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The Sasha & Malia Effect
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American Beauty
First Daughters Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, Obama have sent modeling agencies into a frenzy with clients demanding child models that resemble the adorable pair. With advertising agencies eager to capitalize on the fascination of America’s new First Family, the girls have sparked a new interest in Black beauty. Now, more than ever, advertisers are projecting positive African-American images. ESSENCE.com explores how the Obama Effect is diversifying mainstream media.
By Qianna Smith
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When the Obama's stepped in office I was so proud to know that we as a people had achieved a great milestone that would inspire "us" for generations to come. It NEVER crossed my mind that "white folks" or mainstream to be politically correct, would affirm and esteem us. It's kind of interesting. It's kind of cool too. But, I think business people will do anything for marketing. I said all that to say that I hope that it's not just a trend but the beginning of permanent change. God Bless.
Posted at 7:36PM on April 2nd 2009 by Latice
I think what everyone fails to realize is when they say "look like" they are referring to color. These agencies are in a frenzy looking for beautiful little black girfls..not the actual look alike
Posted at 11:16PM on April 1st 2009 by TeA Hillary
nobody will be able to look like the president daughters. ariel's mother need to stop trying to get rich off of that poor little girl on that runway who couldn't even hold her head up properly. i blame the mother of this child and the dumb writer for this so-called artical.
Posted at 1:59AM on April 1st 2009 by virgo6
I totally love that first picture of the 3 Obama ladies together. The mother, Michelle in the front, Sasha in the middle and Malia in the background. I bet someone could make a nice portrait out of it.
Posted at 2:32PM on March 31st 2009 by devans00
Joan, I have to agree with you. Ariel is a cute little girl but she looks nothing like Sasha, even if you close one eye and squint out the other. The comparison really wasn't necessary.
Posted at 1:09PM on March 31st 2009 by bebi
I'm in complete agreement with Imani below. We don't need white mainstream media to validate our beauty. However, by having these young girls provide a different and positive insight to the expansive experience of African Americans (e.g. not all of us were raised in the poor households) we can limit the harmful stereotypes that continue to prevail in the mainstream media.
Posted at 12:44PM on March 31st 2009 by aishadl
Sasha and Malia are indeed very beautiful and they come from beautiful parents. I see beautiful black girls all the time, this is nothing new, Black has always been beautiful.
Posted at 11:41AM on March 31st 2009 by Aloma Law
MALIA AND SASHA ARE INDEED BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRLS. BLACK DIDN'T JUST BECOME BEAUTIFUL OVERNIGHT IT HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE. IT'S JUST ASHAME THAT IT TOOK SO LONG FOR WHITE AMERICA TO SEE US AS WE TRULY ARE. WE COME IN A VARIETY OF FLAVORS, NOT JUST ONE. MALIA AND SASHA ARE GOOD IMAGES FOR YOUNGER BLACK GIRLS. BUT THEY CAN'T HELP BUT LOOK GOOD LOOK AT THEIR PARENTS. I LOVE THE WAY MICHELLE DRESS THEM. FASHIONABLE BUT NOT FLASHY. YOU DON'T NEED TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON A OUTFIT FOR A CHILD LIKE SOME OF THOSE SUPERSTAR PARENTS. IT'S A WASTE OF MONEY. GOOD JOB MOM! GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Posted at 10:54AM on March 31st 2009 by JACKEY
I'm so proud & happy to have some great young ladies, Sasha & Malia, for our our African-American girls to emulate. Thanks for a great article.
Posted at 9:57AM on March 31st 2009 by Rose
Ariel (5th photo) does not look like sasha. gimme a break
Posted at 9:31AM on March 31st 2009 by joan