Celebrating Michelle Obama’s Legacy in ‘Becoming’

Michelle Obama hardly needs a Netflix documentary to celebrate her legacy as the distinguished advocate and role model she became over the past 12 years. Nevertheless, “Becoming” accurately depicts Obama's inspiring influence, which has transformed countless lives throughout the United States and abroad. She has not only received international recognition as the right-hand woman to the first –– and, so far, only –– Black president of the United States, but has also made significant strides as a prominent leader herself.

“Becoming” depicts Obama's likeable personality and heartfelt passion for other people’s aspirations, showcasing her life through interviews and conversations with her family and members of the communities she occupies. The film walks the audience through Obama's childhood experiences growing up with a loving family on the South Side of Chicago, pursuing degrees from both Princeton and Harvard, and even the initial spark with her then-future husband, former president Barack Obama. Obama speaks freely throughout the film and constantly attributes her successes to her supporters and life experiences, as is evident in her motivational exchanges with other women, people of color, and individuals from all walks of life sprinkled throughout the documentary. She articulates the difficulties of becoming the target of criticism for many media platforms as the Obamas entered the White House, and highlights the stress of balancing her roles as both a mother and African American leader in “a time of firsts.”

“Becoming” interweaves the struggles of Obama's early life with her lifestyle today to reinforce its central message: that interconnected life experiences can shape our identities. While our experiences are crucial to defining who we are today, each person has a say in who they become. A person is not a static existence, but rather a dynamic and resilient force. Obama herself is a prime example of this. When asked how her life was “interrupted” by the inauguration of her husband, she asserts that while her husband's Presidency has created a new path for her, it only serves as a contributing factor in her identity, which is indisputably rooted in her past. She argues for the roles of both fortitude in the past and freedom in the present in shaping one's identity.

“Becoming” depicts Obama in an empathetic and amiable light. She is a source of encouragement to those who, like her, come from a disadvantaged background and aspire to greatness. Throughout the film, Obama constantly returns to the theme of finding strength in one's own identity, especially in the face of adversity. Her confidence in the youth of the nation and their futures is manifest as she hears their narratives and pushes them to challenge themselves — just as she has — even in times of doubt. Because of Obama's sincere resilience and continuous support as a mother, friend, and wife, “Becoming” draws viewers closer to her relatable story.

In the shadow of former president Barack Obama’s presidency, it is easy to undervalue Michelle Obama’s impact as someone who was “only the First Lady.” Fortunately, “Becoming” does not in any form take away from her rightly-earned ovation — it fully commits to telling her story from her perspective. It does her legacy justice, while instilling faith in a brighter future in the face of incessant issues with distant solutions. Obama's strong-willed persona inspires a more confident future –– one that will not be without trial but, as her story exemplifies, is possible nonetheless. Perhaps inspiration is the true message of Obama’s memoir: Her story is a potential one for all. Becoming and embracing herself is her legacy, and will continue to give others the courage to do the same.

–Staff writer Angelina Shoemaker can be reached at angelina.shoemaker@thecrimson.com.