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Michelle Obama Says 'Angry Black Woman' Label Rooted In Fear

Michelle Obama: 'We are feeling what not having hope feels like'

In a new clip from Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey's forthcoming interview, the two talk about the "angry black woman" stereotype that has plagued Michelle throughout her eight years in the White House.

The two minute long teaser finds Michelle explaining how she feels whenever she hears that label being placed upon her, and how she feels it is rooted in fear.

"That was one of those things that you just sort of think 'Dang, you don't even know me, you know,'" the FLOTUS told Oprah. "You just sort of feel like 'Wow, where did that come from?'"

"You think, that is so not me. But then you sort of think, well, this isn't about me," she added. "This is about the person or the people who write it."
The "angry black woman" stereotype was addressed by Michelle following the release of a 2012 book, in which the author depicted Michelle as clashing with some members of the West wing staff.
Still, Michelle says the problematic label is not only the product of fear, but people determining a person's values from their race, religion or other factors, instead of their ethics and principles.
"We are so afraid of each other, you know," she said. "Color, wealth, these things that don't matter still play too much of a role in how we see one another. And it's sad, because the thing that least defines us as people is the color of our skin, the size of our bank account. None of that matters."
Even as Barack and Michelle Obama prepare their leave from the White House, they are still attacked by harmful labels and stereotypes. One woman recently called Michelle an "ape in heels," and was temporarily suspended from her job only to return to it shortly after.
The full interview between Michelle and Oprah will air in full today (Monday) on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. This will serve as Michelle’s last interview as First Lady of the United States. Check out the preview clip below, as well as another one in which Michelle discusses the importance of hope, here.