The Low-Down on Michelle Obama’s Shorts

First Lady Obama is a well-educated and articulate woman, who has the sense and sensibility to determine the contents of her own wardrobe.  It is ludicrous to waste time discussing the length of her shorts unless that topic somehow pertains to something important, like the health care crisis in America.  If there is a connection between the two, it would behoove news agencies to point out how Michelle Obama’s shorts and the health care crisis impact each other.  If anything, wearing cool, sensible clothing in the middle of the Grand Canyon, where she was on vacation, only increases likelihood of health maintenance by reducing the potential for overheating.

It may conceivably be appropriate for “fashionistas”   to engage in a lively debate about the color and style choices of her shorts ensemble, but commentary coming from any other media source only points out the woefully inadequate attention given to serious news issues by media outlets.  A more pertinent news topic would be people who do not have shorts and really need them.  Poverty is a serious problem in the United States and across the globe. Media outlets should be spending their time promoting awareness about the inequities in global distribution of resources.  Such inequities are often the causes of health disparities and lack of public health education.

When media outlets do not take opportunities, such as the ridiculous attention given to First Lady Obama’s shorts, and turn them into objective, informative educational pieces, they are insulting the intelligence of their readers.  Why do we not see a “fashionista” taking up this gauntlet and educating readers about the importance of donating used clothing, purchasing fair trade clothing and showing kindness to those who cannot afford a $500 pair of shorts?  Why do we not see a feminist writer pointing out the obvious:  it has been completely appropriate for females in Michelle Obama’s circle to wear low necklines, why is a high leg line any different? What is happening politically and socially to spark such an inquisition? 

It is time that readers express opposition to such silly behavior by the media and insist upon more thorough and thought provoking news pieces; even if those news pieces are only a few hundred words in length.