Babs just announced First Lady Michelle Obama as the most fascinating person of 2009. Of course, the list includes Glenn Beck and Kate Gosselin, but I agree 100%. Some folks say the First Lady’s gone from an Ivy-League educated lawyer to the First Lady of Fashion - arm candy that should take on more issues - but I wholeheartedly disagree. Rome wasn’t built in a day people.

It excites me that we’re being barraged with positive images of African-American men and women – images that run counter to what the world is used to seeing. Side note: can someone make Nikki Minaj go away? And will Tyler, Eddie and Martin stop dressing up in fat suits? Can BET cancel Tiny and Toya?

I love entertainment as much as the next person, but one of my ongoing gripes is that there’s no balance in how we’re portrayed and in how we portray ourselves. Having been in the corporate world for almost eight years, I, like many others, have experienced the stereotypes. It excites me that people are seeing another side of the black experience that many think don’t exist (including ourselves).

I’m veering away from the entertainment angle of this post, but this is definitely a conversation worth having. Only, it seems that we keep having it and nothing ever changes.     

But back to Babs. Do you agree with this list? Who else should be on it?

First Lady Michelle Obama

Lady Gaga (I like her music but she scares me)

Glenn Beck (I don’t have the energy)

Tyler Perry (can’t knock the hustle)

Kate Gosselin

Liza Minelli Adam Lambert (sorry, but his voice reminds me of her)

Sarah Palin (some things are better left unsaid)

Brett Favre

 Jenny Sanford (Yes!)

MJ’s kids