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CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: Michelle Obama

MICHELLE OBAMA’S complexion could spell the end of colourism in Hollywood, a recent forum found.

It was suggested that the First Lady’s appeal since her husband President Barack Obama took office has helped change how beauty and attractiveness are defined in Hollywood and beyond.

“There are already signs that the answer is a resounding yes,” writes Keli Goff, who hosted the conversation in conjunction with New York Women in Film and Television and the Fox Broadcasting company recently.

Goff notes Hollywood’s chequered history of tending to favour lighter-skinned actresses for lead roles has often left darker-skinned stars without work.

She wrote: “There appears to be a formula: Black male paired with lighter-skinned black female or nonblack female.”

Something she says has changed since President Obama took office and wife Michelle rose to prominence.

“The world's most powerful and influential black man, paired with a woman who is darker than he is - has helped change how beauty and attractiveness are defined in Hollywood and beyond.”

She added: “Perhaps the greatest testament to the Obamas' impact is that the hottest on-screen couple at the moment is President Fitzgerald Grant [actor Tony Goldwyn] and Olivia Pope [played by actress Kerry Washington], of ABC's Scandal.”

Much like the Obamas, “In this case the actress is darker than her leading man - much so,” Goff says.

“This pairing as the foundation of a major television show, on a major television network, would likely have not been perceived as realistic just a few years ago. But now that the nation's definitions of femininity and womanhood are embodied by a darker-skinned first lady, the pairing no longer seems so surprising.”

Last year pop star Beyoncé penned an open letter to the First Lady calling her he 'ultimate example of a truly strong African-American woman'

She wrote: "No matter the pressure and the stress of being under the microscope, she's humble, loving and sincere.

“I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you to look up to," she continued.

“By starring in America's most enviable black love story, the Obamas have forever changed our image of what romantic leading men and leading ladies look like. Here's hoping that Hollywood continues following their lead,” Goff said.