In assessing the hat Aretha Franklin wore to the inaugural ceremony last week, a variety of adjectives come to mind: “Bad” or “stylish” if you liked it; “dramatic” or “unusual” if you were either neutral or were trying to keep it positive; “wrong” or “over-the-top” if you thought the great singer’s choice was a mistake.

One word that never enters the imagination? “Cute.” But, that was talk show host Larry King’s summation after asking the Queen of Soul, “Where’d you get that hat?”

To her credit, Aretha let it slide. No need to make a federal case out of it; not that night, when there was so much to celebrate and about which to be happy.

But, had it been another day and another time and another mood, Ms. Franklin might have schooled Mr. King and let him know that no proud, strong, black woman – especially of a certain age – steps into the limelight wearing a hat with an oversized, spangled bow just to be “cute.”

A dressed-up black woman’s hat is a statement, an assertion, a declaration and a demand for notice. It is to be taken seriously, as is she, and not as a token of whimsy, not to be patronized or ridiculed.

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Enter to win the Tom Joyner Morning Show President Barack Obama CD Giveaway

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Not that King meant any harm, mind you. It’s just that he doesn’t get it. And, for that reason, he has loads of company – mainly his fellow members of the establishment – that oversized collection of traditionalists, who are accustomed to things being done their way.

For the record, Aretha looked great. But, more than her attire, the striking thing about her appearance on the inaugural platform was the fact that a black American was standing in front of the world and singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” without irony, for once. A few nights before, Beyonce had accomplished a similar feat, belting out “America, the Beautiful” and not looking like a sucker for it.

Judging from what some in the establishment have said or honed in on, you’d think black style and culture are mysteries, long buried in the societal underground and only newly emerged. How black women dress (Aretha’s hat) or how black couples dance (President Obama’s “old school” remark at one of the inaugural balls) or how black people congratulate one another (the famous “fist bump” on the night Obama cinched the nomination) or how some black preachers preach (Jeremiah Wright) – these are the real foreign affairs of note to some of the folks who are so old school that they are actually Old Guard.

Not everyone will suffer as much culture shock as the OG because they have been around an array of black people in an assortment of situations and for a good range of time. The hip-hop subculture has seen to it that young Americans of all ethnicities share classrooms, locker rooms, music, fashion and lingo. True-hearted liberals – not the textbook types – may well have worshipped in black churches and socialized in black homes, and some of their best friends really are whom others find it merely convenient or politically correct to claim. And southerners – even the backward, redneck ones – often live so close to black people that you don’t have to tell them about putting salt pork in the collards.

The knee-jerk, head-snapping, dizzying experience of being doused with black culture, vis-à-vis Obama’s preeminence, belongs primarily to the eastern establishment, where liberalism and progressivism are status symbols like the BMW or the address in old, tree-lined, covenant-shrouded neighborhoods or having your .....

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righteous!!!!!!!!!!!!

by   
Lorettam5
February 20, 2009, 4:15 pm
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So true! Queen Aretha shouldnt have let it slide. She shoulda schooled LK right there. Every1 knows that hats are so impt 2 ladies in AfrAm churches!

by   
Lilkunta
February 10, 2009, 8:30 am
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In addition; in reference to some of the negative comments made about the benediction... someone stated that his "rap" was inappropriate. Immediately, I thought "how ignorant of this person to comment on verses sacred to our culture." In what black home has one not heard those common phrases..."if your brown stick around...." clearly he/she did not have enough sense to know that when he began, he was quoting the Black nat'l anthem. I felt attacked, but also vindicated when it clearly showed their ignorance of our culture.... but oh a new day has truly arrived!

by   
SansNicole
February 9, 2009, 2:00 pm
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The expressive haberdashery that mature women of color have been known to wear in the Black church for generations is truly symbolic of the African American Christian experience -- And the mainstream truly got a little taste of it at President Obama's swearing-in. The fact the Queen of Soul was wearing it made the occasion equally significant. Deborah Mathis is correct in her observation: "A dressed-up black woman’s hat is a statement, an****ertion, a declaration and a demand for notice. It is to be taken seriously, as is she, and not as a token of whimsy, not to be patronized or ridiculed."

by   
The Visionary Man
February 8, 2009, 10:10 am
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In my first comment I mean't to say we do laugh not don't and the word when not went,you know that we cannot edit anything we post on this site and I need to stop posting from work,but I promise it is only on my breaks,{smile}

by   
Radicalcs2008
February 7, 2009, 2:20 pm
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I think Ms Franklin's outfit was very appropriate for the occassion and weather. When we have ignorant comments like the one JMKIII58 below, it's no wonder we as a people are so divided. I remember when most women will not leave home for church or any social outings without their hats and gloves. Now we have everyone trying to catch the minister's eye rather that worship the creator.

by   
Ska63
February 6, 2009, 1:40 pm
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Thanks Deborah for reminding us that the white bigot boogy man still exist not matter how absurd her point is. My Grandmother even said Aretha's hat was to big. My Granny never wears a hat to church. She has often said her hair is to "FINE" to ruin it with wearing a hat. I guess Deborah she could not go to church with you. She would not be black enough. Oh well I know this the cameraman is still backing up trying to get sista Aretha, her hat in the picture!!! HAHAH!!!

by   
JMKIII58
February 6, 2009, 1:05 pm
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I thought Aretha looked exceptionally polished and age-appropriate. The hat, along with the warm, grey coat and matching gloves showed that she had sense enough to dress fashionably and appropriately for the cold, winter weather.

by   
Contessa1212
January 30, 2009, 7:30 pm
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I've been black 47 years now and that was a bad hat. Not only that what in the HELL was that poet talking about?!? That was some ramblin' s--t there.

