Unfortunately, Parker needs to learn to look and discern. As an Arts professional, I find Michelle Obama's 'portrait' ruly horrid. The subject doesn't make the painting.
"Few people know how to see, to see well, to see fully." ~ PIERRE BONNARD
Shame on the Portrait Gallery for accepting and hanging it!
BTW, Kehinde Wiley's 'Barack in the Bush' is not much better.
~ RC.
http://www.atelier-rc.com/Paintings.html
http://www.atelier-rc.com/Heads/053Valentine.jpg
Two Studies of Valentine M.
2001, Oil on panel
14" X 11" / 35,6 cm. X 28 cm. each
"I have a very simple taste, the best is just good enough!" - OSCAR WILDE
1
For me the photo is poignant and striking not just due to the connection between Parker and Mrs. Obama, but also the observing African American security guard — what is he thinking from his life and perspective about the portrait and its viewer?
14
In spite of all the overt and subliminal racist animosity,misogyny,corruption of idea and morality existing from the top down in our beloved country,this photo touches the heart and mind in the way great photos such as the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, picture of the little Jewish boy forced by the Germans to give up his potatoes at the gate of the Warsaw Ghetto, the picture of John,John under the oval office desk and the like are able to render a true deep emotional response. This is the picture that represents what Barack and Michelle Obama represent to the young people of all colors but especially to the children of color. Hope, the sense that in America you can overcome and achieve greatness.
It is to the everlasting credit of the Obamas that they represent the most dignified ,elegant, intelligent ,and sophisticated
Presidential couple of the last century. Yes little Parker, you can grow up to be like her ,a modern day example of elegance,intelligence, and sophistication. You can make us all proud of you. Go girl!
16
Did they really put Mrs. Obama's portrait by the restrooms? I was looking at the picture and happened to see the restroom sign up in the corner.
2
Let me say God Bless Michelle and her family, I do wish her well with her artistic endeavours however one balks and the caveats abound when discussing her. 'We go high while you go low' was one of Michelle Obama's stunningly banal urgings for her friend Hillary Clinton in the recent US Elections; as space doe not contain high or low this was to engage in trite utilitarian language. Speaking of language, another caveat was Christopher Hitchen's view on Michelle Obama's University thesis: 'this was not written in any known language' Hitchens asserted, and continued: '...in Michelle Michelle Obama’s commencement speech at Tuskegee which is designated as a historically black university — she encouraged graduates to challenge and rise above the racially-based slights, insults and indignities they may face. “The road ahead is not going to be easy,” Michelle said in her address. “It never is, especially for folks like you and me.' As Hitchen's observed,'Is this not the rage of entitlement?' for Hitchen's reminds us that Michelle Obama failed to mention that her Grades to get into Princeton University were not good enough, however she was the beneficiary of 'affirmative action'. More recently she was seen with James Corden in 'carpool karaoke', call me a snob, but one could not help wondering as one watched it about the dignity of office.
Most recently she advocated thousands of her like to campaign in the next Election. Well, as I said, God Bless Michelle.
1
It is stunning...the class of the Obamas versus the crass of our current administration. Parker, the country should follow your lead.
17
In a world where everything is tagged as fake news, the picture and this story are a very refreshing breath of air. May Parker grow up to live her dreams -- just like her queen.
13
Little girls are not the only ones awestruck by the former first lady. I'm a 75 year old white male and I still, even after nine years, believe Michelle Obama is one of the classiest women on the planet.
28
I think when I look back on the Obama presidency, this picture and the one of the little black boy touching president Obama's head will always be my favorite memories. Both are childlike perspectives on the concept of what's possible, something that those of us who have never experienced racism take for granted. Children deserve role models and our first black couple in the oval office have taken that responsiblity seriously.
23
There was a time when passion, intelligence and respect for one another were the guiding principles of our First Family. It was a time when morality was clear, thoughtful deliberation was valued, and the greater good outweighed the selfish few. It was a time for serious people endeavoring to solve serious problems, making as little errant noise as possible. It was an era when the rich diversity of our country was embraced rather than scorned, and our Chief Executive carried on with exemplary honesty and integrity without ever entering the gutter of vile personal attacks. It was the time of the Obamas and it was not that long ago. Maybe, something similar can happen again.
16
It all begins with the right role model at the right time.
3
Black Women has saved the Country and Black People all the time!
I had a very different initial take on these portraits of the Obama's when they were first unveiled a couple of weeks ago. I could look deep into the eyes of Barack Obama and see a strong, intelligent and thoughtful leader that reminded me of the deep soul, self-portraits of Rembrandt. But I was much disappointed in the portrait of Michelle Obama. It looked like a generalized portrait of an attractive, self-assured black woman but not especially like Michelle Obama. Indeed, anyone seeing this portrait elsewhere might be hard-pressed to even recognize that it was Ms. Obama. But little Parker was much more astute that I was in understanding what it was all about. It showed where she and other little girls like her might someday be able to go. Keep on dreaming kid!
9
What a wonderful role model. Boy, do we need more of this.
8
Bless you, Jessica Curry, you and Parker. Your writing is simple and elegant. I am a 61-year-old white woman, and I am in tears.
25
A little kid looking up. Such a simple act, and yet it contains all her future: what she can be, what she might be. Isn’t that the saddest part of having Donald Trump in the White House? The attack on our aspirations embodied in his person? Isn’t that why we love this photo, as a reminder that there are people worthy of looking up to?
27
I love the picture! And thank you for the article. I was very moved by it.
14
Happiest story / event in what seems like forever.
You go, Parker!! :)
13
Every time I see this photo, the video of Parker and Michelle dancing, or an article about it, I beam and my eyes well up with tears. Thank you. And thanks to Reverend Hines for sharing this wondrous moment with the world.
19
Beautifully written. Your daughter shows the world what really
matters.
11
As a woman, an art museum professional, and a human, this story sends me right to heaven. I’ve loved Michelle Obama since 2008, and now I love Parker and mom Jessica, too. Absolutely, representation matters, and the power of art is transformational.
24
The photo brings tears to my eyes each time I have seen it and the whole story just makes me cry with joy... just beautiful .. one of those absolutely wonderful things that just happen ..
13
This story was beautiful. I liked that it revealed the eloquence of Mrs. Curry. Even a small business shop owner has a powerful story to tell and can editorialize with the best of them.
12
Parker has the good fortune of having multiple role models to help her envision her future. Yes, there's the former first lady, but also, essentially, there's her mother, who clearly is a guiding light. Kudos on your parenting, Ms. Curry. Your little one has already brought joy to many.
25
I was surprised that Michelle choose this dress to be portrayed in, rather than a pants suit or business attire to demonstrate her habit of being in charge.
Frilly gowns work fine on her, but they are her in a frivolous moment and not the essence of the serious person she is.
4
In real life, she wore very stylish (and often African inspired) dresses during most of her formal duties and professional activities as First Lady.
So of course, an official portrait should show her as she was and is, as First Lady, rather than trying to continue the false idea that if you want to be taken seriously as a woman, on the work floor, you better try to imitate men's cloths ... ;-)
Go Michelle!
8
"“This young girl can now dream about being someone like Michelle Obama.”
What? A young girl can now dream of being a president's wife?
4
A lawyer. A writer. A mom. A hospital executive. A trailblazer. Advocate for education, poverty mitigation, physical activity. So much more than you can see. Open your eyes.
16
You mean you don't realize how historical that is ... ?
2
Michelle Obama is a Harvard educated lawyer who was a hospital administrator before Mr. Obama was elected President. She was also one of the greatest FLOTUSes ever.
13
Possibly Parker's first ever memory. If not the portrait then definitely shake'n it off with Ms. Obama. A visit to great grandmother's, born 1861, is my first at two years old in 1954.
3
What a beautiful story. It warms my heart and gives me hope for the future that a 2-year-old can appreciate the compassion, depth of spirit and acumen of our former First Lady. She and President Obama's intellect, unbiased approach to public service, and genuine ability to empathize with the American people, are sorely missed. Hopefully more people will come to the same realization as Parker and restore that emotional intelligence (or at least just intelligence) back to the White House soon.
24
Just how wonderful this is, no words can express.
8
Beautiful! My heart is full.
14
This was very sweet and moving. It reminded me of another toddler who thought of a young African American bride was a fairy princess. The little girl, in this case, was white and she was dazzled by the bride's dress and beauty. The bride picked the little girl up in her arms and she made the toddler's day. And while I certainly do understand the importance of a young black girl looking up to Michelle Obama and seeing her as a queen, it's important for little white children to look up to see lovely black women as princesses and queens as well.
21
Ms. Obama is so much more than a Queen. She is a Harvard Law School graduated with a long and distinguished career in public law. She is a symbol, for sure. But she is also an accomplished professional who got where she is by hard work, considerable expertise, and raw intelligence. As a lawyer, Ms. Obama stands for the American Dream. As First Lady, her aura is as a queen.
If my daughter looked up at Michelle Obama's portrait, I'd want her to know that women who pull themselves up by their bootstraps stand for the best of America. First Ladies get to inspire. But they're where they are because of their husbands. Esteemed lawyers do great things on a smaller scale, but they are where they are because of who they are.
10
Whether you like the portrait or not (I hated it) or loathe or love Mrs. Obama (I think she's lovely and elegant; the portrait is jarring and stark) it's the child that's the story here, not the portrait itself. The child is the *art* in this case, as she is responding in a visceral emotional way that some adults posting here do not understand, agree with or accept. And, no, I don't believe as one post said that she might have been just as moved by a portrait of Jimmy Carter or some other successful white man or woman. The moment belongs to the child and her mother - and Mrs. Obama, who seemed to be having great fun throughout the whole thing. Allow them that, please. Our children need better role models than porn workers, the current president's wife and the cabal of other female enablers in this administration.
19
This is one of the most inspiring and heart warming articles I have read in a long time! Some Positive News! Yes!
15
There is a third person in the photo. I wonder what the African-American gentleman, who is the museum guard, thought as he watched the dreams in the child's eyes. Did he envy her opportunities? Did he wonder--or doubt--whether she would have more than he did?
6
Or might he have been deeply touched, caught up in the magic of this moment?
5
Ok. Crying.
Thank you so much for this beautiful writing. The photo touched the world - just as Michelle Obama touched the world - with beauty, grace, intelligence, attention and honor.
You have a beautiful daughter. May she grow and blossom and always know that she danced with a queen - who came to her. Two beautiful people shaking it off!
18
This photo is moving and wonderful and should be prominently displayed as part of a pair, the other being the photo of President Obama bending over to let a young boy touch his hair. These are the kind of magical moments that we need in our lives. These are the role models we deserve. The Obamas left behind them a legacy of grace, kindness, human decency and inspiration.
123
Gorges!
1
In a world where the headlines scream incessantly of women whose exhibitionist behavior and low morals smack of every "don't" imaginable, how wonderful it is to marvel at this darling, impressionable little person and see the hope and promise in her eyes, heart and soul of what she might become and *DO*. That she is so moved by the portrait of the inspiring and high achieving role model that is Michelle Obama gives me renewed respect for all mothers who inculcate the right behaviors in their daughters. Not to mention, the gifted talent of the artist who so vividly captured Mrs. Obama's aura that this little girl was so mesmerized, and of course the ebullience of Mrs. Obama herself "Mom-dancing" (but of course!) with her star-struck fan. Family memories for decades to come, and countless smiles for all who see this photo.
