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Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates - Ta-Nehisi Coates is a senior editor for The Atlantic, where he writes about culture, politics, and social issues for TheAtlantic.com and the magazine. He is the author of the memoir The Beautiful Struggle. More

Born in 1975, the product of two beautiful parents. Raised in West Baltimore—not quite The Wire, but sometimes ill all the same. Studied at the Mecca for some years in the mid-’90s. Emerged with a purpose, if not a degree. Slowly migrated up the East Coast with a baby and my beloved, until I reached the shores of Harlem. Wrote some stuff along the way.

A truly sexist remark

By Ta-Nehisi Coates
Sep 26 2008, 8:49 PM ET Comment

Uhm, I was just sitting here working on a post with MSNBC on mute, and glancing up occasionally. I just saw Barack and Michelle walking in. Uhm, Michelle is dope, like really dope--a dime-piece as we used to say, back in the day. That was a great fucking dress she was wearing. I don't think white people get this--or maybe you guys do. From her very physical appearance (hips, height, complexion) to her pedigree (South Side, Ivy League) Michelle is exactly what black folks would have wanted a "First Lady" to be. It's like she was dreamed up in "Black First Lady" factory or some shit. Incredible.

I've wanted to say that for a while, but I haven't because, frankly, I'm nervous about saying anything about her physical appearance. I've done my best to be respectful. I'd ask any commenters--without feeling restrained--to attempt to do the same.


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