The Exchange of Power

I once worked as a Junior Development person for a Non-profit organization. Part of my function there was to Event Plan. Perhaps, the last event that I worked on before I left, was one aimed at getting, then, Senator Obama to come to one of our functions. Truly, he was the function – but, whatever. Anyhow, to do this, I had to pretty much become a stalker. But what’s interesting is not how I stalked, but who I stalked. I had the (dis)pleasure of tracking the movements of Michele Obama. See, at that time, she was really where the money was. She was the breadwinner of the household and the decider of most things having to do with Senator Obama. Now, she gets to play the role of First Wife?

 As I was thinking about that scenario, I started to think about the conflicts that must occur between women and men when shifts in power happen so suddenly. How does a woman deal with that?

 For many years, I’ve lived my life knowing that I can’t depend on a man to do it for me. And to tell you the truth, I’ve never wanted a man to pay all my bills. I happen to like making money and being able to call the shots for myself. But like Kanye said, “all my independent chicks – trade it in for a husband and some kids…”that’s truly how some women feel. There are times when I think I would be willing to – but that’s only if the stakes weren’t too high? Let me break down what I mean.

 Mrs. Obama graduated at the top of her class and was making a great deal of money. I can only imagine that she is probably a very highly motivated woman who likes the power of being a provider. What’s more interesting about it all though – was her ability to be a mother that was very much in the lives of her children. But, then again, as the sole supporter of the family at one point in time, perhaps Mr. Obama took care of the household stuff. Who knows? Who cares?

 The question I have is this, is it easy for a woman who is used to being the breadwinner of her family, to take a role behind her man without there being some sort of issue? There has been much talk about the First Lady getting paid. I don’t think that’s a crazy idea – especially understanding the background of Mrs. Obama. She’s not coming from being a trophy wife somewhere. What she’s used to is getting out there and making money.

 I would be interested to know how my fellow “independent” chicks think they would approach a situation like the Obama’s. Granted, I know that there is probably nothing better than being the President of the U.S. But, if you were head of the finances, and decision making in your home and it suddenly switched, would you be willing to just give that all up and wear a different hat?