Obama's fashion influence draws national attention

A few months ago, I suggested that Barack Obama's success could bring about a welcome change in the fashions of African-American boys and young men. Instead of the "gangsta" style, the droopy pants, the oversized T-shirts and hoodies, the gold chains and all the rest popularized by rap singers, young black men might start emulating Obama's sophisticated, Ivy League style. At least one reader accused me of racism for this suggestion.

But on Monday, NPR's "Talk of the Nation" addressed the issue, interviewing Marjorie Valbrun, author of "The New Black Manhood," about the Obama influence she has seen among young blacks, especially boys. Their sense of pride and admiration over the election of this charismatic new president has given them a new role model, one who dresses in traditional suits, wears his hair neatly cropped and exults over his love for his wife and children.

I'm glad to see this issue getting the attention it does. Presidents do influence fashions. President Kennedy's dislike of hats ended the era of hats being a required part of a man's wardrobe. Ronald Reagan's outdoorsy, Western style also influenced fashions. Jimmy Carter's populist, down-home style brought plaid flannel out of the closet. It seems likely that Obama, widely and enthusiastically admired in the black community, will influence fashions, in part because his sophisticated look is such a contrast to the hip-hop/rapper look.

He might also influence another area. Has anybody heard much about ebonics lately? Ebonics advocates claimed that the dialect heard in black urban areas was a separate language that should be recognized as such. Some proposed bilingual education for urban black children, teaching them in ebonics instead of standard English. Obama, whose rhetorical skills helped him win the presidency, is about as far removed from ebonics as anyone can be. He disproves the contention of some ebonics advocates that people of African ancestry (and his family ties to Africa are closer than most American blacks') don't deal well with European languages such as English.

We're not going to see urban street corners suddenly populated by well-groomed young black men in business suits speaking in rhetorical flourishes. A role model's influence is more subtle. If Obama's presidency succeeds, we are likely to see a gradual shift in attitudes as young people embrace this new kind of black hero.