Catrina Stewart, of the Associated Press, expressed concern about the first lady’s upcoming trip to Moscow. Although Mrs. Obama was a hit in Western Europe, she will likely face challenges in Russia, a nation not known for its fondness for women with political influence.
In a country where a presidential candidate once quipped he’d sooner pack his wife off to a convent than allow her to dabble in politics, Russia still has trouble with the concept of an empowered woman behind the throne.
“The institution of first lady in Russia is still quite young,” said Alyona Doletskaya, editor of Russian Vogue and doyenne of the Moscow fashion scene. “So there are no huge expectations on the part of Russian public.”
Stewart used the experience of former Russian first lady Raisa Gorbachev as an example. She was loved and admired throughout the west but did not enjoy similar warmth in the Soviet Union.
Russia has known one iconic first lady in modern times: Raisa Gorbachev, wife of the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who was much loved around the world for breaking with tradition by appearing regularly in public with her husband, embracing high fashion and firing off wisecracks during official foreign trips.
But she earned little affection for her boldness in Russia, where she was seen as strong-willed and ambitious.
Russian first ladies generally keep a low profile due to norms within their society. The sharp contrast with American first ladies may be a challenge for both Michelle Obama and Russian society.
Posted by LorMarie
14 Comments, Comment or Ping
Dee
This seems a little along the lines of the “pre-emptive lament” launched by one L.A. newspaper – that I think it was either Gina or Admin posted on – before the President and First Lady headed to London, earlier this year.
Now – just as was the case with the L.A. tabloid, then – I really don’t know what the “concern” is about….
With Michelle being the diligent and conscientious First Lady that she is, she’ll have, no doubt, done her homework; she’ll have made sure that she’s informed and aware of cultural differences and expectations, and got herself thoroughly prepared for her trip to Moscow.
(I am so looking forward to her arrival there. You’d think it was me who’s heading for Russia!)
Jul 5th, 2009
admin
I’m so glad you wrote about this, I was going to write about it if someone didn’t. I hope all goes well for her over there. I know she knows how to act, but will they?
Jul 5th, 2009
Dee
As was the case when one L.A. tabloid had a “pre-emptive lament” before the President and First Lady first headed for London, earlier this year, I really don’t know what the “concern” is about….
With Michelle being the diligent and conscientious First Lady that she is, she’ll have, no doubt, done her homework; she’ll have made sure that she’s informed and aware of cultural differences and expectations, and got herself thoroughly prepared for her trip to Moscow.
I can’t wait for her arrival, there!
Jul 5th, 2009
LorMarie
Let’s just say that I will be quite surprised if she gets respect over there. I still haven’t gotten over a filthy comment made about Condoleeza Rice by a Russian politician. What might save her is being in the company of the president,her husband.
Jul 5th, 2009
Dee
Lormarie, I understand exactly where you’re coming from, and at the same time, given that I’m still aghast at the American G.O.P politician who put the First Lady and gorilla so disrespectfully in the same sentence, I’m going to be optimistic and expect that the Russian people who meet Michelle, will be keen to show themselves and their country at their/its shining best.
Jul 5th, 2009
Michelle Fan
Thanks for posting this information, very insightful. I agree with DEE, the 1st Lady is big on doing her research. Plus, maybe the Russians should use this time to show that they are interested in making small steps in being “polite.”
Jul 5th, 2009
S. Renee
It’s a done deal! Michelle has the Wow! Factor and no one and their “rules” can take that from her. No discussion needed. She knows what to do.
- S. Renee
Jul 5th, 2009
Robin
Yeah Like in London and Europe They Loved Her Over There There Will Be No Problem With Russia Because They Will Love Her Too.
Jul 5th, 2009
grace
I read in an interview with the President by a Russian Journalist, stating that the Russian already love Michelle, because of her garden. In Russia, everybody has a garden, so I think it’s a good thing to start with.
Video on their departure from the White House!
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Politics/2009/07/05/Obama-departs-for-Russian/1246843104.html
Jul 5th, 2009
Regina
“Russian Interviewer Says White House Kitchen Garden Has Made First Lady Michelle Obama More Popular Than President Obama In Russia”: http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2009/07/russian-intervewer-says-white-house.html
Jul 5th, 2009
grace
Pictures of the family departure to Russia!
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens/419
Jul 6th, 2009
LorMarie
Dee,
True, I think optimism is key. I’ll be the first to eat my words.
Jul 6th, 2009
grace
They have arrived in Russia!
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/88846917/AFP
Jul 6th, 2009
Mirrored bedroom furniture
I’m convinced the Russians will love Mrs O.
Jul 6th, 2009