Shikha Dalmia on the Soft Power of Michelle Obama's Designer Wardrobe
How it was a force for good against India's color prejudice
Michelle Obama's conservative critics might be tempted to dismiss her love of fashion and clothes as a frivolous self-indulgence. But by taking herself — and her appearance — seriously, notes Reason Foundation Senior Analyst Shikha Dalmia, she might have done more good in India than the president's hyped up deals on climate change, nuclear energy or regional security.
In a land of skin-whitening creams, she proudly showcased her skin color, giving her dark-skinned Indian sisters a boost up in scaling the country's formidable color wall.