18
Thank you Jessica for the great story and dance video. You are a great role model for Parker! I hope one day Parker can have her own portrait next to Michelle's.
14
That photo of your daughter is a cooling balm on our souls in these difficult times.
Thank you for sharing it, and your beautiful words.
27
Look...it IS important that she gets to see Michelle Obama in that gallery. To call her “just a wife” is the insult. First Ladies are behind the scenes powers. And that power has grown since the 70’s. Yes, they often wind up publicly doing something trivial. But anyone who thinks Michelle Obama wasn’t an influence in her husband’s administration wasn’t paying attention. And anyone who thinks she’s finished doesn’t know her immense intelligence. And finally anyone who thinks that African-Americans can look at, say, Ronald Reagan or Jimmy Carter and feel a real kinship doesn’t understand the brutal and cruel history of what it means to be black in the United States of America.
17
Trump has A LOT to learn from two year old Parker.
15
Amen.
3
"Regardless of whether you marvel at or dislike the Obamas, ..."
I happen to like the Obamas very much and miss them even more.
34
Yes! The power of images is immense. Parker is a gorgeous person and it makes me very happy to see her admiration and incorporation of Michelle Obama's portrait. What a fruitful and hopeful even and image. I hope this country can move back towards progress soon. "Cos we can do it, despite all our ills.
9
Barack and Michelle are two exemplary examples of the best of humanity. THEY were shining exemplars for children to emulate. Now we are dealing with Bizarro Obama - Donald (the Dotard) Trump. He is worse than a XXX movie and all children should be barred from even knowing about him, let alone seeing or hearing him.
The Obama children and good, kind, educated and smart - what every decent parent would want for their children. Trump's various progeny are stupid (with the marginal exception of Ivanka), amoral, sociopaths - just what his base wants for their children. Have they no shame? Is this what parenting has become?
16
Now please show a little white boy looking at a portrait of Trump and getting inspired.
Of course you wont. In fact if you did, it would be roundly mocked. Because only certain groups of people matter. I know hypocrisy when I see it.
9
The reason you won’t see a picture of a little boy looking up to Donald Trump isn’t because of any kind of hypocrisy, but rather because or current President does not abide by the basic rules you teach a two year old; don’t lie, don’t call people names, don’t cheat, and play fair. That is why children there are no children looking up to Trump. Because no one wants a child to turn out like him.
25
Two questions: 1. What is inspiring about Mr. Trump and his presidency? 2. If you identify something inspiring, why would it be of particular resonance to a boy...and a white boy in particular?
I think your answers may hold the key to why most of us commenting here (and indeed the majority of voters) abhor this man.
7
Hey Samuel Russell. Our little white boys have had over 200 years of inspiring portraiture. Doesn't mean those portraits aren't good and interesting, Most of them are. There are myriad portraits of George Washington and they are mostly great. But what changes here is that young women, and young women of color in particular, now get a portrait to which they can relate. It doesn't erase the past two centuries. It just makes it better and more diverse.
19
What a lovely article! So much of what is happening in Washington DC these days is ugly, hateful and tawdry. It was wonderful to see the photo of Parker captivated by the portrait of Mrs. Obama and even more wonderful to read and see Mrs. Obama’s response. Such an inspiration to millions of young ladies, no matter what their ethnic background.
65
What a wonderful parent she is. Thanks to her and Michelle for their poise, intelligence, and grace.
17
"...she kicked off her shoes and danced with Parker..." Tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat. Thank you.
28
It is a shame that in 2018 the color of your skin matters. But it does. But I am hoping that the portrait of Michelle Obama will be an inspiration to all girls no matter what their color or ethnicity that this country is a place of opportunity. The fact that we have someone in office trying his best to erase the Obama legacy is shameful. I am hopeful that we as a country will get past this in the same way we have survived other shameful influences: by realizing the good deeds of others, the powerful voice of a free press, and faith that people will do the right thing for their fellow citizens.
17
I'm a white man the same age and educational background as Mrs. Obama, and I look up to her, too.
An extraordinary photograph! All the best to you, Parker!
40
In the age of the selfie, let the following instruct us as to what makes a good photo - of anyone, but especially of a loved one:
"If I’d realized it would also be the day that my 2-year-old, Parker, would go viral, I would have taken off the red and pink coat she was wearing and let the outfit she had underneath show. I would have put her favorite headband on her head and insisted that she pose facing the camera."
Of course, had she done that, it would not have gone viral.
8
Exactly my thoughts! Lovely article and photo, but the image is memorable because it is candid and she's not posing for the camera.
5
I hope Melania Trump takes this to heart and comes to understand that being a person instead of a statue and a woman, not merely a wife, is what matters.
14
You know what? Melania has no voice, because she is wedded to President Trump. The voice that you celebrate comes not out of oppression but from community and the celebration of equality.
7
"Looking for a face like mine" , so glad it's getting easier for children of color.
12
I would hope this young girl would aspire to be President - not the wife of the President
44
Ya got to start somewhere my friend. If you and your kind have had deeply curtailed options for centuries, being the very successful and influential wife of our first bi-racial President is pretty impressive. Don't forget that as First Lady, Michelle Obama conducted herself flawlessly, introduced great programs, and brought up two lovely daughters, who were never in the press. Give her credit where credit is due!
9
I am glad Parker was inspired, but this is troubling on so many levels. First of all, no First Lady should be a role model. Who is Michelle Obama? Just a lawyer who married another lawyer who became President. You could say Barack is a role model, he was elected President. But how on earth is his wife anything more than a run of the mill successful woman?
Secondly, the obsession with race and gender, and the implication that a young black girl could only be inspired by a black woman, is repugnant and insulting. Why couldnt she be equally inspired by Barack? Or by Jimmy Carter, or by any successful PERSON? Are we so trivial and skin deep that we think we can only learn from people who look just like us? I thought the whole point of the civil rights movement was to banish that primitive notion to the dustbin of history.
15
1) Michelle Obama IS a successful lawyer and role model in her own right. No, she was not elected to the presidency, but she used her time as First Lady and the voice that came with it as a force for good and to find ways to improve circumstances for military families and to improve school lunches for children. That is admirable and deserves some accolade.
2) No one is saying Parker cannot look up to any number of other people. She could look up to Yao Ming, if she wanted to. But it's especially resonant in a culture with a dearth of black female role models for Parker to have one. I am Asian American and I grew up acutely aware that there were precious few Asian role models for me in America, outside my own family. Stop acting like this is pie. You can wholeheartedly admire a successful black woman without taking away any admiration or denigrating the achievements of people of other races or genders.
43
Why on earth should First Ladies not be role models? And no, it's not that the lovely Parker can only be inspired by the portrait of Michelle Obama. It means that there is a spectrum of color that can be admired. If you only see portraits of white males, often successful tradesmen with no value other than their success, you have to believe that that is the only measure. What's lovely about this story is that the truly glorious Michelle Obama may inspire a small person to aspire to great and greater values and positions.
23
Michelle Obama is an intelligent woman who filled her moment of fame with grace and humanity. I admire the way she carried herself in the public eye. I found much of what she said to be timely and important because of what she said not because of who she is. That you write dismissively about her says much more about you than about her.
25
It's such a paint by the numbers portrait.
4
"paint by the numbers" is a very relatable thing to a child. Good thing YOU weren't standing in front of it.
2
It's been quite a while since I've read such an inspiring story in the news. It's easy for me to look back on the Obama years when I'm feeling completely demoralized about what we are living through today but Parker helps me to see the glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. Thank you Parker and Parker's mom!
20
President and Mrs. Obama continue to give so many Americans a sense of hope, decency and love. Their impact will be felt across the generations.
18
Regarding a child's amazed response, someone asked if it was, "Wow, who is she?" I admire the photograph, but...Bring on the critics, including me! What determines art? It's anybody's guess, but I ask about the factor of impact on the general public. The Obamas have been public servants, so the general public might have some relevance here. As others here have pointed out, the portrait doesn't even capture Ms. Obama's actual facial appearance, let alone general manner. I wouldn't have known it was of her unless told. In reality, she has a beautiful smiling face, as even showing in the video of the unveiling--a least in part of the video because there's a kind of rueful look there, too. In the portrait, she's frowning or even could be seen as sulking, as it also looks like she just heard about Trump. These are supposed to be portraits of public servants for the general voting public, not for avante guarde art gallery patrons alone. There could be some creativity--true creativity--that took this essential purpose into consideration while still conveying something unique, as in the first non-all-white First Family. Regarding the people commenting in praise and objecting to criticism such as mine, I cannot help but but be reminded of the Asch experiments in conformity in the 1950s, wherein subjects were deliberately challenged to report something obviously not true in groups of people who would say otherwise. I'll go with the nonconformists--Sorry, two thumbs down.
1
Tell me akhenaten2 if you'd be as sterilely critical were you to experience this moment and the dancing afterward? I'm a self-professed grouchy old lady [of 64}, an oft-times depressive, and I LOVE this! Pfffft on you,
3
Greatness is of course one thing to admire.
If it is accompanied by humility.
Which is not the case with the painting - or with its subject.
It would have been nice to report on the numerous dinners given at the White House during the Obama years, where the "little people" were celebrated - instead of Jay Z and Beyonce and George Clooney.
Would have been nice.
The painting captures the grandiosity of those 8 years - and the subsequent financial plunder that has followed, for both the former President and First Lady.
Jessica's daughter has a better role model than Michelle Obama to follow - her own mother.
2
Wow. Please crawl out of your mancave and watch some other channel besides Fox News. Michelle Obama was and is a hero to millions because of her humility and grace as well as her ability to connect with average (non-racist) Americans of all backgrounds. She is an amazing role model, smart, caring and open minded.
7
In this age of Trumpian darkness where some days it just seems there is nothing but discouraging news and hopeless for the future of this nation I love so much I am so glad that I can pause and give thanks that we have wonderful little girls like Parker and wonderful inspiring women like Michelle Obama. Thank you both for keeping my hope alive, thank you both for a moment of pure joy.
12
What a wonderful bit of writing! Best wishes to you and your little girl. And thank you, Michelle Obama, for being a great model of womanhood to so many Americans, old and young.
9
What a poignant picture! Her awestruck profile shows the power of looking up to role models, seeing and believing. I am so glad you did'nt get to dress her or get her to pose. Her profile with her cute pink coat and the powerful direction of her face speaks volumes without words. Thank you, Ben Hines.
9
From the first sentence, I read this with that familiar ache in my throat that means I'm trying not to cry. I don't think I've felt like this in decades, never mind years. Joy, joy, joy.
10
I wish I could get my kid as excited about museums, as young Parker.
There's much more there than just "boring stuff for grownups".
1
Rejuvenating to see as we face the Trumpian nightmare, and a reminder of what's at stake in November 2018.
