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September 27, 2005
Mrs. President
Commander in Chief just premiered, with Geena Davis staring as the first female President of the U.S. Despite the portrayal of Republicans as hairy power-hungry, conniving Neanderthals with pre-historic worldviews, I thought the episode raised some important issues -- whether it intended to or not.
The opening montage brought me to the verge of tears when then Vice-President Allen was pulled away from a choral concert and rushed off because of the President's dire health situation. It didn't even mention how much time with her three children she must have missed out on during her prior Congressional campaign or even her Vice-Presidential run. And I have a feeling that, in reality, she would not have had the opportunity to return home and ask her children how they felt about her taking the Oath of Office.
The scene with President Allen (Davis), her daughter, and her Communications Director in the backseat of a car on the way to the inaugural speech was also poignant, though the scenario was somewhat unrealistic. The daughter continued to interrupt her mother as she tried to put the finishing touches on her speech, and finally ended up spilling a glass of red juice on her mother's white blouse (conveniently solved with the Communication Director's red scarf).
Maybe some women can do it, but I have felt the pull between a demanding career and the maternal instinct, and the desire for a family won out. No, I'm certainly not a mother yet, but already the prospect of my own family has outweighed the allure of power, prestige, and politics.
Finally, amidst all of the hullabaloo, I could help but wonder... if we were really so progressive, would it even matter than a woman was President? All things being equal, the President should be seen as the President, regardless of gender, chosen for his or her credentials as a leader and ideals as a politician rather than gender.
Posted by Megan at September 27, 2005 09:12 PM
Comments
Do you ever noticed how all the talented and high-achieving minorities and women in public life seem to be Republican?
I am not very interested in this show because I don't want to be preached at by some liberal Hollywood blue stater who thinks they know better than us hairy neanderthal red staters.
That's coming from a guy who gave up his quest for power and prestige so he could care for his family. :)
Posted by: Different Dan at September 28, 2005 02:59 PM
And, no, I don't think it matters any longer what gender the president is, just like it doesn't matter anymore what his/her religion is, as long as she represents the majroity views and can get elected.
Posted by: Different Dan at September 28, 2005 03:00 PM
I agree with Dan. I have no desire to get preached by some liberal blue stater. That's why I didn't like movies like "John Q" (preached need for universal health care) and "Day After Tomorrow" (global warming is bad).
And far as the show's treatment of Republicans, as done in voice of evil temptress in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail":
"Bad, naughty, evil Republicans!"
Posted by: Rob at September 28, 2005 04:11 PM