Michelle Obama Is Not Bald
First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on the gameshow Jeopardy Tuesday night to talk about her favorite subject: healthy eating and exercising. She quizzed the contestants on ideal lunchtime meals for kids, but the line of questioning took a turn when FLOTUS found herself facing inquisitive viewers on social media asking whether or not she was bald.
“Why does Michelle Obama look bald on #jeopardy?” Chelsea asked, joining in a chorus of many on Twitter inquiring about Obama’s look. The answer? Her hair was slicked back into a tight ponytail. The harsh lighting reflecting off of hair products combined with a straight-on camera angle made her look bald on TV.
Obama is undeniably not bald. The segment on the long-running show was pre-recorded weeks ago and the First Lady’s been pictured in Japan with plenty of hair on her head in a chic shoulder-length cut. While many were perplexed by the alleged new look, the reaction to her potential buzz cut is what’s even more shocking.
Of all the things in the world to be concerned about, Michelle Obama’s hair, really? http://t.co/LUyab8gaBL
— Tracey Evelyn Reed (@TraceyEvelynInc) March 25, 2015
Can’t stand the disgusting comments about Michelle Obama’s hair. Have some respect. #whydoievenreadit
— Lexi Small (@lexismall) March 25, 2015
Even political media is discussing Michelle Obama’s hair. A preview of more Hillary Hair stories. Good times. #sexism
— Sarah Reese Jones (@srjones66) March 25, 2015
It’s amazing how Michelle Obama gets on TV with her hair slicked back to talk about health yet the story is about how she looks bald. Bravo.
— Jada (@Jadapooks) March 25, 2015
Michelle Obama’s natural hair may not look good, but uhm..she has a law degree from Harvard and she’s the 1st lady.. So screw your opinion
— Nel Stefani (@DaRealNel) March 25, 2015
Why is Obama wearing her hair in a different style such cause of concern? Is it because she’s a black woman? That she might be wearing her hair naturally as opposed to a wig or relaxing her locks? Or is that the particular style could detract from her femininity? Whatever the reason everyone sounded-off en-masse, the fact is the conversation is focused on the wrong aspect: the First Lady hoped to bring attention to a cause about which she cares deeply, one for which she’s tried very hard to institute change.
Like many women, Obama’s often the victim of chatter around her looks instead of her worth. On a recent diplomatic trip to Japan and Cambodia, her designer dresses from Kenzo and Altuzarra earned more buzz than her empowering speeches on the importance of education for girls. Unfortunately, Obama isn’t the only woman who is a victim of being treated strictly as a mannequin for wearing nice clothes. Actresses on the red carpet routinely get asked “What are you wearing?” or about work-life balance while when men are approached by reporters about their roles and careers. This double-standard has reached such fever pitch within the entertainment industry that some stars refuse to answer questions surrounding their material possessions and the #AskHerMore movement has begun to truly change the discussion.
Talking about dresses, makeup, and hair will never not be attached to talk surrounding women, it’s just the nature of the media beast (coupled with the public’s genuine interest in what everyone’s wearing). But it’s also important to put style into context: Sure, Obama looked amazing in Dries Van Noten, but her Let Girls Learn initiative is even more impressive; her hair did look a little off on TV, but she’s also discussing the obesity epidemic plaguing the United States and trying her hardest to combat it.
With Hillary Clinton (maybe) running for President in 2016, there’s still time to learn how to find a happy medium.
More from Yahoo Style:
24-Hours With the First Lady Michelle Obama in Japan
Why First Lady Michelle Obama & Beauty Vlogger Michelle Phan Make a Perfect Pair
Michelle Obama’s Outfit Makes More Than Just a Fashion Statement
