In addition to tackling the subject of race and self-awareness in their respected fields, body shaming rose to the forefront after Copeland explained how she was ridiculed for her athletic and “larger” physique.
The president was surprised by her story, admitting that African-American women experience a high amount of body image struggles from their youth to adulthood. “When you’re a dad of two daughters, you notice more,” he said. “And that pressure I think is historically always been harder on African American women than just about any other women.”
Obama gave credit to First Lady Michelle Obama for encouraging positive body images for their daughters Sasha, 14 and Malia, 17. “The fact that my daughters have got a tall gorgeous mom who has some curves, and that their father appreciates, I think is helpful,” he said. “I do think that culture’s changing for the younger generation a little bit more… But it’s still a challenge.” He also mentions Malia’s strong views of current beauty standards and why he appreciates people like Copeland that rise above body shaming.
“As the father of two daughters, one of the things I’m always looking for are strong women who are out there breaking barriers and doing great stuff,” Obama said after the interview. “Misty’s a great example of that. Somebody who has entered a field that’s very competitive, where the assumption is that she may not belong.”
The Obama girls continued to display #blackgirlmagic of their own during the family’s final State Dinner with Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau last week, Yahoo reported. While donning Naeem Kham gowns, the teens were given a special shoutout by the PM himself during his speech. “I admire you very much, both of you, for your extraordinary strength and your grace,” Trudeau said.
Rock on Obamas, rock on.
No comments:
Post a Comment