Much of the chatter about the selfie President Barack Obama took with fellow world leaders Tuesday has focused on Michelle Obama’s disapproving look. But the photographer who snapped the photo says she was just as game for the fun as the president, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt.
Photographer Roberto Schmidt writes on AFP:
I later read on social media that Michelle Obama seemed to be rather peeved on seeing the Danish prime minister take the picture. But photos can lie. In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance.
And Schmidt is no fan of all the critics saying it was inappropriate for Obama and Co. to go all selfie on a solemn occasion like Nelson Mandela’s memorial.
It was interesting to see politicians in a human light because usually when we see them it is in such a controlled environment. Maybe this would not be such an issue if we, as the press, would have more access to dignitaries and be able to show they are human as the rest of us.
I confess too that it makes me a little sad we are so obsessed with day-to-day trivialities, instead of things of true importance.