Political Eye Candy For Women?
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Posted by Echidne of the Snakes February 13th, 2007 |
It’s too hard for journalists to give up on the description of what Nancy Pelosi wears and whether she looks her age or not or if Hillary Clinton’s haircut suits her (and what deep truths it might tell us about her true womanliness or lack of the same). But there is a second avenue to equal coverage and that is to make men into eye candy, too.
I see a beginning of this trend, “trend” used in the New York Times sense of me right now manufacturing it:
But Romney is so polished and looks so much like a president would look if television picked our presidents (and it does) that sometimes you have to ask yourself if you are watching the real deal or a careful construction.Romney has chiseled-out-of-granite features, a full, dark head of hair going a distinguished gray at the temples, and a barrel chest. On the morning that he announced for president, I bumped into him in the lounge of the Marriott and up close he is almost overpowering. He radiates vigor.
Rrrrrowwh!
How do we know what a president should look like? Other than that he has always been a white guy?
February 14th, 2007 11:23
Hilarious. Two thoughts when reading this:
1. Obviously, this is not the kind of equality we’re hoping for — wouldn’t it be fabulous if no one got covered this way?
but, also,
2. Love your last question. That’s the root of why everyone from broadcast Sunday morning debate shows to print columnists have their aphorisms in a twist over the question of whether we’re “ready” for a female or Black president. Media are so accustomed to some things being just a *given* - like, power at the highest levels must be white and male - that they don’t know what to do with themselves when discussing the fact that this may not long remain the case.