Last week one of the major news stories was that that
Hillary Clinton was photographed without makeup. At first it didn’t seen to
matter that she was on a trip in Bangladesh where there has been weeks of
strikes and violence. The photos spread like non-waterproof mascara. Then came
the backlash pointing out the frivolity in Hilary’s “look” as major news. As I read this commentary the resounding message was that in 2012 appearance trumps
accomplishments and looks shouldn’t matter…but they do.
Peggy Orenstein, author of Waiting for Daisy and Cinderella
Ate My Daughter posted about the Hillary hubbub.
“Every choice a woman makes about her
public presentation–how she dresses, how she wears her hair, whether she wears
makeup and now whether she botoxes etc –makes a STATEMENT about who she is (as
opposed to that statement being made by her actions, ideas, opinions etc) that
is judged, scrutinized and held up for public consumption/discussion.”
Why must it be one
or the other? Just because we take note of how someone looks does that mean
we’re ignoring his or her “ideals and actions”? Isn’t communication part verbal
and part non-verbal? Why does it have to be one or the other?
Orenstein goes on
to compare the Clinton situation to a New
York Times Magazine article exploring the concept of women being “marked.”
The original article discusses men able to blend a bit more. Their hair,
clothing, even shoes tend to be more similar. There isn’t a typical female
hairstyle or singular way to dress. And so each choice a women makes can send a
message and lay the groundwork for judgment. I tweeted to Ms Orentstein
@peggyorenstein enjoyed
that piece however some of what makes women "marked" also makes being
female interesting and full of choices.
Sometimes women play both sides of the fence. Around the same time
Hillary decided to forego foundation in other world news Perez Hilton tweeted @BethenyFrankel
says "I’m not too thin". Say what you will about my curiosity but I clicked through and read “There are stories are everywhere that I'm
too thin. When will the media see women for their accomplishments instead of
their weight and appearance?" Is this question less valid coming from
someone whose accomplishments were primarily building a company called Skinnygirl? Can
you talk about skinniness and then downplay appearance?
I happen to work in
an aesthetics-oriented business. My clients are women in all different
professional spheres. Some will mention, “I’m up for a promotion and
want to feel good” I see countless examples of the intersection between
appearance and accomplishments. Hillary was asked about the photos by CNN and
said
"I feel so
relieved to be at the stage I’m at in my life right now. Because you know if I
want to wear my glasses I’m wearing my glasses. If I want to wear my hair back
I’m pulling my hair back. You know at some point it’s just not something that
deserves a lot of time and attention." It definitely doesn’t deserve attention
that should be focused on international relations and democracy abroad.
However, I like that Hillary underscores the choices she has and don’t be
surprised if you see her all glammed up in the next pictures that are
circulated.
Do you think we focus more on how women look than what they do? Does it matter if it's an image-conscious person or a politician? Is it realistic to say looks shouldn't matter? Or are we going to "look" anyway?
Oh and Ms Orenstein and I exchanged a few tweets. Her hope was that women use these choices to positive ends versus judging other women and being negative.
Do you think we focus more on how women look than what they do? Does it matter if it's an image-conscious person or a politician? Is it realistic to say looks shouldn't matter? Or are we going to "look" anyway?
Oh and Ms Orenstein and I exchanged a few tweets. Her hope was that women use these choices to positive ends versus judging other women and being negative.
NIce post Lauren. I think we definitely focus more on a woman's looks than her accomplishments. We don't do the same thing for men. Think about gray hair--on a man it's "distinguished." On a woman, she looks old and often colors it. There is definitely a double standard.
ReplyDeleteBtw--when do you sleep??
I do think we look at men's looks and weight though maybe not as much when it comes to age.
DeleteAgree, women are judged based on appearance. This year designer Karl Lagerfeld called Adele 'too fat.' We are not our bodies, yet that is what often defines us. Yes, we all want to look good, but accomplishments and contribution to society is what matters most and is what will ultimately help women in the long run!
ReplyDeleteOoh missed the Adele comment, wow. I guess my thought is that we can look good or more importantly feel good in our skin and pretty or lean or whatever we choose and contribute. And possibly we contribute more when we're at peace with ourselves physically.
DeleteI do think we pay a lot more attention to how women look than how men look. I also think accomplishments should matter when "assessing" a person, but I do think looks do get "mixed in," if we like it or not.
ReplyDeleteI also think that we do send a message when we choose what to wear, if/how much make up we use, etc. As I'm getting older, looks matter a lot less to me, but I'm still aware of the messages I am sending because of my choices.
As to Bethenny, I did notice her weight lately. As you point out, I think it's mainly because of her brand. Also, I read her Naturally Thin book, and some of her strategies seemed potentially dangerous to me and could be easily taken too far.
So weird some comments aren't showing up. Looks get mixed in as you said Andrea but is that 100% bad or wrong? And do tell about the "dangerous" strategies, haven't read the book.
ReplyDeleteI agree that women (much more than men) are judged on their appearance as well as their accomplishments, and the former can very easily overshadow the latter. There's definitely a double standard - it's not fair but that's how it is for now. I'm not a big fan of Bethenny (and I've tried the skinnygirl margarita and didn't care for it at all), but I do think she deserves some credit for building a company/brand the way that she did.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing- an image-conscious person and a politician are the same thing! Even the male politicians care about how they look!
