Isn't it great that so many women hold political office these days—even if they do have to make sure their hair is done just so, their heels high. Woe is Condoleeza Rice. While Clint Eastwood was talking gibberish to an empty seat at the Republican National Convention, Condoleeza drew way too much attention, not for her moving and eloquent speech but for a minor makeup malfunction, according to an article in the Globe and Mail.
Yes, the lipstick on the teeth will get you every time... No doubt the former U.S. Secretary of State was too pressed for time to perform a spot check before hitting the podium. Can you blame her? Aren't you glad she has bigger fish to fry than worrying about her Revlon?
Sadly, the rest of the world still cares. Too much. Recall the media uproar when Hillary Clinton failed to put on her war paint during a visit to Bangladesh.
“Criticizing or even commenting on the looks of female politicians is slimy business," said Charlotte Cowles in New York magazine, Cutblog. "The golden rule is to ignore how they look – or, if anything, point out its insignificance.”
Hear, hear. Instead of a snicker, I think Condi's slip was a coup, making her relatable to every woman.
Do clothes and makeup really make the woman? When will she in power be free to don a trademark Tee and jeans (a la Steve Jobs) or a hoodie (a la Zuckerberg) without facing public ire?
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