Years later, after I'd met and married my husband-a man who is light-skinned to some and dark-skinned to others, who speaks like an Ivy League–educated black Hawaiian raised by white middle-class Kansans-I'd see this confusion play out on the national stage among whites and blacks alike, the need to situate someone inside his or her ethnicity and the frustration that comes when it can't easily be done. America would bring to Barack Obama the same questions my cousin was unconsciously putting to me that day on the stoop: Are you what you appear to be?
In the book "Becoming," Michelle Obama reflects on her personal experiences with racial identity and societal perceptions. After marrying her husband, she notices how his varied complexion and background lead to confusion about his ethnicity. This reflects a broader national struggle among both white and black communities to categorize individuals based on appearance and heritage, which often leads to frustration when identities don't fit neatly into expected boxes.
Michelle connects this to her own experiences, highlighting a pivotal moment when her cousin questioned her ethnicity. She draws a parallel to the public's inquiries about Barack Obama's identity, suggesting that America frequently grapples with similar uncertainties regarding race and identity. This ongoing challenge illustrates the complexities of belonging and perception in a diverse society.
