What does the First Lady have to do with the Oscars?

1. 95

   cat on a soapboxposted 11 years ago

   What does the First Lady have to do with the Oscars?
   
   Did Michelle Obama enhance the Academy Awards?  Was this an endorsement of the NEA? What are your thoughts?

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2. 61

   Lisa HWposted 11 years ago

   I can respect the "endorsement of the NEA", but my reaction to seeing her show up was, "Here's yet another thing an Obama sticks his/her face in."        Even it the aim was good, I just think the Oscars belong to the people directly involved with their particular craft.  There are all kinds of ways she could do other things to endorse/promote the arts.  Some people might see it as "an honor" to have her show up.  I see it as at least potential that someone from the White House (she, her husband, her kids, whoever) has the potential of upstaging whoever/whatever  got the award.  I just think part of leadership is knowing when to step back and let whoever it is that is having "their moment" have it without others horning in.  (Of course, maybe her role isn't seen as a "leader" .  Either way, though (and her actions generally don't indicate that she doesn't see her role as a leader) I just think the particular event in question belongs to those who work in that field.  She's got the bully pulpit 365 days a year until he's out of office, and even beyond, I imagine, if she wants it.  Those people have Academy Awards once a year.  I saw it as tacky, but - who knows - maybe they were all thrilled to have her show up.   

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   1. 95

      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Your points are expressed well, and I agree with you!  Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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3. 59

   Mike Marksposted 11 years ago

   she wanted to come off like "regular folk just like you and me digging movies"... we like to side/vote for them people who are just like you and me... yeah, I don't think the academy should have endorsed that... but then, all those pretty millionaires, along with Obama, are anything but just like you and me... and millionaires for what? as McFarlene pointed out, for doing something even a nine year old can do. (not that I don't enjoy and often love movies, don't get me wrong, but it still is what it is, very rich folks pretending to be poor so we can identitfy with their tales for emotion manipulation)

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   1. 95

      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would have preferred a "freside chat" kind of approach- feet up on the ottoman w/ the dog, family, and popcorn. " Barack and I would like to convey our best wishes to all the nominees and thank all for the great movies. Enjoy the Oscars!"

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