What a life it would be if we could look in the mirror every morning and say, "I look fantastic!" Our preacher said something like that years ago in a sermon. Ever since then, I've tried to do it. And I think it works. I guess you can only change what you think about your own looks and accomplishments. Trying to get the universe to change is an uphill battle.
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday I ran into a woman and she kindly asked (as she always does) about my running. She left and I said, "She's so..." and the woman with me said, "Awkward?" I said, "No, sweet." I like to imagine that being nicer to myself makes me nicer to other people. As a matter of fact, I'm not a Hillary fan as far as her politics, but I do admire the way she has handled things from what we all see. I also admire any female Sec of State and that's a fact. When I saw this brouhaha about no makeup, I honestly thought, "Good for you, girl! Do what you want." And I meant it 100%. Politics are one thing, womanhood is another. While my comments are genuine, I feel I have to admit that of course there are times when I look at some women and think, "Holy cow! Get a mirror!" or "Drink a milkshake!" or my all-time female pet peeve: "PUT ON A SLIP WITH THAT SKIRT! No one needs to see all your business when the sun shines, honey."
Jen, I think everyone cares about how they look, even people who project a "I don't care" look. I do not think appearance needs to overshadow accomplishments, I think accomplishments speak for themselves even with a Bethenny type.
ReplyDeleteCaron, I love your comments. Wow- love the idea of changing our view/response versus trying to shift others and as you said "the universe" and I think women need to support women when they are honest. Hillary's response was great. And I know, my pet peeve is when women are a little too cha cha in their dressing because I do think it's hard to focus on accomplishments when you have all your attributes out on display. Maybe that's unfair.
ReplyDeleteI actually admire Hillary for taking a stand...because in her position to go makeup-less and with glasses? Impressive.
ReplyDeleteThat being said I hate wearing my glasses and feel hideous in them. I avoid them as much as possible because I feel like people judge me based on how I look. It's inevitable.
Interesting contrast isn't it? I love women who love their bodies at any size but I feel comfortable when active when I feel fit and lean. Can you be accepting of women when you are less accepting of yourself? Questions, questions.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fair. If they're all out there, isn't that what we are all supposed to notice? Sometimes it's hard to look away!
ReplyDeleteI get the idea that we can't change the world, but when it comes to appearance it's not just about whether someone is "easy on the eye". We tend to take each other more seriously when we're taking care of ourselves, which includes our hair and dress. Even when Mrs. Clinton tried to look her best, others would critic her for her funky attire, etc. I'm guessing she is just tired of trying. She's been around for years, so she can get away with it. With someone new to the world of politics, or any field, it would not fly so well.
ReplyDeleteYes, similar to what Orenstein said about being "marked" in a way not taking care of yourself or hair and clothes a mess makes you less marked than looking neat and polished. In a way Hillary can "get away with it" but the press last week wouldn't lead to believe that. However, yes, she's proven her "accomplishments" different from someone you has yet to do so.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that most everyone cares about their appearance - I just meant that politics really is an "appearance-based business." From an appearance-importance standpoint I think it's right behind the entertainment and modeling industries.
ReplyDeleteI think accomplishments should speak for themselves but that doesn't always happen. Appearances matter more than they should. Sometimes it's a subconscious thing that I'm sure we're all guilty of from time to time, and sometimes it's blatantly obvious. And just look at how much was made of Hillary's looks (and Sarah Palin's) as compared with, say, John Kerry's or George Bush's.
Although I do put effort in the early mornings (when I prefer to be sleeping) to look presentable at work, I do lament that people judge the concept of no makeup so harshly. There was an interesting NYT article awhile ago titled "Up the Latter, Lipstick in Hand" where they showed that some makeup (but not a ton) increases the image of the woman's competence and trustworthiness. Its true that if you take care of yourself, people in turn expect that you will take care of others and your work. Although theres a line... I personally don't think Hillary looks all too bad- sure shes sans makeup but her hair is blow dried, she has nice glasses, and a touch of lipstick on. Most people wear only that to work, she is just used to be seen with more.
ReplyDeleteOn the other extreme, I'm a bit of a hypocrit because, as a development economist, my role model is Christine Lagarde (head of the IMF), who is stunning at all times. She's known as a fashion icon in France and she doesn't disappoint around the office here either. And surely that has helped her success. I wonder how she would be critiqued in a similiar situation. Although I'm not sure if she would allow that. To understand how much influence a woman can have in the workplace (and everywhere else), I recommend reading "La Seduction (how the French play the game of life)".
I like what Caron says about focusing on our attitude towards ourselves, because, yes,trying to change what everyone else thinks is an uphill battle! I say kudos to Hilary for going the au natural route. I like to look "nice" on most days, just like many people, but, it's awfully nice to forgo makeup and froufrou stuff sometimes (like this weekend at the horse ranch)....certainly the horses and other animals don't judge! ( nor did the other moms who were also "natural"). I think it all boils down to what we are "used to seeing" someone look like.
ReplyDeleteagree about how people are expected to look, I also think it's nice as with you on the ranch when everyone agrees to take it down a notch. If we all did that...probably not realistic.
ReplyDeleteSamantha, that you for the suggested reading, I think it's an interesting topic. Isn't it interesting that we can admire women for looking more natural and for being ultra glam. We can each choose to be one or the other on any given day. Kind of fun.
ReplyDeleteI admire Hillary for taking a stand. She is has accomplished so much and I don't feel like she has to prove anything to anyone.
ReplyDelete