3
Immediately prior to reading this almost magical, uplifting story, I had read the account of Stormy Daniels's settlement offer sent by her attorney to Trump's personal lawyer. Their juxtaposition conveyed much of what America has tragically lost, hopefully of a temporary nature, since the Inauguration of this Fake President we are presently cursed to endure. What possible dreams have been, or will ever be, launched by the current occupants of the People's House?
16
I am of east Indian heritage and grew up in the 80s. I remember fawning over the first African American Ms America. Seeing glimpses of brown people in the media was powerful. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had seen a Black president and Black First Lady when I was a kid. Of course, there are actual East Indians who are prominent in our current administration but they are disgusting excuses for human beings. So I too will continue adoring the Obamas rather than the Ajit Pai's and the Seema Verma's who are selling out so many people of color, not to mention the rest of the country.
7
You sound like a great mom; Parker is lucky to have you. I look at her picture often and still find new things about it to love, like the security guard watching Parker watch Mrs. Obama. That Mrs. Obama showed up to dance with your daughter had me in tears of joy. Sounds like a great day, and I hope you and Parker have many, many more.
9
There's much talk of the person who is, for this moment, POTUS and working to undo the legacy of the Obamas. While policy is important, this story and the picture of this little girl shows that a great legacy put down by thoughtful, committed, and patriotic people like the Obamas can't be undone and it has power far reaching beyond government and administrations.
12
Thank for sharing your experience. It brought tears of joy to my eyes. In these dark times I’ll take all the hope for a better future that I can get.
7
Every day when I get depressed about what is happening to our country, I'll take a look at the picture of Parker and Michelle and understand precisely what I'm fighting for. I am not a woman of color but I am one who was in the ground-breaking group of the 1970s women - this means a lot to me.
12
I'm not normally moved by the NYT Opinion pieces, but this one, oh my.. Tears sprung to my eyes. I have to say Ms Curry, you are obviously a great mother and raising a Daughter of Colour (I'm English...) in this day and age is not as easy as it should be. I am hopeful that moments like this will continue, that your Daughter will grow up inspired by you and other great women that look like her. As a mixed race child, I saw very few people that looked like me when I was growing up, but my Mother was my inspiration, she rose above the racial slurs landed on her and was a Librarian for much of her career, inspiring 1000s of inner city children to read. Inspiration is central to life. And your Daughter has inspired me to take my Mother to see Mrs Obama's portrait when she visits in June.
19
Wow. I'm gobsmacked by the various, multiple, articulate, and moving affirmations in these comments, including yours. Thanks for taking the time to write.
2
When great things happen it always comes down to an incredible individual. Thank you Michelle Obama for all of the young women you've inspired. And thanks to Parker's family for exposing Parker to the cultural richness of the National Portrait Gallery. Perhaps one day Parker's likeness will be found there.
14
I agree that the Obamas changed the fabric of American history. I think for the better, but there are a lot of people who think they changed it for the worse, and that gave us our current President, who implied that he could bring back "the good ol' days" ("Make America Great Again").
2
Try to watch Fox News for an entire month, and you'll see how it's brainwashing people and destroying this country with its Fake News ...
That's the only way to start understanding how it became possible for a minority of Americans to believe that the Obama's actually would have made things worse, and how people who constantly betray basic Christian values, professionally and in their private, daily lives, are now controlling DC ...
13
James
You can't blame the Obama for trump - that lies solely with those who voted for him and those that promoted him like Fox News and Koch Brothers organization. There has been a concerted effort by the 1% to increase their wealth and power by brainwashing the american public to vote against their own economic well being. It worked, and we now have trump who just gave billions to the already wealthy in a tax cut that I will have to pay for.
Thank you ignorant america.
11
This is seriously spiritually uplifting.
16
The only way for the #MeToo movement to succeed, is for the media to start cultivating a new concept of womanhood in a much more explicit and frequent way than what has been the case until now, and this article does that perfectly.
You cannot just attack men who were raised in a culture that is stuck with very poor concepts of what it means to be a man or a woman, you also need role models representing new and much more adequate/fulfilling/fair/adventurous notions of womanhood and manhood.
What Michelle Obama clearly has been able to learn, throughout life, is how to be a strong, self-compassionate and as a consequence truly compassionate woman, in a world where so many men (and women, unfortunately) continue to believe the already debunked myth of men who are/have to be "strong" and women obedient and "likable" - where "strength" is merely defined in terms of muscle power and destruction, rather than the ability to deeply accept and love your own vulnerability, intelligence and curiosity, and the ability to fight back against lies using the truth and the truth alone.
Michelle Obama is a perfect incarnation of such a new concept of womanhood, and it's wonderful to know that the NYT is now starting to publish articles like these.
A more explicit version of this concept can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmwkjSzr2g
Thanks Parker, Jessica Curry, Ben Hines and the Times!
And of course, thank you Michelle Obama (and Barack)!
7
Thank you so much. The photo of your daughter indeed brought me to the verge of tears when I saw it. It further cemented for me my belief that Obama will be remembered as one of our greatest presidents - not necessarily for accomplishments in office, but for representing, along with his wife and his family, the very best of who we can be as a nation.
Mrs. Obama’s portrait, even more than her husband’s, captures the quiet power evident in her dignity, self-respect, and humane kindness. They show not as god-given and unremarkable, but as hard-won amidst a culture that would never hesitate to attack and destroy those qualities, if only for the color of her skin and deep-seated biases against it.
Bless you and your daughter, and even if Mrs. Obama’s dream for your girl’s future doesn’t come to pass in the way of portraits, may she live a life filled with the happiness that comes with self-love and good purpose!
16
Dear Dave,
Your words are as moving to me as the article itself. It's rare that I can scroll through the comment section to take the time to admire a post. Good on you.
This photo is so perfect!
The Past - the security guard in the background perfectly faceless as he represents all the past servitude that African Americans had to endure.
The Present - Michelle Obama in a reflective pose that shows confidence and beauty that she has achieved.
The Future - Parker standing in the foreground, looking up in amazement and awe at Michelle's painting. Not yet knowing the full true potential that still awaits her.
And far in the background is a door with a light shining through showing the way for all men and women and those handicapped.
21
And also - the colors in Parker's coat perfectly reflect the reds in Michelle's dress. So Jessica, by not getting her to remove the coat and pose for you and instead just allowing her to just be her awe-struck self, you have supported her identity and future power - she wears the colors of the queen!
5
These are the kind of wonderful inspirational stories we need more of!
13
correction:
A sweet, serendipitous shot. Could not have been any better if it were staged. The little girl's coat perfectly picked up the red-pink patches of Michelle's wonderful dress—(itself an allusion to African fabric, no doubt), the height differential of subject and observer guaranteed the little girl's angle of gaze and awe, which I am sure was genuine—Michelle Obama was already her hero.
The problem I have is with Michelle Obama and/or the artist. If Michelle truly wanted "all the young people — particularly girls and girls of color — who in years ahead will come to this place and they will look up and they will see an image of someone who looks like them hanging on the wall of this great American institution,” why did she select an artist who would anglicize her portrait?
The criticism most often heard about Michelle Obama's portrait is that it does not look like Michelle Obama. It doesn't look like her because the artist minimized or removed altogether physical features—hair texture, bone structure, skin color—that are characteristic of blacks generally, and that define the unique beauty of Michelle Obama.
6
I’d strongly suggest you read up on the portrait and the artist - or even see it in context of the many other portraits in the gallery or at the national gallery. It actually speaks even more powerfully of inclusion and obliterating the barriers of history and race than you could imagine. Far from “anglicizing”, it is an arguably radical, daring work of art that renders Mrs Obama both on a level with the many white faces before her, and transcending the culture and systems that presumed whiteness as “normal”.
19
Dave,
To be successful, a portrait must capture the subject. While physical likeness isn’t imperative, assigning white phenotypic markers to a black woman doesn’t “transcend race.” To the contrary.
A powerful image that doesn't require words to illuminate it. Just look.
13
This is so uplifting because we have no one in the White House to look up to now. Michelle Obama is a beautiful person in and out. She is a great role model.
32
No one indeed.
5
How did we exchange this amazing inspiring woman for someone so vacuous and uninspiring? I still can't wrap my brain around it.
30
It happened because of what Saul Alinsky calls the "political illiteracy" of many ordinary citizens.
As long as part of "we the people" confound voting and freedom of expression, part of those who need social justice and a fair economy most, will stay home each time there's no candidate on the ballot that PERFECTLY represents their own political ideals.
Voting isn't about telling a political party or the country what your ideal world would look like. It's not comparable to writing an op-ed in order to inform the world of your own opinions.
Voting means actively contributing to steering the country into the direction of those ideals, GIVEN the situation in the country and in political parties as they are today - just like not voting means actively contributing to steering the country in the exact opposite direction of those ideals.
It also happened because for two decades now, Fox News' Fake News has brainwashed 30% of the American people into believing that black is white and white is black. So Trump can tell lie after lie, as long as FN tells them that it's true, they won't fact-check and simply believe him.
But here too ordinary citizens can fight back: we can engage in real, respectful debates with those voters, so that they're confronted with information that is different from what they're used to hear, and start thinking for themselves once again.
11
FYI, I don't understand the point of that reply to you in this context at all. Regarding others' objections to your criticism and mine, too, I'm reminded of Asch's experiments in conformity in the 1950s. He placed individual subjects in a group of people in cahoots with the experimenter and had the group make obvious mistakes in comparing the lengths of straight lines, thereby challenging the individual subject to go along with them or not. The Obamas are wonderful people, but I will not let hero worship contributes to distorting reality.
Both of their portraits most appropriately belong in an avant-guarde gallery in NYC.
2
I enjoyed this perspective in what some would call a fluff piece, all praise [which I heap affectionately]. It's a gentle reminder that we good citizens have important duties beyond admiration. Thank you.
After the Obamas clear a $100 million from books and speeches, will they do anything more for the little girl gazing up at St. Michelle?
6
They already have given so so much to this Country, and will continue to do so!
12
Why would they all of a sudden stop believing in what they've been so passionate about their entire lives, and stop doing what they love to do ... ?
And IF, for some mysterious reason, they would stop in the near future, how many people can be said to have achieved as much as they did, on this issue ... ?
And then of course there are all the things that they've already left behind and that will stay for generations to come, such as this wonderful video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmwkjSzr2g
Now let's make sure that WE do our own part and vote for people like them in 2018 and 2020, so that the Obama's work on women's rights CAN continue in DC too ... !
16
They already have done more for us than the current administration will ever do with all his wealth.
15
Maybe you could be less patronizing: Michelle Obama is a real person, not a child’s fairy tale.
5
As this article once again shows: she's clearly both ... ;-)
16
Some have written that they disliked the portrait because of the importance given to Michelle Obama's dress.
For me, it's only now that I saw Hines' picture (+ the video of both dancing) that I truly started to like the painting.
Among the many things that I absolutely adore about Michelle Obama, this dress accentuates something that maybe I admire most in her, and for which she clearly has been and continues to be THE perfect role model for me, a white woman: the way she dresses.
