Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Chloe Mac Donnell

Michelle Obama’s book details how the media’s fixation on her arms was used to ‘otherize’ her

Michelle Obama United States White House Barack Jacqueline Kennedy Jason Wu Nancy Reagan
a man holding a woman's hand
From the book Michelle Obama Style published by Penguin. Photograph: Pete Souza/The White House

One of the most powerful images of the first lady of the United States is her first official portrait. Released by the White House and housed in the National Archives, it commemorates the start of their time in office but also carves out a sense of their identity and style.

Now, 16 years since Michelle Obama appeared in hers wearing a black sleeveless shift dress from the American designer Michael Kors, the former first lady has spoken about the particular outrage caused by her bare arms.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Hayley Williams Urges Fans to Vote in November After Calling MAGA Supporters 'Pieces of Sh*t' on Stage
Hayley Williams urged fans to vote in November during a New Orleans concert before directing profane criticism at MAGA and referencing the Ku Klux Klan.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Reading alone, together is all the rage at book doofs and reading parties. What makes it social?
It’s called a doof, but it’s actually all about quiet reading. There are beanbags, some chairs and a few shared tables, where readers sit (or lie) down and read their separate books. Maybe some music playing in the background. Book Doof’s founder calls it a social experience. But can people…
The Conversation
The Conversation
‘This is not my camera’: Woman trusts camera repair shop in LA with family heirloom but the camera they return sets alarm bells ringing
She just wants her grandmother's camera back.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
“Not The Lip Filler”: Christina Aguilera’s Makes Bold Fashion Move In Latest Public Appearance
Christina Aguilera’s latest public appearance has fans dissecting everything from her lips to her facial features after she stepped out in a daring, lingerie-inspired look.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Why Does Ice Cream Sometimes Get Gritty After It’s Been in the Freezer?
Few things are more disappointing than opening a container of ice cream expecting a creamy scoop and finding a gritty, crunchy, or sandy texture instead. It may seem as though the dessert has gone bad, especially if it was smooth when you first brought it home. However, several different changes…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Bruno Mars Fan Has Never Been Happier To Sell a Ticket After Horrible Gridlock Hits Santa Clara
A Bruno Mars fan said they were relieved to have sold their ticket after crowds and traffic delays followed the singer's concert at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play