By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite intense backlash for a controversial video depicting them as apes, Barack and Michelle Obama issued their first public statements focusing solely on cheering on U.S. athletes at the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The former President expressed pride in the athletes’ talent and perseverance, with his wife echoing his sentiments, calling their journeys inspiring. While President Trump defended the post as an accidental inclusion in a different video, critics, including the NAACP, condemned it as racist, particularly during Black History Month.
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Barack and Michelle Obama have issued their first public statements following intense backlash directed at President Donald Trump for his controversial sharing of a video that depicted the former Democratic president and his wife as apes, yet notably, the couple made absolutely no mention of this specific controversy in their remarks. Instead, their public focus was entirely dedicated to cheering on the U.S. athletes competing in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, a clear indication of their choice to rise above the fray and maintain a dignified stance.
The Obamas’ decision to steer clear of directly addressing Trump’s offensive post is interpreted by many as a demonstration of their inherent class and the dignified manner in which they have always conducted themselves. This approach, often described as “grey rocking” a narcissist, involves withholding the attention and emotional reaction that individuals like Trump seem to crave. By focusing on positive endeavors and supporting athletes, they effectively starve such provocations of the oxygen they need to thrive, demonstrating a strategic disengagement that highlights their own elevated stature.
This deliberate silence is seen as a powerful form of passive resistance, a stark contrast to the often bombastic and attention-seeking behavior that characterizes the current administration. It’s a testament to their ability to remain composed and focused on meaningful pursuits, even when subjected to baseless and insulting attacks. The Obamas, acting as significant public figures, appear to understand that engaging with such provocations would only legitimize them and distract from more important matters, a sentiment echoed in the idea that “never wrestle with a pig; you will just get dirty and the pig will enjoy it.”
Their supporters laud this approach as a masterclass in leadership, emphasizing how putting the spotlight on the U.S. athletes is a truly selfless act, allowing those individuals their well-deserved moment of recognition. It underscores the Obamas’ consistent embodiment of dignity and decorum, reinforcing their image as true leaders who prioritize national pride and athletic achievement over petty political squabbles. This commitment to elevating others, rather than engaging in reciprocal attacks, is precisely what many miss about their time in public life.
The sheer audacity of the ape imagery, particularly in light of Trump’s own history, is not lost on observers. It’s viewed as a tired and uncreative tactic, a rehashing of tired racist tropes that have long been debunked. The notion that such actions would surprise anyone, especially those who have witnessed Trump’s career trajectory, including his promotion of the birther conspiracy theory against Obama, is met with a sense of weary resignation. It’s become so predictable that it evokes a feeling of patting a child on the head and acknowledging their repetitive narrative without genuine engagement.
The Obamas’ choice to ignore Trump’s provocations is also seen as a strategic move to frustrate him. By not providing the expected reaction, they deny him the satisfaction of having unsettled them. This tactic is particularly effective against individuals driven by ego and a need for validation. It’s about starving a narcissist of attention and preventing them from setting the narrative, allowing the Obamas to maintain their own aura and influence without getting dragged into the mud.
While some express a desire for a more direct condemnation, arguing that racism should never go unchallenged, the prevailing sentiment among supporters is that the Obamas are adhering to a higher principle. This aligns with the famous adage, “When they go low, we go high.” It’s a philosophy that suggests meeting animosity with grace and continuing to pursue positive goals, rather than descending to the level of the aggressor. This steadfast commitment to a more elevated standard of discourse is seen as a powerful statement in itself.
The understanding is that Trump’s actions are designed to provoke a reaction, to sow discord, and to divert attention from other pressing issues. By refusing to take the bait, the Obamas effectively neutralize his strategy. Their focus on the Olympians is not just about avoiding controversy; it’s about highlighting a unifying and positive aspect of national pride, something far more constructive than engaging with an insult. This strategic silence, in this context, is viewed as the smartest possible response, a way to deny him the attention and emotional turmoil he seeks.
Ultimately, the Obamas’ decision to focus on the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, rather than engaging with Trump’s offensive imagery, speaks volumes about their character and their commitment to a higher standard of public conduct. It’s a clear demonstration of class, dignity, and strategic thinking, reinforcing their image as individuals who are above petty political games and who remain focused on what truly matters. Their silence, in this instance, is more powerful than any spoken word, a profound refusal to legitimize ignorance and hate.