When I saw the picture of the video, I intuitively thought that the woman in white and black must be Parker's mother, based on how she was dressed. As someone who is actively engaged in fighting racism on a daily basis, I couldn't prevent myself from thinking that that woman was looking exactly like the "typical" African-American mom. Only when I clicked on the video, I noticed that it was actually ... Michelle Obama herself.
What is SO wonderful about Michelle, is her capacity to entirely accept and love who she is, including all aspects that you don't pick and choose in life but that come with your own, particular biography. Affirming herself as a black woman rather than trying to fit in, EVEN as First Lady, was such a courageous act, but in her case seems to have come entirely naturally. What's even more, the way she dresses (on formal or casual events) is SO exquisitely and unapologetically feminine, that as a woman she cannot but be a role model for ALL women.
Thank you Michelle!
11
In other words, what this dress perfectly symbolizes, is what Michelle Obama explains verbally in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmwkjSzr2g
See especially the first 15 minutes, where Michelle answers a question asking her how to learn to be brave when as a woman you try to make it in the corporate world.
Her answer: I don't necessarily see it as bravery, "I like myself, I like myself for a long time, I have a very good relationship with myself".
And she's clearly saying this without any kind of arrogance or narcissism.
That's why she's such a fantastic role model, for young girls like Parker or adult women like me alike.
11
Whenever I see this photo, I think of the iconic Norman Rockwell paintings and Life magazine covers that I pored over as a child. A picture is worth a thousand words, indeed.
14
That Mrs. Obama took that extra step of reaching out to Parker and sharing with her an extraordinary experience says a great deal about who the Obama's are, and their understanding of their importance to our nation's ideals.
27
It would be wonderful if differences in race, sex, religion, and politics, etc, would be insignificant in the future. In the meantime children NEED to see representatives of themselves in ALL areas of life, including the presidency. This country needs to rid itself of the racism and misogyny and allow ALL of the talented people to take their rightful places in all areas of life.
13
we did this. now we need a woman president's portrait.
13
Could you ever imagine???...a column appearing in the NY Times, of a young girl looking up at a painting of Melania Trump? No? I can't either.
23
That’s because Mrs. Trump is the very much younger wife/model 3rd wife of an admittedly immoral cheat. Not much to admire so far. But one day she too will have her portrait there. As a cautionary tale I hope.
2
What a stark contrast between darling, innocent Parker looking up at a real role model--and the photos of one of the porn stars with whom Trump commited adultery.
16
Nice story.
But can we please stop ending so many opinion pieces with “[h]ere’s why that matters.” Please.
This phrase is akin to Anderson Copper telling a bereaved guest “[s]orry for your loss.” I am sure Anderson is sincere, but he says the exact same thing over and over in exactly the same way—it is grating.
English is a rich language. Mix it up, and drop unnecessary phrases in the headline and lead-in. Pretty please.
5
As another creative, immersed word-friend, I applaud your comment here. What do you write so I can read more of it?
I volunteer in an elementary school library. One of the favorite non fiction series in our library is the "Who Was/Is" series, which are nice paperback introductory biographies. My responsibilities involve checking books in and out and re-shelving, so I get a sense for what is popular with the kids. I am also on the receiving end occasionally of book recommendations or commentary from the K through 5 crowd.
The Obama books are very popular for many reasons, but the Michelle book is especially beloved. Almost every child finds a way to relate to her, from she looks like me, to she's smart like me, she has a garden like me, or my sentimental favorite, she grew up without much money in a small house but she became very successful. Dream big dreams.
After the election, the normally reserved librarian remarked that she absolutely dreaded the next four years and that she woke up thinking about the biographies of the Trumps that she would need to acquire to keep her biography section current. To her, it was unfathomable.
Imagine the ground that must be covered. Donald, the thrice married fabulist extraordinaire, multiply bankrupted reality television star, combed over self styled Don Juan, draft dodger, fast food aficionado married to to the plagiarizing nude model with questionable immigration status, aka the Slovenian Sphinx. And that is before the Russian investigation, obstruction of justice, etc.
26
Even more than Mrs. Obama's amazing contribution to this country is the role Ms. Curry plays (whether she's aware of it or not and I think she is) in demolishing the horrid stereotypes that are regularly used to define black women, especially black mothers. Lately, the news media are filled with profiles and features of heroin-addicted black mothers, children raised singly by struggling mothers or grandmothers, or heaven forbid, black children raising themselves and their siblings.
Lost in these depictions are mothers like Ms. Curry--devoted, intelligent, loving. All of us who were raised by black mothers, regardless of their means or past hardships (Jim Crow comes to mind), remember their keen intelligence, razor-sharp wit, catchphrases, tone, food, hugs, advice, and guidance.
Our nation hangs onto the belief that black family life is disorganized and bereft. There are many, many more black families like Parker and Ava's. Thank you to the Curry family for sharing your story.
33
I believe very strongly that if this country is to be saved, it will be because of black women turning out in the 2018 midterms. They did it in Virginia. They did it in Alabama. I am hoping they will be there tomorrow in Pennsylvania - and then we'll be on our way.
Black women are going to save the day.
2
Thank you for sharing sweet Parker with us! May she only know a world where little black and brown girls have just as many opportunities as white ones.
13
Thank you. And lets not forget how far we have to go.
A friend of mine was at the gift shop at one of the monuments in Washington DC. Her 5 year old daughter picked up a ruler with pictures of all the presidents and said "Mommy, why aren't there any girls on here?"
10
But it is important to explain to Parker that in this country we do not have queens! We are equals here, no one is more worthy than the rest! Our glorious former First Lady is an inspiration, and thankfully she is one of us, not a queen!!
4
Did the name of the model for this portrait ever become public information? It's kind of like Barack having his old friend ghost-write one of his autobiographies.
2
What an inspiring photo! I hope that th next presidency will return that sense positivism and inclusiveness that is missing in the present one.
6
Tomorrow is built on childrens' wonderful experiences. Thanks for your words of life, Ms Jessica Curry, to carry us upward as we remember the Obamas' raising the bar and when we long for their grounded sensibilities.
Revisiting Michelle Obama's initiatives, her insight is to build our strength through individuals finding and pursuing one's own dream. It's the dream-pursuers that ignore the naysaying sticks-in-the-mud who then fade into irrelevance.
1. The need for post-secondary education
2. The necessity of school counselors
3. Girls’ education
4. Education for African-Americans
5. Arts education
6. Healthy school lunches
7. Fashion education
www.theedadvocate.org/7-education-initiatives-led-by-michelle-obama/
My awareness was centered on her improved nutrition standards which, of course, GOP politics completely opposed (as their tribal chanting springs from the lowest denominators).
Every one of her initiatives is uplifting. The advancement of sound traditions can revitalize NOW - to build us out of this Split America of the salesman / myth maker.
7
Here I am, an aging white blue collar union guy sitting at my desk at an old foundry eating lunch, crying as I read this story and I'm not sure why. I truly miss the Obamas, but I don't think that's it. I just looked back at the picture and the tears came on strong again. I don't understand. I'll be embarrassing if somebody sees me but that won't stop me from finishing this wonderful story.
43
Aw, sweetheart, I wish I could sit there with you and we'd bawl together.
1
Is image everything? The image of Michelle Obama is powerfully important for girls of color and young white girls as well. She is an icon. Alternatively, Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm are iconic black queens who truly walked the walk and spoke truth to power. The question is whether substance trumps form? As glamorous and classy as Obama is/was the primary lasting contribution to the black community and America overall is her image. Mrs. Obama’s record pales in comparison to Eleanor Roosevelt. History will look more critically at the Obama years than is possible in the immediate stench of the Trumps. President Obama did not raise up the black community or the middle class in general. He was a “feel good” for the first four years and a snooze for his walk years. His leadership actually set the stage for Trump regarding America’s discontent. Michelle Obama decried Trump’s hatred but did not offer a path to new hope. Of course, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. That Michelle Obama “represents” a hope for black female aspiration cannot be denied. But, hopefully, girls will be inspired to ‘walk the walk’ and not just look the part!
3
I would look up to Michelle Robinson, but find it bittersweet to look up to Mrs. Barack Obama. The practice of a women’s name being thrown away and then replaced by her husband’s sources from Coverture laws and practices we adopted from the British who in turn inherited them from the Normans (femme covert - covered woman). In order to legally take his wife’s assets, a woman who married was legally reduced from a human and made into her husband’s property - losing all her rights and own identity - property cannot own property. That Michelle Robinson, as Mrs. Barack Obama, is (based on the source of the naming practice) owned by her husband is particularly striking especially for an African American couple who are symbolic as a breakthough for “equallity.” The fact that her “name” is never discussed by the press is also particulary interesting. I guess only African American men get to be equal, African American women get to be just a bit less equal. Sort of like the current white paradigm. Not much change there.
2
Except that you're talking about a legal system that doesn't exist anymore ... so no, of course Barack doesn't "own" Michelle.
And of course neither of both are responsible for the current or previous legal Western systems when it comes to family names ... .
And you also seem to ignore that there's not one "white" legislative system on this issue, as the Spanish and Portuguese, for instance, systematically use both family names simultaneously?
Looking up to someone means to admire the way they live their daily life. If you believe that men and women are equal, and then look at how Barack and Michelle live their daily life, in private and professionally, it's pretty difficult to ignore how much they were able to go beyond what our Western culture (in all its diversity) typically dictates us to do or to think. THAT's why they are so admired, as human beings, you see?
3
By "a woman's name", you mean her father's name, which her mother presumably took and gave to her after discarding her own father's name. This patriarchal cultural norm is changing slowly, but in the meantime... why so judgmental? No matter what name she chooses, Michelle Robinson Obama is an exceptional, strong role model for all American women.
4
Ugh, Seriously, please. I bet you voted for Jill Stein.
2
This is a wonderful uplifting piece amidst a slog of depressing news stories. Parker's response to Mrs Obama's portrait sparks more emotion that the painting itself. Though I love the choice of a young, African American painter for this commission, the likeness felt oddly generic. The picture seems all about the dress and not its subject. In any case, Parker was duly wowed by it and her reaction is priceless!
2
The photo is iconic and will live forever. I think the photo is perfect as it is as your daughter is mesmerized at seeing the painting-even better than if she was looking at the camera. The photo says it all. Anything is possible!
19
I whole-heartedly agree—it would be less than it is were she facing the camera. The rapt, entranced look is incredibly moving.
13
@ L'osservatore
It's actually rare to encounter pictures that perfectly symbolize a long and complicated history and the progress that has been made since then - and even more so when it happens spontaneously.
Just look at this picture again, if you didn't realize this yet: Michelle Obama's family was forced to leave Africa by white people, and then forced to become slaves their entire life, again by white people. Even the White House was built by black slaves. And only VERY recently did black Americans acquire the right to vote like any other citizen. Today, many results of such a horrible history still continue to create disadvantages for newborn black Americans.
And then you have the first black First Lady, who wasn't only the first black one, but who accomplished her job in a totally unique and extremely inspiring way - all while being a role model, as a woman, for all women at home and abroad.
The portrait here shows her exactly as she is: unapologetically black, unapolotically a woman ... in a country where only whites had access to this kind of job. Idea reflected in her black and white dress ... which then contains some purple referring to African fabric, purple that is reflected in the coat of the little African-American girl looking up to her ... whereas we, who watch it, know that for Parker, the America she's been born in has become SO different, when it comes to racism, from the America her own mother was born in, and thanks to people like Michelle ...
