tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89966091242396520.post5416586993551403993..comments2023-05-03T02:02:03.644-07:00Comments on Uncle Sam's Attic: The Politics of AppearanceLaura Giffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986572878187796174noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89966091242396520.post-76746789053026796212010-05-28T18:42:57.879-07:002010-05-28T18:42:57.879-07:00Good point Laura, while it may be more acceptable ...Good point Laura, while it may be more acceptable for a male to be overweight or considered 'unattractive' and in the public eye, I would argue that it is a different story for a female in the political or entertainment world to carry the extra weight or be 'unattractive' without becoming the subject of significant debate and ridicule. Think of the fashion icons of the political arena - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Michelle Obama versus women respected for their great influence on politics and society, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, who might not have been as readily accepted and embraced today simply due to her appearance.<br /><br />Much of our culture, be it entertainment or politically based, is so focused on image aspects of the person or candidate in question that it makes me wonder where we would be as a society if this was not such an influential factor? Would we be better off or in the same place we are now?Sara™https://www.blogger.com/profile/05245586174487033260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89966091242396520.post-74687812393693134532010-05-28T09:45:17.762-07:002010-05-28T09:45:17.762-07:00An interesting point, Jason. We were watching Jim...An interesting point, Jason. We were watching Jim Lehrer last night and the whatever-his-title-is of Plaquemines Parish was on... distinctly Taftesque. The mayor of Portland, however, was ribbed a while back for putting on weight in the midst of several personal and political problems. Perhaps it is a barrier at the federal level, and beyond that depends upon region. I think there are some significant gender disparities, also.Laura Giffordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06986572878187796174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89966091242396520.post-9078694484544127182010-05-27T14:40:02.074-07:002010-05-27T14:40:02.074-07:00I don't know how he compares to Taft, but Gov....I don't know how he compares to Taft, but Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey received some negative coverage about his weight when he ran for office, but went on to win. And Mike Huckabee famously lost over 110 pounds as governor of Arkansas. Perhaps weight is now only a barrier for federal office?Jasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11671050987524165406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89966091242396520.post-78093599132494365772010-05-27T13:24:43.761-07:002010-05-27T13:24:43.761-07:00I love your content and the insights you provide f...I love your content and the insights you provide from all of your studies. Keep it coming, I feel like I am taking a really interesting and well-taught course in American History!<br />-GregGreg Allen-Picketthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12881819351622815964noreply@blogger.com