The Hype Regarding Michelle Obama's Sneakers

Let's face it. As you turn on your computer or television, you are bombarded with images of Michelle Obama. Whether it's about her clothing or the secret to her "toned" arms, the media is absolutely head over heels in love with this woman. In fact the New York Daily News gives their readers the most recent story regarding Michelle's $540 dollar shoes. Wait! Are my eyes deceiving me? $540 dollars shoes? Are you serious? I smell hypocrisy in action!

How is this hypocritical? Well, let's go back to the 2008 campaign trail of John McCain. John McCain's wife, Cindy McCain had faced constant scrutiny on her choice of wardrobe. In fact in a 2008 article published by The Los Angeles Times, the article "Who Get's Your Style Vote" implies that Cindy McCain is a high-fashioned, Oscar de la Renta wearing snob while Michelle is portrayed to be this Target wearing, down-to-earth, and dignified woman.

Let's fast forward a few years. Recently, Michelle has been spotted wearing French designer Lanvin sneakers that roughly cost $540 dollars. The article obviously puts the First Lady in a favorable light by stating that "Michelle takes casual to a haute new level." Basically, the article implies that it was okay for Obama to wear expensive sneakers and tops which range from $400 to $1000 due to the fact that she was planting trees and performing an act of community service. Yes, I would agree that clothing like Oscar de la Renta does not represent the the general majority of Americans as well, but neither does sneakers that cost $540 dollars. This is indeed hypocritical.

If Cindy McCain is going to be criticized for her choice of clothing, Michelle Obama should be too. The media has obviously been more favorable to Obama, and I find it unfair. Well, Sean Hannity is definitely not liking the favorable stories surrounding Obama's choice of clothing either. In fact, in The Huffington Post, Hannity expresses his anger by stating that Michelle "can get all these designer clothes and that everyone will call her Jackie Kennedy." What I'm trying to convey is that Michelle Obama should be subjected to the equal criticism of Cindy McCain. Neither woman is better or more "down-to-earth" than the other. What I'm asking for is equal criticism, not biased.

May The Force Be With You,

Lauren