54
Okay Ana, what you say is true. But before you get too preachy, reconsider the history of your own country and the horrors it committed when it ruled the Belgian Congo under King Leopold. No other country in the world comes close to Belgium when it comes to white depravity in Africa.
4
The political climate is horrifying & shocking. Each day is more terrifying than the the last. Today, I look to the heavens and scream Thank You! Hope is alive & well.
10
I am German and I have a granddaughter who looks just like that little girl on the picture. Her name is Theda Nabintu. Her dad is from Senegal. I will keep the picture for her. Maybe one day I will travel to Washington with her to look at the picture of your former first Lady.
Thank you, Parker and Mrs. Obama, for reminding us of what America is all about!
31
We love you Parker & Michelle!!!
Never give up!
♥️
15
What better role model is there for a girl or woman of any race than Michelle Obama? I will barely scratches the surface of why she's so amazing, but she's beautiful, intelligent, classy, gracious, kind, and funny - the kind of woman most strive to be.
She is a queen and I am so happy your daughter had a chance to meet her in person.
15
As an amateur photographer, I think this photo is simply amazing. This young child looking up at the painting is simply beautiful.
That said, I was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the Obamas. I got punked. I was so disappointed to discover this power couple is no different from any other ambitious politicians. They say things to get elected and, once they were in power, reality set in. Truthfully, it has turned me jaded and cynical, because I really believed they would bring something different to millions of Americans.
Let's stop with the hagiographic coverage of the Obamas, please.
5
Why inject politics where they don’t belong?
2
You really should've stopped after your first sentence. I got plunked when I kept reading. *sigh*
5
Any concrete example of things they said and then didn't try to achieve once elected?
And are you aware that in a democracy, NO bill ever gets signed into law without compromising, contrary to a dictatorship, where there's no separation of the three branches of government and The Leader can fire any congressman or judge who doesn't immediately turn his own desires into legislation ... ?
You cannot possibly understand how a democracy works and then become cynical, once you study all that the Obama's have achieved in DC.
Let's take healthcare for instance. Obamacare insures 20 million more American today. That means 40,0000 additional American lives saved. How is this NOT bringing "something different to millions of Americans" ... ?
And what about turning an economy that shed 700,000 jobs a month into a steadily growing economy, creating an average of 250,000 jobs a month for almost a decade, in terms of bringing "something different to millions of Americans" ... ?
Etc. ...
You cannot study the history of democracy and then refuse to recognize that the Obama's have been truly exceptional, as human beings, but also professionally.
Finally, remember, cynicism never helped us move forward ... ;-)
3
This article furthers little Parker's story. A nicely worded reflection of a small event that held a larger significance for all of us conveyed so nicely by an exceptional mother.
140
This is just so awesome. We need more stories like this one.
9
Ms. Curry. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. The photograph is iconic, and lovely. I can only admire you for bringing her up to what will be a fine fine person. And as a role model, Michelle Obama is at the top of the list
20
Michelle Obama, an accomplished corporate lawyer, who put her career on hold to care for her family at a critical time in her daughters' development, in support of her husband's presidency. One gets the feeling that Barack would have done the same if Michelle had been elected.
Parker has more than one role model to admire here...
32
Michelle Obama was and is a class act. What a stark contrast to the trumps.
48
Enchanting!
A punctuation of the
power of art, the
inspiration of the subject
of the art. Mr. Hines
is a great observer to
capture the moment.
THANK YOU
11
Gawd, I miss her! I miss them both.
39
Thank you Jessica and Parker! God knows we need more good news.
Lord, don't we miss the Obamas?
So, shake it off and VOTE in November!
47
Great photo. Looks like Parker has two wonderful role models in Mrs. Obama and Ms. Curry. I look forward to her seizing the reins of power one day in the footsteps of these wonderful women.
17
Yes Yes Yes
Blessings and Love
12
Thank you! What a beautiful piece about a beautiful photo - and so much more. I look up to Michelle Obama too, so I can completely relate to your lovely, smart daughter. In these current dark days of American politics this piece made me smile, laugh, and tear up in hopes that girls like Parker can learn from all the wonderful lessons Michelle Obama has to teach all of us and grow into women leaders who can take us towards a brighter future.
14
About a year or two after President Obama's first inauguration, I happened to visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History. As a dumb, white male with no fashion sense, I've never particularly liked the museum's extensive exhibit devoted to inaugural gowns of first ladies throughout history. That gallery had always seemed silly and superficial to me.
But on this trip, Michelle Obama's inaugural gown was on prominent display, and I took a moment to appreciate how beautiful and elegant it was. And then a small group of middle-aged black women came by, enthusiastically admiring the cut of the dress and cooing over its materials. Their obvious joy and pride at seeing this lovely gown and all that it represented truly moved me to tears.
There was nothing "silly" or "superficial" about this moment. While I didn't have these exact words at the time, the experience made me intensely conscious of my own "white privilege." The world I walk through, the air I breathe, the expectations I have for myself and my family--all of these are profoundly different for me because of my race and gender, and it is so easy to take my privilege for granted..
But I also shared in the immense pride of these ladies that our country has made as much progress as it has. There is so much more work to do, but I am forever grateful to the Obamas for their service to our country, and for the grace and elegance with which they showed us the way to a better future.
And, by the way, go Parker!
57
No, no, no. Your perspective, worldview, and opportunities are due to your individual experience - your family, your upbringing, your community, your wealth. There are plenty of white men who have no power, no prospects, no future. Please don't generalize your experience to all others who share your skin color or your gender. Nor should you generalize your perception of Black people. Let's just appreciate this picture for what it is - a young girl who is admiring a painting, and a mother who is interpreting the moment.
7
When I first saw the photo of Parker staring at Michelle Obama's painting, I cried! The kind of tears that come without warning because I saw myself in Parker - a little Black girl with boundless and endless dreams!
173
An emotional catharsis and a great way to begin the day.
13
This is the best of all of us. Thank you. One day soon we will be back to the ideals that you and Michelle Obama so eloquently describe.
10
My heart soared when I saw that photo! Thank you NYT! I don’t pay attention to “viral” but I do read NYT digital, where I saw Parker transfixed. Made my day.
12
Beautiful words! Thank you!
4
Tears in my eyes reading this ...
8
Parker, the picture, Michelle Obama come together to prove there is more than one side to America. Amen.
16
Great op-ed piece. An oasis in our daily political turmoil. Thanks.
10
One of the greatest benefits of having the Obamas in the White House as president and first lady was just made manifest by that photo. What dreams that portrait of Mrs. Obama can stir -- finally!
31
What!??! Richard Leuttgen writing something nice about an Obama?! Miraculous! Finally, I could recommend one of his postings on the Obamas.
6
This is what this country is supposed to be about.
26
The photo of Parker staring in wonder at former First Lady Michelle Obama's portrait made my day when I first saw it, a special moment so beautifully and perfectly captured. The dancing video clip made me giggle — and continue to appreciate the eight year term of our beloved President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle. I miss their warmth, leadership, character, empathy and intelligence every single day — they exemplify the best of our country.
290
Michelle Obama was a fantastic First Lady; smart, beautiful, gracious, down to earth, a role model as a wife, mother, working woman. She endured too much racism and hate, all of which was decidedly undeserved. She will long be remembered for her warmth and compassion. She represented this country very well.
39
Parker and Mrs. Obama rescue all of us from the crazy DC news cycle.
21
Michelle Obama is everything that a First Lady should be, intelligent, classy, beautiful, warm and loving. Mrs. Obama will be on that list of great and respected First Ladies.
We now have a First Lady in the White House who stands like a robot, unsmiling in her stiletto shoes besides a man who should never have been elected president.
These are sad days for the United States. At least we can show our children portraits of a classy First Lady and President. We will be able teach the children that there was class and intelligence in the White House from 2008 - 2016.
31
now HERE is a First Lady.
32
Thank you, Ms. Curry! Your article expresses beautifully what truly makes America great.
19
It is wonderful that Mrs. Obama's portrait is serving as inspiration; but I am disappointed in the portrait itself. A person's face is the most important part of a portrait; and this is more a painting of a dress, with the face receding into the background. Michelle has a very special smile, with an impish, mischievous quality to it; and in this painting she isn't even smiling! The painting is more about the symbolism on the skirt than representative of the wonderful person wearing it. The artist missed her opportunity to capture a uniquely appealing person's spirit.
7
Amen. I love Michelle and I felt such disappointment that not only did not capture her vivacious spirit, I would never ever guess it was her were she not nxt to Barack.
3
You are missing the message of that dress. Look closer at the dress, it spreads out and captures you. That dress draws you in. You can feel that dress wrapping itself around you with the warmth and beauty of the person who is wearing the dress. That dress is Michelle Obama, strong, warm and special. That dress is the quilt that your grandmother made to keep you warm and secure. Look again.
11
I have no problem with the "message" of the dress; but I still prefer being captured by Michelle's vibrant, authentic face- which is stronger, warmer and more special than the garment (but not in that painting). It's a PORTRAIT. Imagery shouldn't take precedence over a person.
1
Color aka race matters in America.
Michelle Obama mattered to people of all colors in America for many reasons. However being the First Lady colored by a black Sub-Saharan African heritage is the most meaningful in a nation that historically enslaved those colored like her then treated them separate and unequal. Barack Obama falls in the same category.
While it is too soon to tell what impact this first African American President of the United States and First Lady will have on the future of color aka race overall relations in America, the positive impact on those colored by Africa is immediate and indelible. My two black grandsons and their white peers first known remembered President and Lady will always be black African American.
13
Technically, Barack Obama is as much white as he is black (50%). He was mostly raised by his white grandparents (from age 10 onwards).
"In his memoir, Obama credited Dunham for giving him the stability he might otherwise have lacked, being raised without a father and by a mother who travelled between Hawaii and Indonesia.
He returned from Indonesia to live with his grandparents when he was 10, and Dunham enrolled him in the exclusive Punahou school in Hawaii. Obama recalled the sacrifices she made to send him to that school, in his speech accepting the Democratic nomination: "She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself, so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me."
5
Dude! Please just stop. The way the President was treated should remind anyone that he was indeed in Black man in America! Further, the majority of Black people in America can claim bi-racial status due to that demonic "peculiar institution!"
3
I think Michelle should get an award for "Best First Lady." She brought so much class and vitality to that role, more than anyone in my lifetime. I'd like to see her on the Supreme Court.
36
Nice piece! I don't know about the outfit change you would have made - I like that little squirt in her pink jacket. The Obamas seem to genuinely like kids. Seems like the feeling is mutual.
27
My favorite pictures of the Obamas are with children. Pete Souza captured some of the most beautiful images during the Obama presidency, in particular one of the president looking at 4 children looking out an open window. The looks on each individual child's face were priceless!
5
Cute picture but the artwork is still mediocre—sorry!
