When I first saw our elegant First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of Glamour online featured as one of their Women of The Year 2009, I swooned. You could call me a Presidential groupie if you want (no Monica Lewinsky) but I heart Mrs. Obama and her equally fabulous husband. She is the epitome of style, poise, grace, and intelligence and she does it so effortlessly, I am simply in awe. Of course, who else would Glamour choose as one of their Women of the Year? Michelle has crossed every boundary imaginable as her and husband has risen to unthinkable heights as the first black Mr. and Mrs. to run the White House. But as much as I am overfilled with joy to see Michelle grace the cover and achieve this honor, I was more upset when I got my copy in the mail which had Rihanna on it.
Let me back up for a moment. I stan for Rihanna. I heart her. I enjoy her music, fashionista qualities, and she has overcome a lot this year. But should she be named one of the Women of the Year? I think not. There are so many women who deserve that title. And honestly, if the Bajan beauty had not been abused by her ex-boyfriend and pop star Chris Brown, would she have been included on the list? I think this was a terrible choice on the behalf of Glamour magazine, but I also know that scandal and popularity sells magazines, and that is ultimately the goal of its publishers.
Another tale of selling out for the almighty dollar.
Who are the 12 Women of the Year Glamour chose? Let’s see: Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver, Stella McCartney, Amy Poehler, Marissa Mayer (Google), Serena Williams, Jane Aronson (Adoption advocate), Susan Rice (UN Ambassador), Euna Lee and Laura Ling, Maya Angelou, and RIHANNA.
One of these things does not fit. Can you guess? And before you say Amy Poehler, I am slightly on the fence about her as well. But Amy (along with Tina Fey) has risen in the ranks in a mostly male dominated comedy genre as a formidable entertainer and that deserves kudos IMO).
Again, I am not throwing any hate or shade on Rihanna. She is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment business but I think we need to see more of how her career and her past domestic abuse has shaped her than to just hand over the title to her. I think its much too early to make that type of determination now for she is still healing. I don’t see any PSA’s or her lending her voice to the cause for a domestic abuse agency. So no other than being in the spotlight while going through the ordeal, how does she deserve to be on this list?
Your thoughts?
The Glamour cover with Michelle Obama.
My cover which I received with Rihanna.
I must say RhiRhi has grown on me over the years.. At first I was hesitant to except her as an artist.. But due to her boss man Jayz – I chose to ride with her.. After all she is apart of the Roc Nation..however since her interview on 2O/2O and the article in glamour -I have loss respect for her as a women..Definitely not a women of the year,I wouldve chosen..so many more that couldve taken her spot such as Keri Hilson MaryJ,Monica,Ciara or even Monique atleast these women have something positive to share…hell I would even respect Glamour for choosing Lady GaGa(haha)..sorry Rhianna you should have spoke out much sooner..not wait til your Album release to tell all??.. Its disrespectful to all abused and battered women out there.Rhianna had a opportunity to speak up, for some reason what she has to say now is not important anymore..Everything she has said, is without emotion and very tacky!!..We all know that this is promotions/marketing 101 for her upcoming album release..Hopefully she see’s the bigger picture and shut the hell up.. Cuz her window of opportunity to share and encourage is closed especially for the victims of domestic violence…”Jus Hush Rhianna!”,and I say this with “L-O-V-E” love..
Your choice of Mo'Nique is dead on. Here is a woman who has overcome rape and has grown her career immensely. She has proved she is no overnight success. And with the release of Precious, she is a top contender for an Oscar nomination next year. Talk about triumph! But Rihanna. I still think she has a way to go before she can be placed in that category of women doing extraordinary things.
I totally agree with your commentary. I do feel like the magazine's publishers made the Rihanna decision based on saleability, and maybe trying to find some one young and hip. Though I applaud her decision to leave Chris that decision alone isn't worthy of the title Woman of the Year. Had she really been proactive about being vocal and helping young girls that would be a different story. Everyone deals with their pain differently and being in the public spotlight had to have been hard, so I'm not attacking her for not making more of a stand, but doing so would have made her worthy of such an honor being included with the likes of the First Lady and Maya Angelou.
Very well put. I also don't like the fact that she is coming out to tell her side of the story coincidentally right before her album drops. I think that she should've spoken about this topic months ago, especially since so many young girls look up to her. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Great blog BTW! And kudos for being spotlighted on BlogsHerColor!
Well, it can't be as bad as Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize… talk about needing to see more of a career and actions than just handing over a title!!