Megyn Kelly Disputes Michelle Obama‘s Account of Societal Pressure Regarding Hair
NEW YORK, NY – November 28, 2023 – Megyn Kelly publicly challenged claims made by former First Lady Michelle Obama in her recently released memoir, “Teh look,” asserting that Obama’s assertion that societal standards prevent Black women from embracing their natural hair is “bull-.” Kelly’s comments came during a segment on her podcast, where she argued that the effort women put into their appearance transcends racial boundaries.
Obama’s memoir, released tuesday, details the scrutiny she faced during her time in the white House, including commentary on her clothing and hair. She writes that she felt held to a different standard and that public ”captivation” with her bare arms was used to ”otherize” her. Kelly responded by stating, “Only in Michelle Obama’s warped mind, do White people not like them, unless their hair looks like White hair.”
The core of Kelly’s argument centers on the universality of women’s desire to improve upon their natural appearance.”The nerve of this woman to pretend that Black women are the only women who have to spend a bunch of time getting their natural hair, to, quote, ’conform to these alleged society standards’ because virtually every woman I no, every woman, spends a s- ton of time on her hair and wants it to look better than God made it,” Kelly stated. She further questioned why Obama framed the issue as uniquely affecting Black women, asking, “Can you tell the White women? How about the Asians? How about Indian women?”
This debate arrives as conversations surrounding natural hair and racial identity continue to gain prominence.The CROWN Act, legislation prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, has been adopted in numerous states, reflecting a growing awareness of the challenges faced by Black women regarding hair in professional and social settings.Though, Kelly contends that the struggle to achieve desired hairstyles is not exclusive to any one group.
Obama concludes in ”The Look” that she was “honored” when women told her thay felt more cozy showing their arms after seeing her do so, viewing it as a symbol of strength. Kelly’s critique, though, suggests a disagreement with the underlying premise that Obama faced unique obstacles due to her race.
