Obama’s Dress Code for Sweetie
By Pat Racimora on July 22, 2008 at 1:15 PM in Obama, Sexism, Women
According to Politico’s Carrie Budoff Brown, who is accompanying Obama on his trip to the Middle East and Europe, Obama’s campaign sent out a “dress code” that especially targeted female reporters as to the appropriate attire while traveling in Israel and Jordan.
Obama press told to cover up, not wear green
No green. That is the color of Hamas. Also no nail polish, a limited amount of jewelry, covered shoulders and arms, closed-toed shoes, and stockings for women. (Do they make stockings anymore?) Women must also be prepared to cover their heads.
Two points:
First, Obama fails to assume that female reporters (or “Sweeties as he calls them) might just know a thing or two about the world and its cultural traditions. These women’s world travel experience likely far exceeds his own.
Second, Jordan’s culture is far more limiting for women, but a look through online photos reveals a range of female dress (e.g., short sleeves, jewelry, and no head scarves) especially among younger women. But Israel? Huh? Much of Israel is almost like being home again.
I am not against respecting people’s views and customs while visiting other lands, especially their sacred sites. But, considerable concern already exists about how Obama views women, and this autocratic paternalism seems to be playing out once again.
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