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The piece of art selected is of a businesswoman walking through different kinds of severe weather. It represents perseverance, because no matter what is in her way, there will always a way to overcome it. In Michelle Obama’s autobiography she lost so many people in a short amount of time. Michelle grew up less fortunate than others, living on the top floor of her aunt’s apartment. Her parents did whatever they could for her and Craig. She met friends such as Suzanne, who was always there for her when she needed it. Her grandfather Southside always made her happy with his music records. People like them are the ones who inspired Michelle to keep going. Unfortunately all these people who mattered to her, died, and it left a big impact on Michelle. This didn’t stop her because soon after, she got a job at Sidley & Austin law firm. She was then offered a job to be an assistant of Mayor Daley. Her and Barack faced backlash over Barack missing the Crime Bill vote, because Malia had a very bad ear infection. Senator Trotter said, “to use your child as an excuse for not going to work also shows poorly on the individual’s character” (Obama 197).  Michelle mentioned how she and her family have never been scrutinized in the news. Was this because they were a family of colour? Possibly not, but now in modern America there is a rise in white supremacy and privilege. This didn’t stop Michelle from supporting Barack, she insisted he keep fighting, because soon after he becomes a Senator himself. “I was a senator’s wife, but beyond that, and more important, I had a career that mattered to me” (Obama 222). Michelle as well got a promotion to become the VP at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

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In the past many African Americans were treated as slaves, having no rights and say in anything. It is also the same when it came to U.S. politics. “In a move many African Americans saw as a swift and demoralizing return to the old white ways of Chicago politics” (Obama 149). Now what this means is white nationalism, a toxic way of life that is mainly found in the United States. A way of life where only white people are only allowed to have power. During Michelle’s early years discrimination against blacks was still a thing. They couldn’t vote, or rather have their votes all counted for the mayor election. In modern society, we now see that black people have mostly if not the same rights as white people do. In an article from The Atlantic, reads the barriers that prevent Blacks and Latinx from voting. Data from the PRRI (Public Region Research Institute) says that the voting laws are “in no way neutral.” Why is this? The answer is a president who supports white supremacy, a president who hasn’t acknowledge the deaths of innocent black people. A survey came back saying that people of colour had a harder time voting than their white counterparts. Back when Michelle was young, voting suppression on black people was a thing. The sad truth is that voting suppression is still an occurring problem in modern America. The question is why are black people being suppressed while voting? The answer for that question, is the U.S. is slowly turning into a white powered country as it was in the early 40’s and earlier. A time where black people weren’t seen as humans. This is why it is important for everyone to vote.  Michelle Obama has made a fantastic image for the black community ensuring that she will make a change for people of colour along with those who are being suppressed during voting polls.

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In Michelle’s biography she explains a lot about her family and what they do. Michelle talks about her piano skills as well as talents that run in her family. “My family was loaded with musicians and music lovers, especially on my mother’s side” (Obama 9). This is something positive I can relate to with Michelle. I also come from a family who are musicians. My dad along with his brothers all attended a choir school where music and education was balanced. They learned to sing and play the piano. On my mom’s side they have a passion for music, different genres, singers, etc.  Michelle opens up about her personal struggles she faces with her family. “Wobbly on his feet and using two canes to wall, he still relished a long drive” (Obama 59). Michelle Obama’s father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a decrease in muscle movement. This changed the way Michelle lived her life. She always checked in on her father asking him how he was. Her mother had to help him into the car and up the stairs. Their view of life was different than others. I personally can relate to what she was going through. Ever since I was a little kid my mom has been dealing with numerous health issues. From strokes to tumors my mom conquered it all while smiling. Just like Michelle, no one knows what’s going on inside they only see the fake smile you put on when you have to act happy. No one knew how hard of a life Michelle lived, or how hard of a life I still to this day live. People at school for example think that your fine living the best life, but you’re really not. I have gone and still go through so much stress when it comes to health issues. The point here is, don’t just assume everyone is okay because they show up with a smile on their face. People should go that extra step and ask if they’re okay, because that one gesture will help big time.

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A personal question that this autobiography brings up, is How much power and inspiration is instilled into both girls of colour and girls in general after becoming the first African American First Lady? “As the only African American First Lady to set foot in the White House, I was “other” almost by default.” (Obama 284). The reason for asking this question, is the way women are seen and labelled in today’s society. Women today are still viewed as inferior to men. There is still inequality in the world based off of one’s gender. Women should have the same support if they want to apply for a job whether it’s big or small. A modern example of this would be Kamala Harris, the first African American Vice President of the United States. During the campaigns and debates, patriotic Trump supporters on live tv dehumanize Kamala by saying a woman of colour can’t run the U.S. What most Americans seek is the power of white supremacy. That’s why they follow Donald Trump, a man who didn’t acknowledge the killings of innocent people of colour. Michelle and Kamala both broke the silence, proving that not only women but women of colour can run a country. The message they are sending is don’t let the colour of your skin or your gender stop you from who you want to become. It is absurd to think about why a woman can’t run for president, or why can’t a woman have an opinion on politics. Michelle Obama started from living on the top floor of her aunt’s apartment and made her way to becoming the first African American First Lady. She did this all without giving up and ignoring the negativity against her. Kamala as well inspires young girls to follow their dream because anything is possible. The world needs to change firstly for white privilege to end, and secondly the mistreatment towards women of all colours.

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The picture drawn contains two hands with two different skin tones. Each arm has a cut on it, therefore causing it to bleed. The Earth represents the human race. The reason for this drawing is to prove that humans are all the same. No matter what skin colour someone has, they will always bleed red. People shouldn’t be treated differently or ostracized due their origins or by the way they look or dress. “It mattered every time a woman of color showed up on the cover of a magazine” (Obama 332-333). Michelle, even being the FLOTUS, is still being criticized for the way she dresses. People may think that it doesn’t hurt her, when in reality it does. “This stuff got me down, but I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to learn” (Obama 332). To whom does it matter the way Michelle Obama wants to dress herself. This goes to show how ignorant today’s society can be to one of the most powerful women in the United States. How is it right that Michelle had to worry about what to wear at a Vogue magazine shoot. People cannot accept the fact that a woman of colour has become very successful and is empowering other women to do so as well. In conclusion racism, white supremacy, and anti-feminism must end because everyone deserves to live a normal life of peace.