She admits that as a black woman, she would face more scrutiny than her previous white counterparts.
I’m pressed that this can be extended to her successor too.
Melania has never faced the intense (conservative) nitpicking that Michelle has, but then again what has Melania accomplished that makes her worthy of any kind of attention? Michelle’s strong-will and compassion aren’t skills she obtained alongside her title. They’re a testament of her character.
Frankly, Melania simply isn’t worth comparing her to.
It’s laughable to even try. Our current first lady will not be able to find ghostwriters cable of penning anything close to what Michelle has blessed us with, but she can try. As Michelle’s pointedly expressed in the preface, it’s on you to own your story – the way she has in all 426 pages of this hardcover.
Michelle Obama has unintentionally proven herself to be one of this generation’s greatest role models time and time again. She’s voice of clarity and wise judgement that is sorely missed in the current political climate.
So, if you’re tired of watching the new first family try to dismantle the legacy of the Obamas with each proposed overturn of legislation, illogical tweet, and upheaval of basic morality, or if you’re simply looking to take inspiration from the very best, give Becoming a read.
Gabby Agustin
Features Contributor
About Post Author
