The news earlier this week that model and reality show creator turned talk show host, Tyra Banks, will grace the September cover of Harper’s Bazaar posed as Michelle Obama sort of stunned me. I guess that was the point. What better way to draw attention to the new season of The Tyra Banks Show than to stir up publicity and controversy all at once.
But it turns out Tyra is only posing as Michelle on the inside. But Tyra, why do it at all? Don’t you know that the Obamas are engaged in an epic battle to win the Presidency? They have weathered all kinds of attacks individually and collectively and many believe that Michelle is his Achille’s heel. Michelle can handle the cover thing on her own. Have you seen her on Ebony or the family on the new Essence?
I know you probably shot this some time ago but you do know that we’re still stinging over The New Yorker cover right? And now we have to brace for the new possible drama created by your “complete makeover” into Michelle—in which all you did was put on a wig and a sleeveless dress. Plus the inevitable comparisons to the Camelot era.
I understand that you like to show the vast range of your talent but this is not one of those challenges you give contestants on ANTM. You know the ones I mean. Like being shot on the ledge of a building, or on a elephant’s trunk or ‘which seven deadly sin are you?’ This is actually real life and this is the last thing Michelle Obama needs. We really don’t need to feed into McCain’s claim that Obama is no different than the likes of Paris Hilton ( a celebrity, a personality) and there’s nothing behind his charming presence. Even if the magazine approached you for this project you should have known it was a bad idea. And it draws attention away from the real work that needs to be done like winning an election.
But then again, this isn’t about Michelle Obama is it? Tyra you’ve got to learn that sometimes it isn’t all about you.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Maybe it wasn’t her choice to do that shoot. Maybe it was the photographer who thought it was a good idea for her to transform herself into Mrs. Obama, and she just went with. I don’t believe that her intentions were to cause any harm.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I totally agree with you Corynne…I sent out similar comments to my facebook friends…this photo spread will be detrimental to the Obama campaign…I really don’t think that Tyra thought this one through…whoever suggested it, doesn’t matter…she has freewill, just like the rest of us, and she could have said no…I saw Michelle this morning on Good Morning America addressing the Paris Hilton ad and New Yorker magazine covers…and she was gracious and frank about what her focus is and how little she pays attention to “the foolishness” (my words in quotes, not hers)…Tyra has always been iffy in my book…while I think she has potential (if she’ll get over herself), its clear she’s letting her need to be the hot topic cloud her judgement. Here’s hoping she becomes more discerning about her projects. jd
August 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Tyra has always been an attention seeking wh–re. It has to be about her ALL the time. I always tell friends, Tyra has the potential to be HUGE, however, her quest to sell herself 24hours a day is ruining her chances. Have you ever listened to her when she interviews? Few ocassions would she focus on the individuals. And this Obama thing, she was not forced into it: At her age? C’mon. Since when has Tyra not loved controversy?
I was informed yesterday that civil rights group ala Sharpton etc. are planning to address such poor judgements after elections. Since they know the devasting effects that this could have on the Obama campaign…I am not his biggest fan(Barack) but I think Tyra lacks judgement BIg TIme.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Hello there!
I think that SOMEONE told Tyra that they would do a satirical photo and that it would be tasteful and Tyra didn’t think too deeply about the implications of it.
(shaking my head)
I do think that black women need to examine their idolatry of Michelle Obama…yes…she is a successful black woman in a successful marriage….she is NOT rare among black women…there are PLENTY of successful black women in this country who have had successful careers….all are not married…
Being married to the president is prestigious…but Michelle is a person… putting her on a pedastal is a bit….well…disheartening…some black women act as though Michelle is the very first successful black women that they have seen…. there are successful black women married to heads of state in other countries…
One sista is a princess and she’s from the U.S. and very few black magazines even feature her!!
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
August 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
GREAT POST.
WHITE HOUSE-WHITE CASTLE?
It might have sounded like a good idea at the time…but wow. I would have called the whole thing off as soon as I saw myself in that purple dress.
So hard sometimes to judge the levels of sabotage and appropriation. I’m jsut glad Michelle’s response to it all is pitch-perfect.
Hey Lisa! DUNAMIS GF.