Michelle Obama Shares Americans ‘Weren’t Ready’ For Her Natural Hair: The Code Of Ethics At A Workplace, Black Women Deal w/ It

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Shares Americans ‘Weren’t Ready’ For Her Natural Hair: The Code Of Ethics At A Workplace, Black Women Deal w/ It

Former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up about the pressures of being a Black woman in the White House.

In a recent interview with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Michelle Obama revealed she felt like Americans “weren’t ready” for her natural hair as they were still “getting adjusted” to experiencing their first Black family in the White House.

Michelle admitted to keeping her hair straight as can be while her husband was in office. As you may already know, Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

While reflecting on her decision to never show her natural curl pattern, she recalled the controversy Barack Obama faced in 2014 for wearing a tan suit. She said, 

“Let’s get health care passed [first]. They tripped out when Barack wore a tan suit.” 

The best-selling author quipped:

“The great indignity, the scandal of the Obama administration.” 

She added:

“The code of ethics at a workplace, as black women we deal with it, the whole thing about, ‘Do you show up with your natural hair?’”

Noting the instances when she would joke with her employees about changing up her style, the Chicago native admitted:

“I would get my staff all worried, too. I was like, ‘I was thinking about getting braids.’” 

She continued:

“That’s the African American experience… but women in offices that are worried, ‘Should I wear skirts? Should I wear pantyhose?’ I hate pantyhose.”

The mother-of-two added: 

“But when you’re carrying all this other stuff, this mask, these differences and you’re trying to do your job, it’s just an extra burden on overcoming.”

What are your thoughts on Michelle Obama keeping her hair straight while her husband was in office due to workplace scrutiny? Share it in the comments below.

[VIA]