Is Michelle Obama's Body Shape - fair game?

[Woody]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/21/jim-sensenbrenner-michelle-obama_n_1163711.html?icid=maing-grid7|mypoints|dl4|sec1_lnk1%26pLid%3D122421

In today's edition of Outrageous And Unfounded Insults, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has decided to question Michelle Obama's body shape.

MediaBistro reports that Sensenbrenner was overheard talking on the phone, retelling an incident in which he said about Michelle Obama:

"She lectures us on eating right while she has a large posterior herself."

The most bothersome issue here is the conflation of two entirely separate matters: the First Lady's (natural) physique and her campaign for healthy eating and physical fitness.

Michelle has traveled the country for her "Let's Move!" campaign for over a year, talking about healthy eating, promoting a more user-friendly pyramid graphic, getting stores like Walmart to stock their shelves with nutritious items and playing sports with kids.

Although she has been called out for indulging in the occasional hamburger and fries, Michelle Obama has practiced what she preaches: she stays fit (those arms are still toned after all these years) and maintains an enviably healthy body, both inside and out.

Yet some conservative critics don't see it that way. Before Representative Sensenbrenner spoke out, Rush Limbaugh was on the case, disparaging Michelle Obama's body as a way to critique her healthy eating campaign. The radio host said in February:

"The problem is, and dare I say this, it doesn't look like Michelle Obama follows her own nutritionary, dietary advice...I'm trying to say that our First Lady does not project the image of women that you might see on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue or of a woman Alex Rodriguez might date every six months or what have you."

With comments like these, Limbaugh and Sensenbrenner not only blatantly insult the first lady. They also invoke the specious notion that skinny equals healthy, that women with shapely curves can't possibly lead active, mindful lifestyles.

In fact, Michelle Obama and her fabulous physique are an ideal example for women -- and men -- of what an active, balanced, healthy lifestyle looks like. Posterior and all.

Read more about Rep. Sensenbrenner's comments at Mediabistro.com.

[Dr. Shane]

Nothing wrong with Michelle's body. The problem is with Representative Sensenbrenner and Rush Limbaugh's criticism.

1. Michelle has a healthy body.

2. There should be nothing controversial nor political about Michelle advocating healthy living (especially in Adventist circles)

3. The First Lady is not the President. She does not set policy or sign laws. First Ladies typically support non-political and non-controversial causes. Michelle is doing exactly that.

[phkrause]

Excellent article. I guess some have nothing better to talk about.

[Woody]

A side bar to this would be:

Is it okay for a pastor to be FAT?

Or is it okay for a health director to be FAT?

[Gail]

My word, who's looking, anyway?

[Woody]

My word, who's looking, anyway?

Gail. I know a little bit about this topic. Just take my word for it. Believe ME - there are plenty of judgment hungry people out there that are looking.

[phkrause]

I guess I'm trying to understand than what was your reason for posting this?? If we're saying she is over weight, out of shape or what ever, I'd say someone needs to check there eyes or facts!!!

As far as a health director being over weight, that wouldn't sent the right message now would it?

The Pastor, well I do agree that they should not be, but there might be medical reasons for being over weight!

[Woody]

Quote:

I guess I'm trying to understand than what was your reason for posting this??

For Discussion.

Quote:

If we're saying she is over weight, out of shape or what ever, I'd say someone needs to check there eyes or facts!!!

It depends upon whose eyes are doin' the beholdin'.

Quote:

As far as a health director being over weight, that wouldn't sent the right message now would it?

It depends upon your perspective. IF I was over weight which I am not. - I would rather learn and get help from one who struggles and understands my struggles - than a "holier than thou" whom I must live up to in some form or fashion.

Quote:

The Pastor, well I do agree that they should not be, but there might be medical reasons for being over weight!

I have to totally disagree with you on this one. That's like saying the pastor should not be a sinner if he is telling us to not sin. I feel sorry for those who feel the pastor should be some saint. For they will forever be unsatisified with their pastors.

[Dr. Shane]

I guess I'm trying to understand than what was your reason for posting this??

[Dr. Shane]

My word, who's looking, anyway?

Hopefully just the hubby.

[Woody]

My word, who's looking, anyway?

Apparently Rep. Sensenbrenner has been. And if anyone has seen Rep. Sensenbrenner - you know that he is not exactly slim nor trim. (Not that I've been lookin' mind you.)

[Gail]

LOL

[olger]