3
There is is something about the Obamas that kids gravitate and they don’t have to be Black. My white granddaughter was Parker’s age when I was babysitting and I had the tv on to MSNBC 3 years ago when they cut to President Obama making a speech. My granddaughter looked up to the tv and was mesmerized for 10 minutes just staring at him. So many pictures came out of the WH in those 8 years with young kids with big grins warming up to President and Mrs. Obama with this President nothing. No pictures of him even interacting with his son Barron how strange is that? I guess Trump can’t even share the spotlight even with his own children, sad.
45
There is a twitter handle that circulates Barack Obama and kids - it warms my heart every time I see it.
6
Oh my, Michelle Obama, we miss you madly. You were everything a First Lady should aspire to be and exemplify.
We now have a First Lady who does not want to be there. What's left of her reputation, after marrying Trump your stature drops dramatically, is paraded before the World to witness, a woman scorned, a wife who is, for all intents and purposes, a paid escort.
How does she do it? Why does she do it? Does money really trump any sense of ethic, negate all directions of one's moral compasses? Good God, what an embarrassment.
DD
Manhattan
43
I genuinely feel sorry for Melania Trump. She's been made to feel unwelcome by the Washington establishment elitists. Your comment reinforces this idea that Michelle Obama was a paragon of perfection whereas Melina Trump is nothing but a money grubbing gold digger who should go back to Slovenia on the first flight out of Dulles as soon as the divorce is finalized.
8
To be fair, Melania and/or her team (does it matter?), used Michelle’s words for her RNC speech. I suspect she, too, would agree with many if these comments.
1
Dear Sharon:
You have every right to feel sorry. I respect your feelings. I cannot share them.
Melania is one of the fortunate people in this World who are born beautiful. Good looks rule. Beautiful people have been given a genetic passport for life. Melania did not start out equal in life.
She made choices. There are many jaw-dropping, drop-dead gorgeous, women walking around Manhattan. Many are like Melania, world travelers, working on a green card, making mucho ducats. And many, like Melania, latched onto a wealthy benefactor, a financial backer, a sponsor for citizenship.
What Melania did was what none of the others in their stiletto heels did, settle for Trump. She did not just "date" this clown. She married him. That's commitment. And though she appears to have kept up her end of the bargain, hubby has not. He has humiliated her, he's paraded her before the public in the biggest spotlight there is, that of the First Lady of the United States.
When this occurred to Hillary concerning her husband Bill, many said she should leave him. No one would have blamed her, though they did, and did so when she stayed. For some intangible reason, Hillary stayed, and that was that.
Not the same with Trump. He continues to abuse her, to make a sham of their marriage. Trump shows no remorse, no contrition.
Melania can have your sympathy. She has my pity. For her and her son's sake, why does she allow herself to continue to be abused?
DD
Manhattan
3
Unbidden, this photo of Parker was in my thoughts a lot last week. Mostly, I thought of how she must feel looking at a massive painting of a beautiful Black woman (who we adults know to be smart and kind as well) in the White House. But almost as often, I thought of how many middle-aged white women (my peers) feel the same awe that Parker felt about Michelle Obama--we are practically giddy about her and have been for over a decade. I am definitely giddy that millions of children of color got to see a president of color--now they need to see more of themselves in entertainment, books, academia, and business so the stars they're reaching for feel closer.
40
In this age of disrespect , shame and moral catastrophe, this story is about hope and love. My eyes are full of tears, of joy, of admiration for the expression of true love from a mother to her daughter. I am a man, white, and I am inspired by the universality of this story. I sincerely hope she achieves all of her dreams, to make this world a better place. Love is the answer, not hate and division.
400
Nice article-You should be so proud of Parker-
6
Just made my day, and my week—actually, my year! All is not lost!
18
The contrast to the other portraits is striking, as is the other op ed published today: "Melania Knew"
4
Good to see something positive in the news, I wouldn’t be too surprised if our POTUS tries to deinigrate former FLOTUS Michelle Obama.
Melania could have a big impact if she was to publicly stand up to her husband.
8
Seeing this picture of your beautiful Parker gazing up at the portrait of Michelle Obama reminded me of the picture of the young boy touching President Obama's hair in the Oval Office. Two pictures of affirmation and joy.
Affirmation in a young mind that yes, you can grow up to become "someone".
Joy in seeing a "someone" who looks and feels just like you!
I am happy that Parker got to meet Michelle Obama and wish you and your family all the blessings of a happy, healthy and safe life full of promise.
271
I want to also honor you for being a beautiful mother and taking your children to the museum to give all of us this joy! Thank you!
23
Charming, hopeful tale. Thank you for your beautiful child, she is most fortunate to have you as her mother.
13
Even though I am 70 years older then the fabulous Parker, I feel the same awe when I look at Mrs. Obama's wonderful magisterial portrait.
33
In a time of horrible stories coming out of the White House, this is a wonderful story. I loved the picture of Parker standing, captivated, in front of the portrait. Rev Hines caught a beautiful moment. I LOVED the video of them dancing and Mrs. Obama's serious conversation with Parker.
What a wonderful experience for all and a great morning read. Thank you.
11
I met Michelle Obama at an Obama rally at Lawrence University in Wisconsin while she was on the campaign trail in 2012. When I nervously expressed my adoration for President Obama because of his work on the Affordable Care Act, and the impact it had on my work being a nurse of decades, guess what? She looked me square in the eye with seriousness, and she actually listened! I knew it sank in and I requested her to tell him my appreciation. She had many other people to meet, but unlike many who campaign, she didn’t just smile, and turn her head as she extended her hand to the next rally attendee. She actually stood still with open ears.
When I go to view her portrait in DC later this month, I will proudly be able to whisper internally, “Now there is one beautiful woman, inside and out. Thank you, Michelle.”
America, be grateful. We have all met Michelle Obama in one way or another. Her presence in our hearts and souls whether in person or not - we can gratefully call her First Lady.
53
What a lovely observation and tribute. Thank you.
1
Thank you for your gracious story. It's also good to be reminded that it was not long ago we had a first couple capable of inspiring people of all races and origins. This recent steady diet of greed, corruption, dishonesty, racism and hatred is so demoralizing. I feel like jumping on a plane to visit the National Gallery to be reminded why this country is/was great.
17
My first thought was that America was finally living up to its promise. But I quickly was brought back to reality. Trump is our President and racism is common in the republican Party.
My hope is that America will soon reject the ugliness of hate and return us to the path of beautiful dignity for all.
You are an exceptional mother and your attitude and peace in your heart will help us all. May God Bless you and daughter as well as the USA .
19
I was an outdoorsy kid. When I was about ten, I was at a state or national park and there were two women who were rangers. That looked like a great job to me and I said to an adult I knew that I wanted to grow up to be a park ranger. They said that women couldn't be park rangers. I told them I had seen women park rangers. I didn't grow up to be one but I did grow up to be a social scientist and a professor. Seeing someone like you in a position where you don't expect them has consequences. Thanks for telling us the whole story. I wish my parents had taken me to talk to those women park rangers.
31
Thank you so much this. I'm crying right now. Just tears of joy. Beautiful.
25
Oh, Ms Curry, thank you for sharing this story and your beautiful daughter with all of us across the US. I am one of those "older" girls who joins hands with Parker and looks up with awe and gratitude to Michelle Obama.
I want to keep this comment uplifting and inspirational, so I will focus only on yesterday, not today. I miss the Obamas. It is not only their beliefs and philosophies that I yearn for again, but it is also their dignity, wisdom, and big, grand hearts that I need during these unsettled times.
But their legacy lives on through our future generations who understand better than we the need for morality and integrity. And how I hope and hope that soon we will experience the leadership of the Parker Curry's along with her bigger sisters and brothers. Good luck to all our young. And thank you again, Michelle and Barack Obama.
50
What a joy! While Michele Obama is truly admirable for many varied reasons, you too are admirable for knowing and acting on the importance of exposing your daughters to impactful art and images of worthy role models! Parker is blessed with you, Jessica, as are you with Parker. I’m sure Mrs Obama felt that special exchange of mutual joy in the room when she danced with Parker and I have a feeling she celebrated it with joy long after. Enjoy your viral celebrity but keep loving the wonder years of you daughters’ lives!
227
What a great and uplifting story!
I have to say, between this and the Black Panther coverage, and the 30-40% of editorial coverage that deals with the racism of Trump and how victimized black people are, the Times is definitely showing how Woke it is!
For older, middle brow, white garden variety upper middle class liberals like me, it’s a perfect fit! Being Woke, and remembering how magical the Obama years were, has been a great life change. I used to consider myself a dedicated environmentalist, and while I flirted with #MeToo, there’s just something about being concerned with the plight and well being of black people that’s more authentic and easier to do.
With those other movements, it was harder. Being a real environmentalist would have required cutting back on international trips. Taking #MeToo more seriously would have been weird since I’m a male and women are like half of the population that I interact with on a daily basis.
But with the sacralization of black life - which this piece does so particularly well - I can easily get into it. Maybe this is because I live in an all white neighborhood, my kids go to an all white and Asian private school, and I work in an all white firm.
I’m not sure what it is about this most peculiar part of progressive white life, but glorying in the struggle, the poignancy, the tragedy, and the pathos of people of color has got to be one of the best parts of it. I can literally feel my heart warm when I read pieces like this!
11
Great sarcasm - not sure if the editorial board will pick up on it, but I did.
4
Racism cloaked in sarcasm is still racism.
7
That picture of Parker in a state of rapture looking at Ms. Obama, inspiring that it was, my heartfelt respect goes to you Ms. Curry for this article. It was by chance that picture was taken and went viral, but you would have continued to raise a precious daughter to grow and dream big.
31
Every time I see that photo of Parker, I get a huge lump in my throat. Every time.
39
Thank you for this beautiful piece. What a wonderful role model Michelle Obama was and is for all American girls. Still, America continues to suffer greatly from its original sin; no First Lady had to suffer so many vile and undeserved attacks simply because of the color of her skin. Last year, Carl Paladino, a member of the Buffalo New York board of education and former GOP gubernatorial candidate publicly stated that after Ms. Obama left the Whitehouse she could "go back to being a man" and "could live in Kenya with Maxie the Gorilla." And, who did not see the posts of many Trump supporters asserting that Melania Trump would finally bring "class and beauty" back to the Whitehouse. I grew up in the 50s and 60s, so I suppose we've come a long a long way, but we certainly have a very long way to go.
35
Carl Paladino has a long way to go, maybe even several lifetimes and reincarnations as an African woman.
6
I hope that little girl grows up and does great things!
12
I get not agreeing with Obama's policies (though I mostly did agree), but I never, ever understood the dislike. I am glad he is standing aside and doing his best quietly and not wading in. The example of the Obamas still accuses the classless man in the White House and the quieter the example, the more loudly it speaks.
46
So proud to be an American!
7
The aspect of this photo I like best is that it has four perspectives: the security guard respectfully stands to the side, his hands nested in front of him, watching the child gaze at Mrs. Obama, while Mrs. Obama's portrait seems to be trading a glance with us, the viewers inside the photographers lens, as if she were saying:"like I told you, the children." And, oh my my, especially the little girls! Ben Hines' photo deserves an award.
