Some people can’t see past my skin colour: Michelle Obama
DENVER: Michelle Obama says breaking the glass ceiling in becoming the first black first lady left a few lasting emotional scars.
Michelle Obama has spoken candidly about the racism she still faces.
During a rare appearance since leaving the White House, Obama took to the stage at the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s 30 year anniversary celebration to share her personal experience in shattering glass ceilings and the obstacles she faced as America’s inaugural African-american First Lady.
Interviewed by the organisation’s president and CEO Lauren Casteel, Obama cited the racists attacks she endured while in office, alluding to being called “an ape in heels” by a former West Virginia Official last November and people not acknowledging her achievements because of her colour as the “falling glass shards” that cut her the deepest.
“The shards that cut me the deepest were the ones that intended to cut,” she told Casteel in front of the 8500 strong crowd according to Jezebel. Obama then went on to acknowledge that the backlash she faced did get to her.
“Knowing that after eight years of working really hard for this country, there are still people who won’t see me for what I am because of my skin colour.”
She extended the metaphor to women in general, adding that no-one should brush off racism and sexism.
Although her approach has been “when they go low, I go high”, she insisted it’s important to remain vocal to ensure perpetrators aren’t l et off the hook.
“Women, we endure those cuts in so many ways that we don’t even notice we’re cut. We are living with small tiny cuts, and we are bleeding every single day. And we’re still getting up.” While she didn’t explicitly address President Trump, Obama did question the current administration. But she warned against the belief that America was being torn apart.
“The people in this country are universally good and kind and honest and decent. Don’t be afraid of the country you live in. The folks here are good.”
Much to the dismay of many attendees, Obama also reiterated that she would not be seeking to run for public office, and rather, would continue to work with women and communities through various initiatives.
“Public service and engagement will be a part of my life and my husband’s life forever.”
This isn’t the first time Obama has opened up about the challenges of being the first woman of colour in her position. According to Glamour magazine she also spoke about experiencing racism during her political career at her Tuskegee University address in 2015, describing a magazine cover that depicted her with an Afro and gun.
‘Knowing that after eight years of working really hard for this country, there are still people who won’t see me for what I am because of my skin colour’
WASHINGTON: United Airlines has been sued by owners of a giant rabbit which died on board a flight from London, with the company facing allegations of improperly treating the animal and cremating his remains to destroy evidence, according to a media report.
Simon was found dead in a kennel at O’hare Airport in Chicago following the journey. The rabbit had been placed in a United Airlines kennel while awaiting a connecting flight to Kansas City, where his new owners were set to pick him UP,CBS News reported.
The lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday by a group of Iowa businessmen, seeks unspecified damages to cover the costs of the rabbit, the report said. Simon’s new owners had also planned to display him and sell related merchandise to raise money for the annual event. According to the report, the owners said in May they were seeking the costs of buying and transporting the rabbit, an estimated $2,300, as well as future earnings. The lawsuit claims the airlines was negligent in the care and transportation of the rabbit.