Yellow is the IN color of 2009

Above the Seattle Times headline “Jobless jolt hits Seattle area, state” is a picture of a smiling, waving Michelle Obama dressed in her yellow Isabel Toldeo dress. "'In' color for 2009...is yellow" is what reads next to her image although, other prestigious publications like the BBC online edition call the “jury out” on her inauguration style. Headlines of the century? I think not. Among other infatuations with the First Family are Sasha and Malia dolls, Obama cupcakes, rap songs made into remixes of the President’s inauguration speech, and t-shirts – oh, the t-shirts! Obama’s face has become an iconic symbol painted onto canvas, sprayed onto walls and posters, printed on t-shirts, and frosted onto baked goods. Impressive, I know, but what does this mean to a country in crisis? Is there any real substance in an image or mass product goods?

It is hard not to be swept up in the wave of excitement that has overcome our nation since November 4th, 2008 but we must ask if what we truly find inspiration in is the Obama message or image. He is young and fit but is anyone really listening to what he says? The Inauguration Day itself was a sight to be seen but what of it? As a nation facing an economic crisis and a long running war abroad, I argue that we must not be blinded by the fresh new paint on the White House. Instead, we must remain critical of our government and their actions. Not all is solved with the introduction of a new leader. The fairytale hasn't necessarily come true - yet. So while Michelle Obama's style is appealing and Sash and Malia capture our hearts, American citizens should remember what is at stake. Perhaps publications like the Seattle Times and the BBC should be more careful in what they select as "news." Obama-mania is intriguing but it is not the narrative of our lives. News media should not lessen the importance and seriousness of today's politics by trading it in for articles proclaiming Michelle's "in" yellow as the color of 2009.