407
What Michelle Obama said at the portrait's unveiling should be on a plaque beside it.
9
Indeed, the guard appears to be as charmed by little Parker as Parker is by Mrs O. Perhaps someone could get a comment from him?
9
I smell a well-deserved Pulitzer Prize! As a photographer, I am jealous. As a human being, I am in awe of Parker.
7
In politics, as in life, Character Matters.
And the Obamas were, and remain exellent role models for our children and grandfchildren.
43
The photo made my day!
10
Parker’s sense of wonderment is natural, superb and refreshing. Contrast this to the reactions of black children during the “Doll Test” conducted long ago by Dr. Kenneth Clark.
These kids had largely been subjected to demeaning images of blacks, while simultaneously being bombarded with idolized views of whites as depicted in books, the movies, and through casual conversation.
No doubt that even a young child's grasp of differences in overall income disparity, and privilege, between the two groups also led to self-doubt and hate, since there was no historical context available to the little ones to reconcile the differences.
How an Experiment With Dolls Helped Lead to School Integration
HistorySource
By MICHAEL BESCHLOSS MAY 6, 2014
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/upshot/how-an-experiment-with-dolls-h...
“As Kenneth Clark recalled in 1985, he would produce white and black dolls and say, “Show me the doll that you like to play with … the doll that’s a nice doll … the doll that’s a bad doll.”
A majority of the African-American children from segregated schools rejected the black doll. By Dr. Clark’s account, when those boys and girls were then told, “Now show me the doll that’s most like you,” some became “emotionally upset at having to identify with the doll that they had rejected.” Some even stormed out of the room.”
7
Beautiful peace.
6
Role models count. Sadly, in part because of the rich hateful bigot who now occupies the White House, some white kids think it is okay, maybe expected, to harass “minorities.” This has gone as far the lynching of a young black child.
Children committing hate crimes reflect our society
By David A. Love
Updated 5:18 PM ET, Sat September 16, 2017
https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/16/opinions/children-committing-hate-crime-o...
“(CNN)They say that boys will be boys, but what do we make of those boys when they attempt to lynch another child, or put on Ku Klux Klan outfits and burn a cross in the backyard?
As the New York Times reported, on August 28 a group of white teens in the town of Claremont, New Hampshire, attacked an 8-year old black biracial boy. In an interview with The Root, the boy's mother said that after the older white boys put a rope around their own necks, they told her son that it was his turn. The 8-year old got on a picnic table and put the rope around his neck and one of teenagers came and pushed him off of the picnic table -- leaving him hanging. None of the teens helped him. The mother found out the details of what happened from the victim's 11-year old sister, who was with him at the time. The 11-year old, according to the mother, said that the boy was grabbing at his neck while kicking his feet and turning purple before he dropped to the ground. “
8
Wonderful. Thank you, Ms. Curry. Thank you, Parker. Children show us what’s important.
178
This lovely story is the antithesis of what children are learning under the current regime. Mrs. Obama acted with and her portrait represents dignity, intelligence and compassion for others. The current regime helps parents teach their children what they never should become: mean, vulgar and selfish.
29
Notice the expression on the guard’s face! I think he too has a lot to say about the importance of the portrait and of the Obamas example of leadership, character and grace.
28
Charming story. It’s also welcome to see a small business owner discuss larger pictures, in both senses of the term. In the non-literal sense, as someone who tries to bridge apparent opposites, I’m stumped here. How is the easily absorbed message to the next generation to identify with “someone who looks like them” compatible with “Maybe color, gender, and race will be insignificant when Parker is an adult—we’ll just all be individuals?” I don’t see how “This dream…seems closer to realization in every generation.” I doubt it is still widely held. I see relentless focus away from the individual perspective. The Times keeps citing “white men” in articles--never in a good way. In another one today, “white men” are the ones with “power.” However inaccurate a generalization, it does not seem to bother the journalists. Individually oriented evidence against it doesn’t count. I understand the psychological and social case for these identifications. But there is very small justification from a biological, DNA count-basis for race distinctions. Remember, the surprise when the First Lady had a DNA test, as well as the President’s maternal side. Yet they identified with and were accepted as “black.” It is still a social construction, which doesn’t mean it’s not real, but it’s a choice. That choice is not communicated to the next generation, and seems to make it harder to discover other parts of our individuality, and perhaps see what we have in common. I can miss Michelle Obama, too.
1
Compare this to Charles Blow's column this morning. "Melania Knew" 3/12/18
While this op-ed piece is not specifically about Barak Obama, it implicitly compares the values projected by people who have the capability of capturing our attention, our hearts & minds, and our souls; who we admire, and who we aspire to as role models.
Thank you Jessica Curry for this piece and your insights to what it means to Parker, and so many of us, young and old, of all ethnic groups, all countries .... all of us. I am thanking my luck in having read Charles Blow's column first and then yours. As clear and pointed as he is, it is a bummer; you, Jessica, pulled me, and others, into a different reality that I so much prefer.
17
I, a retired white woman, have cried twice this morning - for completely opposite reasons. First - for the sad state of affairs that allows us to have a president who has no regard for his wife (just for starters), and a first lady who seems to have no respect for herself. Then, tears of joy reading about a little girl being mesmerized by the portrait of a truly wonderful woman we all would like emulate.
13
Beautiful.
In many ways.
14
Beautiful essay. Thank you.
9
The security guard in the background is an all too familiar sight at institutions with mostly African American men dressed up in business attire with a white shirt, jacket and tie yet serving in a low level position. Our young boys of color are fortunately reminded by the many photographs of Mr. Obama that they too can wear business attire at work yet serve in a very high level position. (President Obama's portrait depicts him in a suit sans tie)
8
Why the gratuitous insult of the security guard? You know nothing about him. I will choose to appreciate him for doing his job.
2
Of course you do SM! Why wouldn't you?
Jessica,
Not to do anything to deny the value of Michelle Obama as a role model to Parker and millions of other girls across the country and the world; lets not lose sight of the fact that Parker has an even more important and obviously fantastic role model in you, her mom, setting a the example of a wonderful mom and respected woman day in and day out throughout her life.
567
Rev. Hines captured and shared a perfect moment, including a third person in the image. Seen in the background between little Parker and Ms. Obama's portrait, a National Gallery staff member quietly watches. His interest and pleasure in the child's discovery can be read in the slight tilt of his head. This black gentleman, too, is captivated.
27
With so much scabrous news, it was so nice to read something positive in the newspaper.
9
Very early last Sunday morning, before Daylight Savings Time took effect, I opened my wife’s book of photographs about Michelle Obama, taken by her White House photographer. I had, for company in the quiet house, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. As I turned the pages gingerly, the glorious music was almost forgotten.
The book was a painful reminder of the First Lady’s beauty and grace and wit and charm and seriousness about issues deeply concerning to her about women and, especially, children. The unpleasant contrast with the cowed and retreating woman who has replaced her in Washington was a poignant reminder of how goodness can be exceedingly brief and fleeting.
This unaccustomed furor over Michelle Obama’s official portrait reflects the harsh lines drawn by her husband’s successor and a Washington Congressional establishment that never bothered to conceal its disdain for the black First Couple. The image that accompanies this story reflects a recurring theme in the book I read. Young girls from all over the world were quick to embrace the First Lady, someone obviously and sincerely invested in their lives; their health; their tentative first steps into their lives as young women, hopeful of promise.
The Obamas are missed—hourly—and we all should be grateful they came our way.
28
Can we have the Obamas back, please?
28
veeckasinwreck,
You may want to watch Mr. Obama and his appearance on Dave Letterman's new show where he mentions that should he return to the Presidency, his wife will leave him and then where would he be. A wonderful interview with grace and humor on the part of a formidable President in possession of dry wit.
4
Lovely Obamas, pure, unspolied and authentic to begin with....got easily swayed by the Clinton crowd..and started hobnobbing with the rich famous wealthy mostly Hollywood types, at Martha's Vineyard and everywhere else, including inviting them to the WH. Clooney Spielberg, all had direct access to the WH during Obama years, as much as they did in the Clinton years. Add to that R&B, hip hop, rap musicians and stars, all in the name of promoting the Arts.
Ordinary folks in PA, WI, MI...long forgotten.
5
Amen. I mean, why not, given that the Republicans are intent on stomping on everything else in the Constitution (except for, of course the 2d Amendment).
3
Thank you, Ms. Curry, for sharing your thoughts and your daughter! She reminds us of the hope President Obama inspired in many of us. Now we must rededicate ourselves to restoring our nation so it will be a fitting home for all our children.
11
Michelle Obama is someone who all of us, no matter our race, gender, culture or economic status can emulate. She and Obama personified dignity, humor, kindness and intelligence and devotion to family in their years at the White House.
We need more Leaders like them for our children to emulate.
11
Awesome story! Thank you for sharing and making my day just a little bit better.
5
Made my day. You and your daughter, and all people of color must and should be proud of President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Such a brilliant and elegant couple to serve our country.
Best wishes to you and Parker.
8
Everywhere I go, people ask, "Could we please have the Obama's back?" How me miss their dignity and graciousness! It all seems so tawdry now. We do need hope back.
13
A beautiful story. Little girls of any background can look up to someone like Michelle Obama.
11
But ... is it okay to just center Black girls sometimes though, please?
A lovely, heartwarming article. 'Looking up,' indeed: so many of us mourn the fact that recently - a lifetime ago? - we could be proud of the White House denizens. Mrs. Obama and her husband embody fine intelligence, decency, class, integrity and hope. They have given us so much to be proud of, both at home and abroad. Little girls such as Parker, and countless other children and adults, will hopefully flourish because of their shining example of empathy, public service and values of respect, dignity and compassion for every human being.
18
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I couldn't stop looking at it. The triangular composition is stunning with the beatific look on Parker's face, the regal stance of Michelle, and the look of admiration and respect depicted on the visage of the man in the background. Thank you, Ben Hines for capturing this iconic moment with one click of your camera.
+
12
So many dark things to read about in the NYT today, but this piece is quite literally a ray of bright sunlight piercing the gray, gloomy storm clouds. I have a smile on my face and a tear welling in my eye as I type this comment. I’m going to take the image of your lovely daughter and her awestruck expression at the possibilities of life with me for the rest of the day.
9
Mr. Hines had great presence of mind to capture the moment. The photograph has the composition of something Norman Rockwell would have conceived, with the added power that it actually happened.
10
I, as the grandmother of preschoolers, was taken with this essay, the father's dedication to parenting, the impact (again) of the portrait -- though not an admirer of the style, love the size and the strength it exhibits, and a child's image, during those critical early months of life, which will be a part of their character for decades to come. THIS is one of the many reasons I subscribe to the NYT, often foregoing meals to be able to pay the subscription fee. The NYT, and the wonderful stories like this, among others, is what gives me sustenance. This story was an enriching and fulfilling moment filled with beauty, hope and a belief that America can continue to strive toward being a better country, even in these dark times.
8
An extraordinarily beautiful and captivating portrait of mesmerized child and regal First Lady, accompanied by a profoundly moving narrative.
20
Props to Ben Hines for having a good eye and catching this iconic moment - and props to the Obamas for everything they showed us about family and leadership and responsibility for the years they were in the White House.
