You hit below the belt, Rush. Well, actually right at the waistline.
Rush Limbaugh once again railed against Michelle Obama’s national anti-obesity campaign on Monday, this time with an insult about the First Lady’s figure. Sure, calling out hypocrites is the place of many a television and radio personality, but we’re confused about what he meant. He said she didn’t look like a swimsuit model. We can agree with that. She looks like a strong, healthy woman, and that’s something poor Rush can’t ogle at, unlike the women-turned-objects on many magazine covers.
We usually give decided eyerolls when confronted with over-the-top feminism, but we’ve noticed that time and again Michelle Obama has been examined for her fashion sense or other aspects of her appearance while ignored for her other actions and roles. Much the same holds true for other female public figures, even if they are acting in the role of mothers, politicians or other professionals. The media perpetuate this idea by implying that having the perfect shape (whatever that is) and being on the cutting edge of fashion are the best things a woman can do. This isn’t the 1960s.
The First Lady is addressing one of our most pertinent health issues. She’s trying to help. You can complain about it if you want, Rush, but what have you helped do for our nation’s health, other than raise blood pressure for fans and enemies alike?
