Do we need the term "First Lady"? Thoughts on Michelle Obama...
Michelle Obama’s trip to the G-20 summit is perhaps as publicized as her husband’s, though for different reasons; the main concern with her trip is “What is she wearing” (J. Crew) and “Who is she sitting next to at dinner?” (J.K. Rowling, among others
( Read more... )
Yet the definitions you give for "lady", i.e. superior social position, and refinement and gentle manner, are the same for "gentleman." I don't see a problem with either term. Would you prefer "gentlewoman" in place of "lady"?
I think it contributes to the heterosexual hierarchy
I'd have no problem referring to a same-sex partner of the President as "First Lady" or "First Gentleman." (If only because other terms, such as "First Spouse," "First Partner" or "First Consort" all have overtones of polygamy.)
It's pretty insulting for 21st century women to be shunted into such a rigid role.
I'd say it's insulting to assume she must do it, yes. I agree, there absolutely has to be consistency. I don't think there's any particular law that says the Presidential spouse *has* to assume the role of official host, is there? Because what does a single President do? Or when the First Lady/Gentleman is unable to perform official host duties? I think there are examples of both in US presidential history. If not, there certainly are cases in Canadian prime ministerial history. I'm sure it's within governmental power to authorize the hiring of an official host in those cases. (Of course then, the role was fulfilled usually by a sister, or daughter.)
That said, I think it's more problematic than you might think--for the First Lady/Gentleman. Let's say Michelle Obama decides not to assume official host duties. Her other options are very limited. Her ability to continue a career while her husband is President though, is very much compromised, due to such things as potential conflict-of-interest. The First Lady (or Gentleman) wields a lot more power with the President than most other advisors, simply by virtue of being the spouse. Unless a rule's passed requiring Presidents to be single, or spouses to undergo the same approval process as other high-ranking officials before they're allowed to give advice to the President, I don't think that's going to change.
What's needed is for journalists to stick to important things when covering these types of events, not the trivial.
Reply
Yet the definitions you give for "lady", i.e. superior social position, and refinement and gentle manner, are the same for "gentleman."
You're right, but I suppose (for me) the difference is that gentlemen had the power; ladies were subservient. I guess that's why both terms (for me) evoke sexism.
(If only because other terms, such as "First Spouse," "First Partner" or "First Consort" all have overtones of polygamy.)
Hmm. I guess I have a problem with the spouse of the president being given ANY title. For example, in Ireland, the Prime Minister (Taoiseach)'s wife is just referred to as Mrs. Cowen. No title, because she is not an elected official; she has no public mandate, and makes absolutely no public or press appearances, and has no responsibilities, traditional or otherwise.
Her ability to continue a career while her husband is President though, is very much compromised, due to such things as potential conflict-of-interest. The First Lady (or Gentleman) wields a lot more power with the President than most other advisors, simply by virtue of being the spouse.
I think that's a really excellent and salient point you've raised. I'm not sure if for every president and in every era a spouse's advice/input was as valuable as advisors' (Laura Bush's politics being just once example of when her advice was not considered as important as those of advisors) but certainly other presidents have listened to their spouses.
What's needed is for journalists to stick to important things when covering these types of events, not the trivial.
Well-said!! I couldn't agree more.
I really admire Michelle Obama, and I'm looking forward to seeing what issues she chooses to highlight (if any) while in office.
Thanks again for your comment! :)
Reply
Leave a comment