We knew beyond a doubt that our vote for Obama had been correct when his family showed up at the White House with Ms. Robinson - Michelle's Mom -
coming along to help raise 2 young women.
Real family values !
53
What a beautiful photo and such a beautiful story to go with it. Maybe it will help make America greater - not again - but in the future! Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with the world.
28
It's 'Irish' but recently the portrait of Michelle Obama has been in my thoughts. For this American and art appreciator, it is memorable and I started wondering why it had such a strong impact on this viewer.
She has 'Presence', and the artist was able to capture this in his portrayal. It is not the dress, nor even the way the model is reflecting, but something profound in the essence of her persona.
All to thank Ms. Curry for taking her daughters to the National Portrait Gallery to see the painting, and tell the readers how young Parker reacted to the above. Children 'know'. They know what is for real, and what is not, without trying to explain in words.
This was followed by a smile of delight on my part to see her grand-daughter dancing with the former First Lady. I once worked for the Special Representative of The International Year of the Child who wrote in her memoirs that one of the highlights of her life was performing a dance at an event for Eleanor Roosevelt, where the candle balanced on her head slipped, she caught it, but she was an adept dancer with a passion for excelling in Life.
Invited to dinner in the South Bronx by a friend in the early 1970s, her 11 year-old girl, Vanessa, started to dance when her parent put on some music, and I exclaimed 'You people dance so well'.
Our friendship was none the worse, and let's shake off the stereotypes because it is always about 'Presence', and Mrs. Obama is a Fire Bird; a phoenix among the pigeons.
8
Thank you for a reminder, during this surreal time when complete moral depravity is shrugged off as "what they voted for", what wonderfully gracious people the Obama's are, and what their success means to so many, including generations to come. They are what the Trump's can never be, and what America wants to be.
59
The story is on one hand inspirational, and on the other, a cautionary tale if our leadership fails to mirror the color and gender mix of our population.
4
Miss them. Miss their inspiration. Miss their aspirational guidance. Miss their connection with people. I hope the Obamas sign on to doing a Netflix program.
17
My eyes welled with tears when I saw the photo of that precious child captivated by the portrait our former First Lady. And by the time I got through the dance, the image of the Parker in Michelle Obama's shoes, the grace and inspiration of the former First Lady's tweet, I was sobbing.
How far our country has fallen.
91
I love this story. Except for one thing - the idea of a "first lady" is an anachronism. Mrs. Obama may be (and by my account is) a wonderful person. But her position was due solely to having been married to Barack. Is that the message for young Parker? Be a great person and you, too, may marry someone who achieves great things?
I also question the optimism at the end. Yes, skin color and gender should be less and less relevant. But that is not what we see happening today. Instead, the focus is becoming more and more intense. Throughout the media and corporate America, we are bombarded with both daily. How many women are directing? How many Black people were nominated for awards? Do you have at least 30% female board members? How much does the median woman make compared to the median man? The questions are endless, but they share one thing. To answer them, you must divide and classify by skin color and gender (although we are simultaneously told that gender is merely a social construct with no objective basis). How do skin color and gender become less significant if we won't stop thinking and talking about them?
2
Perhaps you have forgotten about all of Michelle's achievements that have nothing to do with living in the White House.
16
What a precious daughter you have! And what a wonderful picture of her fascination with a portrait of a lovely first lady. We need to see such images these days; our hearts cry out for goodness and beauty.
42
I have numerous identical stories in my own family. But they involve paintings and statues of Republicans so I guess that means those children are not as special. Surely this story is meant to show how partisan some people are in this country.
5
That's the very point, "numerous".
Not all Americans have that opportunity.
8
Oh, good grief. How can you respond in such a manner to a wonderful picture, and a wonderful story, about a lovely little child?
17
That is a truly disgusting and divisive comment. People like Parker, her mom & Mrs. Obama make me proud to be American; unlike people who make comments like you, who shame and diminish this great nation.
Go back to you Fox Fake News bubble.
14
“When they go low, we go high.” Those words are in my head nearly every day. They are my foundation, my support, and my inspiration. And now we have this beautiful photo to accompany those thoughts. It is an especially important image now, at what we hope is a watershed moment for women. Hooray for Parker, for her hopes and dreams, and for reminding us in a striking and beautiful way that we all need to focus on what is important, on what inspires us, and to act on that inspiration so that Parker will grow into a world of greater justice and opportunity.
36
How wonderful and refreshing. A beautiful juxtaposition to the article by Charles Blow that appeared today, 'Melania Knew' , which highlights the transactional and course nature of the Trumps.
I do and will continue to miss the Obamas. Two smart, incredibly decent and kind people who cared about their responsibilities to the country and their family.
So happy for your daughters good fortune.
96
This is the America I expected when I came to this country forty years ago. Thank goodness that it surfaces on, all to rare, occasions but I have faith that it will always be the bedrock of the nation.
67
Me too !
3
At at a time when they are in such short supply, thanks for bringing us the joy and the hope...
65
The Obama family have the unique gift of being able to continue to give and inspire long after they've left the White House. Michelle Obama has the wonderful qualities that can inspire young ladies like Parker not only to dream but to know that they can achieve great heights, and that nothing is impossible.
Ms. Curry, I'm glad that you took your daughter to the National Portrait Gallery that day and that you also had the good fortune to have Mr. Ben Hines nearby to capture an iconic moment for the whole world to see.
I'm so thrilled that Parker was so completely focused on Michelle Obama that she failed to heed your pleading to turn around and pose for a photo. Children do have their own way of opening other people's eyes to the beauty that's all around us, a beauty and grace that adults sometimes are much to busy to see and appreciate.
86
It's funny, as a visual person (artist) I'm struck by one thing: like most moms might, she mentions if she knew it would go viral she would have taken off the bright coat, insisted she look at the camera...but of course, then it wouldn't go viral. It would have been a lovely little girl standing in front of the portrait. A photo for the scrapbook, not for the heart.
62
Wonderful story; beautiful photo! Let's avoid the obvious contrasts for a moment and celebrate this poignant scene. I'd love to see a portrait of the former first lady AND future president but, on second thought, would never wish such a fate on such a fine public figure.
16
A picture tells a thousand words - but to read the story behind the picture was a lovely way to start my day. Thank you for sharing.
111
Thanks for writing this, Ms. Curry. I wasn't sure if the portrait portrayed the true power of Mrs. Obama, but seeing it through Parker's eyes, we now know that it does. Your experience also shows that social media can be a very positive means of moving and connecting people around the world. Something we can all use right now!
116
As a European many of my recent comments to NYT´s articles and Op-Eds carried my frustrations and my bewilderment about what I saw happening in the US over the last 2 years. I wrote, that I felt I did not know the US any more, I did not consider it a real democracy any more, that I was about to lose my faith in the America I thought I once knew. I readily admit that - if I lived in the States - my pessimistic view might not provide the best energy supply for fighting for a better, a more decent America. And that could be a dangerous thing. To change things to the better you need such energy & vision. - This photo as well as the article provide just that. They are also a strong antidote against the frustrations I (and probably many of you) feel. Thank you for the article and for allowing the photo to go public and Congrats to Ben Hines for capturing this moment when it presented itself. Well done. Warm regards from Europe.
150
Thank you for a beautiful and uplifting message.
83
It's amazing how inspirational great human leadership can be.
Great leaders and great humans like Barack and Michelle Obama - and the images of them - will live on for eons as Mount Rushmore-like figures in our hearts and minds because of the words, intellect, grit, heart and soul they brought to our nation and it civics table.
What remains unthinkable and beyond comprehension is that one day the National Portrait Gallery will be disgraced by the portraits of our current White House occupants, individuals completely removed from the ideas of public service, our nation's ideals and human decency.
Imagine some future American child looking up at the official portrait of the Birther Liar and the First Mannequin and the child asking their parents what those individuals did for America during their time in public office.
"They tore the nation to shreds for personal pleasure, profit and white spite, little Johnny...."
The difference between America's political night and day has never been more black and white than it is in 2018.
Never again, America.
Register and vote.
November 6 2018.
Thank you for service, leadership and patriotism, Michelle and Barack.
339
Let's take something beautiful and something we've missed these past two years and spin it into something hateful. I'm down.
@Socrates -- "First Mannequin"? That description could also apply to this administration...all plaster, white, unresponsive and lifeless.
5
One can hope that the photo of the current so called president will be his perp walk, coat held over his face, manacled and shamed. The caption will read, "first American president convicted of treason".
6
Wow, the most uplifting story I have read in a long time. We needed this, thank you!
158
The inspiration of this little girl illustrates beautifully Michelle Obama's dedication to inspiring children and giving them a positive role model.More than any woman in public life during the long time I have lived Michelle focused on children and inspiring them.There were hundreds of programs at the White House for children, she gardened and cooked with them, and made an effort to give graduation speeches at colleges where she could tell the students that anything is possible, reach for it.I am not a woman of color but I was thrilled that she wrapped her arms around all children and gave them a powerful role model.
173
What a charming photo and article! On this cold dreary March day outside Boston, it has already made my day.
To the author, I noted your work as a lifestyle blogger, "Happy Mama, Happy Babies." Well, from the photo and clip of Parker dancing with Michelle Obama, I can pretty much say you have one happy baby there.
As Parker grows up, I hope she maintain her spontaneity and sense of wonder, captured beautifully in the photo. The world she will inherit has its problems for sure.
But Parker seems to be getting a great start with a mom like you who understands the importance of historical examples, "representation," as you put it:
"Only by being exposed to brilliant, intelligent, kind black women can my girls and other girls of color really understand that their goals and dreams are within reach."
Every day here I read posters saying how much they miss the Obamas--their scandal-free administration, their basic integrity and passion for American values.
I miss them too, but I'm glad they had 8 years of history to serve as such a shining example to Parker and others. As the first black presidential couple, they had impossible standards to meet.
Blessings to you and Parker and thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
365
@Christine -- "I miss them too, but I'm glad they had 8 years of history to serve as such a shining example to Parker and others. As the first black presidential couple, they had impossible standards to meet".
Well said, and the gospel couldn't be more true. What rankles this president is the knowledge that he'll never measure up to the high standards of his predecessor, a man he loathes with passion. The 45th will never be the equal of Barack Obama, as a president or as a man.
25
The photo of Parker in front of Michelle Obama's portrait is wonderful--hopes and dreams of better future for all captured in one moment. I am also struck by the pensive look on the security guard's face, his demeanor and his softened stance as he regards this beautiful little girl. I would love to know what was in his mind as he saw a new generation trying to take in the importance of what he had lived through and what she would be living, thanks to the contributions and the courage of Michelle and Barack Obama, who have given such exemplary service to our country and our democracy. The picture truly says more than a thousand words--it holds a billion hopes from many around the world that better times are ahead.
209
I wasn't a bug fan of the portrait when it was revealed. Thank you, Parker for shifting my focus.
110
In the era of Trump I've a knot
That a boorish bigot has begot
But this photo today
Eased that ill knot away,
A counter to bigotry's rot.
314
Agreed. It’s a terrific photo of cuteness, hope and inspiration.
44