by   
Rob850cii
January 29, 2009, 4:12 pm
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i hope and pray that what the President and First Lady are attributed with as the FIRST thing and that BLACK america gets it is, that we don't all think, act, believe, talk, or anything else just alike. that in and of itself will bring about the respect we deserve and GIVE to each other!!!! if this happens we will be able to move forward with ideas and ideals that prove whatever other people have, has zero importance to who and what we are as a people. WE owe ourselves more than anybody and that should be our community's goal. let's take care of our own and the rest can come along or not.

by   
Msstarr82
January 29, 2009, 7:13 am
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Ms. Mathis -- If all you have to worry about is what Larry King and others think about Aretha Franklin's hat then you are in serious trouble. Our nation is facing a recession, our children are killing each other daily, our people are losing their homes, their cars, their retirement, everything they've worked so hard for including their pride and faith. And you didn't have anything better to write about other than a stupid hat? A fist bump? Come on Ms. Mathis. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Spend your beautiful energy on something else. PLEASE!!! We deserve better as a people than this.

by   
Pboogie
January 28, 2009, 2:48 pm
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larry king grew up in brooklyn,ny. and attended erasmus high school. although that was in the 50's , larry king gets it. weather he chooses to air it , is debateable. he is like the uncle who knows a lot but is a nerd. i am "anglo" and i attended erasmus and grew up in brooklyn. i am married to a beautiful "african american" woman. do i get it ? i dont pretend to be something i am not. there are a lot of people out there that will never "get it". simply because they are ignorant, dont want to , or dont like us. i am my brothers keeper , but only to a point..............

by   
Spikeleefan
January 28, 2009, 1:49 pm
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Oh Larry King gets it,you need to check into Larry Kings history,even though we know that our sisters wear those hats,it is no secret among our people that we don't laugh and make fun of them ourselves along with some of those fashion magazines that cater to black women only,alot of us get those in the mail,I still love Aretha and I do believe in calling you out,white,black whatever,when you are trying to be an****----,and in trying to school you went don't know any better,there is such a thing as having tact,Larry King failed to use that,when asking her about the hat,

by   
Radicalcs2008
January 28, 2009, 11:17 am
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Larry King and others just don't 'get it' because they have never had to 'get it.' Hence the politics of difference and therefore, the lack of understanding bounds. Until this turning-point in the lives of Americans, whites have never had to and therefore never tried to, 'get it.' I'm proud to say that I've taken it upon myself as a personal mission to****ist folks in 'getting it.' For the first time, we are sitting at the table of politics--only via this means will our voices become heard in America. It's about time. Don't you think?

by   
ProfesorFire
January 27, 2009, 9:29 am
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There are 9 million takes on what when "right or wrong" on Jan.20th and even what the next 4 yrs. mean or should mean--but what is extremely important NOW, with our kids literally killing each other, and us, daily as if it is some kind of "video game" or "badge of honor"; is that we seize this "Audacity of Hope" opportunity to do things like the black Vietnam Vet has done for the past 20 plus years (see at www.americaschildrelay.com) and let our POSITIVE PROGRESSIVE ACTIONS speak for themselves. We've wasted enough time being trival, important and trying to define, "who we are".

by   
Maillarrym6
January 27, 2009, 8:26 am
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Deborah, large hats aren't an ethnic thing...

Southern Belles were always seen carrying a parasol or wearing a large hat because in the South the sun was hot and would burn the skin. In the 1800's suntans were a sign of a low class. They signified having to work out in the sun with no relief. Women of breeding never allowed themselves to get a tan.
Deborah, did you skip American History 101?

by   
Dontthinkso
January 26, 2009, 11:43 pm
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Larry King, like most ignorant white americans who make fun of properly attired black women should crawl back in the cotton ball with the rest of the old grasshoppers.! Ms. Franklin dressed for the occasion and I for one think she looked great!

by   
Lulubel
January 26, 2009, 10:40 pm
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This is a POSITIVE article on African-American women,unlike that article,from Chris Rock in the Entertainment section about A.A. women and their weaves----as if WE have cornered the market of FAKE hair--when non-African-American women have been wearing wigs since the dawn of time;so therefore I like this article,however I don't see any objections on the other thread about Chris Rock giving away A.A. women beauty-secrets!!!!! (which really chafes my hide!)

by   
Rubinisk
January 26, 2009, 4:50 pm
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I'm not so focused on the hat. Thank goodness it was cold causing her to cover up, otherwise she'd have all her chest out exposing those Triple F breast of hers.

by   
Vysimmons
January 26, 2009, 2:09 pm
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I thought it was gaudy and inappropriate for the occasion. However, I guess Aretha wears what Aretha wants. So do I

by   
Mechellehowa
January 26, 2009, 2:05 pm
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Your time would be better spent writing articles about blacks finally taking personal responsibility for their lives and cleaning up their neighborhoods. You need to tell them to pull up their pants, learn to speak proper english and care more about being educated than what kind of hat a "proud, strong black woman" should wear.

by   
Suzdro54
January 26, 2009, 1:59 pm
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I thought she was gonna take flight. Dang one good gust of wind and she could have flown over the White House.

by   
StreetKitty
January 26, 2009, 1:39 pm
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I thought Aretha looked AWESOME!!!!! I wish everyone else had taken her cue and dredded. We ALWAYS dress when we attend church, also.

by   
BillPal
January 26, 2009, 1:38 pm
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Aretha was "church lady" beautiful and appropriate for the occasion. OG don't gete it becuase they don't routinely visit black churches. Aretha's hat was conservative compared to some of the First Lady and other hats in black churches. Also, I don't hear comments about the Queen of England, the royals, and other ladies in England when they where elaborate hats. People should get a grip.

by   
Coopnick40
January 26, 2009, 12:15 pm
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