JAYE magazine August 2009: The Back-to-School Issue

Page 113

The Beauty Report What do Michelle Obama, Tyra Banks and Sarah Palin have in common? They’ve all been picked apart based on thier physical appearances while their intelligence and messages have seemingly been placed on the backburner. How do students feel about having to balance beauty and brains — and does it matter to them?

What’s Beauty Got to Do With It? By Randall Upshaw

he 2008 Presidential election was beyond monumental not only because our country was so fortunate to experience the election of the first Black President, but also because the United States could literally see an example of a strong, loving all-American family. Throughout the entire campaign President Obama emphasized the importance of having a solid education as well as the moral and ethical values on which you allow your family to stand, however he never once failed to thoroughly express to the American people how much of a backbone his wife, Michelle Obama, was for him not only throughout this election but as his life partner.   Michelle Obama’s solid educational background, extensive leadership qualities, and the active role that she plays in the lives of her two daughters, Malia and Sasha, makes her a

phenomenal woman in the eyes of many, but why does the media constantly focus on other facets of her life? Why is it that the Azzedine Alaia dress in which Michelle debuted at the American Ballet Opening Night Spring Gala was more important

know it.   Though Michelle Obama is a prime example of this she is unquestionably not the only example because many prominent female figures such as 2008 Republican Party’s vice-presidential nominee

“I absolutely refuse to allow my physical appearance to dictate the outcome of my future. I am working entirely too hard to earn my education and gain experience in order for me to be able to compete in corporate America and be a sought after candidate for any job that I apply for.” –  meah james than coverage over the actual event and the reason behind her attendance?   Taking this into consideration, there is an underlying issue that women of power are hindered with thanks to media coverage that seems to focus more on their physical appearance more than the way they are enhancing their careers and drastically impacting society as we

Sarah Palin, former supermodel Tyra Banks, and American media personality Oprah Winfrey encounter this excessive behavior on a daily basis.   As we embark on various professional careers after college, will we be taken seriously and treated accordingly in the boardrooms of the still male-dominated corporate America? Will we ultimately >>

JAYE | AUGUST 2009  113


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