Is America ready for a First Lady with kinky hair?

You're voting for the person and their capabilities, not for their hair. That shouldn't even be an issue.

Oprah, if you see her show nowadays, sports curly hair and it looks great! I know straight hair is more visually "digestible" than curly hair, but that concept gets old after a while.

Thank god for sites like this one that make people their curly hair.

DIFFERENT is better. Not mainstream.

Michelle Obama is not running for office, her husband is. I would be thrilled if she went natural once he was in the White House. I love curls and I love this website.

Her big mouth seems to be more of an issue than her hair.

Is this going to become a politically/racially-based website and e-mail group? If so, count me out.

Truthfully speaking, to have to world ready for a brown lady in the White House would be milestone enough! People might not be ready for the natural styles Michele could sport, but I would gladly take her and her relaxed hair in the role of First Lady. Let's not worry about pushing the envelope yet!

I agree 100% with Nancy! I am a "political junkie" but there are times I like to get away from it, and I thought this site would be one of those places.

I would love to say America is ready- but the fact is this country is still filled with way too many racists and superficial people who WILL take appearance into account when voting- it is unavoidable, unfortunately. Although she is merely the potential first lady, there are some who take her into consideration when voting, and the same for McCain's wife. As much as McCain's wife is being bashed for her past drug addiction that she clearly is over, you think they'd really bypass natural, kinky hair when so many Americans have perceptions of what it means to have kink? While *I* know it's not the same thing, I think the majority of politicians and Americans alike wouldn't care to see her transitioning, or even the final product. Sad, but I think very true at this point.

I would love to see natural styles on Michelle Obama, in or out of the White House, but I don't think America is ready for it yet. As far as Oprah, yes she is curly, but I don't think that is a natural syle. Maybe I'm off on my definition, but natural to me is wash/co-wash, gel and go--it looks like it would take a lot of work for Oprah to have her hair straightened and re-curled to that style.

Although the discussion has a political twist, to me this is more of a social issue that most of us have faced all our lives, particularly when in a professional environment. I am not African-American, but the same rules apply. I love to do the "natural thing" and I wish people were more accepting of it, but it definitely affects others perception of me negatively, unless I have the chance to prove myself. Even then, sometimes it doesn't matter.

These quotes from your article say it all:

"...the pattern of self-acceptance has not made its way into the realm of unstraightened hair." - Professor Lester

"Her hairstyle is what people think is acceptable, even black people. Locks and natural hair do not carry that kind of cache." - Elizabeth Wellington

I would love for Michelle Obama to wear her curls naturally as a First Lady--maybe this would be a start to breaking down some old stereotypes.

Greetings all,

Let me say first and foremost, that America is hardly ready for a half-Black man to be president, much less for his wife to sport an afro. The universe will dictate what will happen and ready or not we may have a Black president in spite of the bigotry that still resides here in this country.

His wife is a Lawyer and I believe a successful litigator at that so more than likely she would not wear an afro anyway. Despite the fact that she is successful and Black (and dark skinned, full-lipped and wide-nosed) she is still asked to prove her Blackness here with the attempts to make her seem like a sell out for not having a natural hairstyle. THAT IS RIDICULOUS!

In the India Irie song "I Am Not My Hair" that was quoted in the article, India also makes note of the fact that you can have a relaxer ala Oprah Winfrey its not what's on your head its what's underneath it! So please don't insult our intelligence by suggesting that because she is not "curly" she is not politically for those who are. It not only does not make sense; it is hype and propaganda that is negative unnecessarily.

And for your information several of the artists you mentioned do not relax their hair - it would be damaged beyond repair if they did so they are for the most part natural and wear it flat ironed and curled. Even Tyra - ever see her out on the town sporting her kinky cornrows?? As well as Queen Latifah! How do we know how Michelle wears her hair when she is not infront of the cameras? Is it our business to know? Has anyone asked her? DOES IT EVEN MATTER?????

I went natural because I wouldn't have to compromise the integrity of my God given texture if I wanted it to be straight or if I wanted it to be *kinky*nappy*curly* or whatever it chooses to be. I wanted flexibility and to show my daughter that she can wear her ANYWAY SHE WANTS TO. I think we should give Michelle Obama that same choice.

Peace and Blessings

Here's the truth, If Michelle Obama chooses to wear her hair straight or in her natural curl pattern, it is her choice to make. If you don't like, it seems you would be the one with the problem.

GOD made us different, White, Asian, Black, Latino, Native America all have different hair textures - and guess what - that is okay.

Vickie - You shouldn't be so judgemental of peoples appearances. I'm sure there is something, somehwere on your body that is not perfect. And, her husband clearly likes her lips.

Dee - no disrespect intended but, America has had sufficient time to adjust. We've been here since 1529, by no choice of our own. White Slave owner's didn't have any problem raping black women with Afros. How much more time does America need before accepting a Brown person in the WH with their natural curl pattern? Another 480 years?

I refuse to put chemicals in my hair to look more European. I choose to press my hair out and wear it straight because that's how I like it. But, sometimes I choose to wear my natural curl pattern. Whatever I do, I am professional in appearance.

None of this has anything to do with politics. Just another sign that most America's (regardless of race) are very closed minded and never attempt to accept or understand other races and ethnicities. We should try to be more tolerant and understanding. We are NOT the same in apperance, and that should be okay.