November 23, 2015

A Gen X-er as First Lady

While watching the 20/20 interview with Donald Trump's family, I thought how nice it would be for the country to enjoy a break from First Ladies who were attention-seeking do-gooder Boomers (Clinton, Bush, and Obama). Melania Trump seems like a reserved homebody, who may take part in various neutral causes such as disease prevention, but will not promote herself as a crusader (an approach to being First Lady that she would probably view with a healthy dose of skepticism).

Her unpretentious personality contrasts pleasantly with her model's looks. Born in 1970, she's from the same cohort of early Gen X-ers as those who were stars back when the supermodel was a pop culture phenomenon (circa 1990: Paulina Porizkova, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, etc.). Unlike the carefree exhibitionistic Boomers, they were more aware of the camera and ambivalent about letting their guard down, while still doing so. It lent a mystery and allure to their personas.

I can't think of a better person than a media-shy homebody to turn the tide against the striver pretension of "First Lady as Secretary-at-Large". From the interview, she seems to feel her main duties are supporting her husband and nurturing her son, not pointless career advancement (she does design jewelry on the side). America can't wait to be rid of a First Lady who comes off as bossy, nagging, self-important, and plain ol' ugly. We need one who is domestic, warm, and maternal.


No comments:

Post a Comment

You MUST enter a nickname with the "Name/URL" option if you're not signed in. We can't follow who is saying what if everyone is "Anonymous."