In praise of unruly women

[obnoxiousdrunk]

In praise of unruly women
Why is it so difficult for the media to accept a strong, smart and opinionated prospective first lady?

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By Arianna Huffington



July 22, 2004 | Teresa Heinz Kerry is a breath of fresh air, so why are the media choking on it?

Almost every story about her these days includes at least one snarky remark -- usually attacking her for her refusal to endlessly regurgitate the same preapproved talking points.


According to the chattering class, Heinz Kerry is -- and I quote -- "too outspoken," "too opinionated," "slightly zany," "eccentric and unpredictable," "the queen of direct" and -- cover your ears, kids -- "says what she thinks, when she thinks it."


In other words, she's an unconventional straight shooter. The horror!

(Reporters also seem to have a big problem with her hair, which has variously been described as "unkempt," "unruly," "humidity-frizzed," "voluminous" and "expensively colored a rich auburn" -- but that's follicle fodder for another column.)

Even Maureen Dowd, no slouch herself in the independent-thinking department, felt compelled to write not one but two columns in the course of 10 days slamming Teresa for, among other things, being "flaky."

http://www.salon.com/opinion/huffington/2004/07/22/unruly_women/index.html

[redqueen]

1. Just another manifestation of sexism...

which is still acceptable to most, sadly.

[Skidmore]

2. Here's to Teresa and

all "uppity women" everywhere.

[Estel]

3. I'm a Rowdy Girl...

I have always been a Rowdy Girl
Most of my friends are Rowdy Girls
And we all love Teresa!!
And she will soon live in the White House.

[Rowdyboy]

8. Pleased to meet a Rowdy girl

I'd say you and I have something in common besides being rowdy. Teresa is going to be one kick-ass 1st partner.

[wildeyed]

4. I like her.

Hmmm, someone who tells the truth in politics..... Couldn't have that!

[Warpy]

5. First Lady is a thankless job

It's tons of hard "hostess" work, lots of public appearances, loads of traveling, and endless hours of sitting silently, with a look of adoration for the great man pasted on your face. The job pays nothing and doesn't provide for healthcare or retirement on its own.

Even if all this stuff is done flawlessly in perfect clothing and meticulous coiffure, the media and public both savage her mercilessly. Even First Ladies who have projected the noncontroversial doormat persona, like Babs and Laura Bush, are criticised for everything they do (or don't do).

As much as we all deplore this, the First Lady is an appealing target. As much as I loathe the impulse within myself, I've taken the occasional potshot at poor Laura, Hillary, Babs, Nancy, Roslynn, and on back. Some of them I liked better than others. All got sniped. It's irresistable.

What to do about it? Possibly nothing. Possibly a supportive letter, reminding them that the criticism is more about the job, and not to take it personally.

I do know I'm not nearly tough enough to hold that job.

[Tsiyu]

6. WE Rule

There are more women than men. If we got our feces coagulated we might take over. This scares some men, so they resort to diminishing us or turning us into nut cases, bitches or whores. Take your pick....

[Tosca]

7. The answer is in the question

"strong, smart and opinionated prospective first lady"