As far as I'm concerned, AOC could dress as a Martha and I would still consider her as one of the most effective politicians of this age. I love everything about her, her eloquence, her effectiveness, her "fight oligarchy" tour with Bernie Sanders, her preparedness on congressional committees. everything.
She is the Democrats future, either as a successor to Nancy Pelosi, as President, or any other office she aspires to.
She is amazing! And she deserves a fair shot from the media, which as I’ve researched …. she isn’t getting. They need to treat her with more respect visually.
I remember when, not long after her election, Republicans dug up an old college video where AOC did a slightly sexy little dance. AOC's response: She did another one right outside her congressional office door and published the video. Now, that's Chutzpah. Republicans dropped it like a hot rock.
You are so right, Azza, as regards AOC. But thankfully, she is not letting others dictate her actions and marches to her own drummer. She is a very strong woman.
From what I've been watching for years now, the only women getting a more than fair shot by the billionaire media are republicon women. Look at the almost reverence with which Stefanik from NY, Blackburn from Tenn and many other female republicons are reported on. Blackburn is an especially evil character. When she was still a congresswomen, she and her republicon colleague from Pennsylvania, (Tom Marino) single-handedly took almost all enforcement powers away from the DEA regarding opioids. It is thanks to those two that the opioid problem has become so huge in the US. While Marino was forced to resign from Congress because he talked his mistress into getting an abortion, Blackburn was rewarded with a seat in the Senate.
Very good points. I’ll be interested to research how those Republican women are framed because there are definitely many Republican women who are treated quite unfairly (Palin, Haley, etc). I’ll look into this! Thank you!
But that gave Trump et al something more to run on! I say that tongue in cheek, but Republican’s strength usually comes from DEMONIZING ‘others’ and presenting themselves as the ‘only fixers’ … and MAGAts lap it up.
This article is so right on. My first real encounter with sexism began some 45 years ago when I started at Longs Drugs and the Manager asked this woman to teach me about the cash register. She said, and I've never forgotten it: "Oh great another guy I need to train to be my boss".
AOC became a very effective politician, I believe, because she listened to Nancy Pelosi early on. AOC seems has shifted her focus to bread and butter issues in lieu of only the social issues she seemed to focus on in her first years as a member of the House. I'd love her to eventually be Speaker of the House; but I don't believe she could ever be President (but who am I, as seventy year white guy who was shocked (and most presently so) when President Obama became President).
Alexandria always portrays integrity, intelligence, compassion for the American people and the world, honor, courage and fearlessness. She is a True example of what all of us should strive to be. She excels! Thank you Representative Ocasio- Cortez. You make me so very proud of the Audacity of Hope ( to steal from another hero ) ❤️Eliza from Maine❤️
My academic background is in semiotics which examines how things like photography are constructed to communicate and manipulate meaning. This was a fascinating and insightful article thank you. AOC is a shining star for sure!
It just shows you that it doesn't matter what a woman wears, how she styles herself or looks like - she will be ripped apart, so the best defense and offense is just to be authentic. AOC is a real leader and we need more like her.
Thank you again - but really outrageous. Makes me wonder about the conversations at the NYT that led to the choice of that AOC photo. Hits every red button - she's divisive, ethnic, fringe, young, a scowler.
But what's also great about your article is that you let us know that AOC is so smart. She is choosing her own media screen. Yay!
Thanks, Wendy! I found even more photos from the NYT that were awful… women have to reframe themselves. And the media isn’t going to do it unless we start this conversation and push back together.
AOC is my number 1 candidate for the leader we desperately need to recover from the cataclysm called Trump. But I'd like to suggest that there are other rising stars that need our support. Deja Foxx is running for Raúl Grijalva's seat in southern Arizona. Check out her credentials. You will be impressed. Jim Acosta interviewed her a few days ago.
BTW ... I'm an old, retired white guy and I don't even live in her district.
Sarah Palin’s wardrobe got attention because it was said that she was spending large amounts of contributions meant for the campaign on her clothing. Sarah Palin was vapid. There was nothing else to say about her except her wardrobe.
I certainly agree with what you have written about the way women are portrayed in politics, particularly, Democrats. Women are either too pretty or not pretty enough. They are either too tough or not tough enough. Men don’t face that type of scrutiny.
The more I look at the images of different candidates and elected leaders, the more I see this pattern — men and their image just do not get treated the same way.
This has always been a problem, and yeah, whenever a woman takes a public position, it rears up. . But even women aggravate it, sometimes deliberately, other times without thinking. I was disappointed by this article, because it didn't really help.
For instance, you opened the article by describing AOC this way:
"... a 28-year-old bartender and community organizer defeated a 10-term Democratic incumbent in a congressional primary that shocked the Democratic political establishment. When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrived in Congress six months later, she brought progressive policies, a fresh approach, and a new visual presence to the political landscape— one that traditional media struggled to frame."
Yes, you framed this with positive words But you omitted the rest of who AOC was, and did not touch upon them at any point in the article. While it was true that she's worked as a bartender, she had graduated from Boston University with honors and two degrees- one in international relations and the other in economcs. During college, she also interned for U.S. senator Ted Kennedy on foreign affairs and immigration issues. But your description makes her sound like a bouncy teenager. I see her as an attractive, intelligent, thoughtful, and insightful young woman.
The article cites a recurring theme, and at the same time reinforces it, by focussing only on AOC's appearance and how her femininity is perceived. I'd like to have seen the photos more balanced, but there are more of the negative photos than the positive, I realize you were making a point, but really, THREE open-mouth photos?
She is much more than a bartender - you should add her educational achievements. Just as misleading as the bad photos is the assumption that her primary experience is as being a bartender. That is not any more a true representation of her than the photos selection.
Thank god we get articles about true heroes of the fight for democracy. AOC has been one of the leaders in the struggle for social and political justice. It is interesting though that the author managed not to say a single word on her support for Palestine and her courage and moral integrity to speak against the genocide in Gaza. See please: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2155822888085866
I totally respect, admire & am inspired by AOC!!! I love her passion , her courage & her determination!!! This woman is on fire!!! (Alicia Keys' song perfect for her!)
So...what I am wondering is who are the people/journalists that are choosing the photos to print? Are they all men?!! Are their no women journalists/photo-journalists that have a say in how women politicians will be portrayed in the media?!!
Thanks for pointing out this important issue. It suggests that these photo editors either 1) have a negative point of view about strong women in leadership or 2) are trying to attract viewers/readers by appealing to an audience with those views. It's no different from headline writers who distort the story, and with the same motives.
We Democrats have a very strong bench that includes important players from all generations and all genders. Rep Jasmine Crockett, an attorney who I believe is somewhat older, than AOC, regularly impresses me. So do Pete Buttigieg, Cory Booker, Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Josh Shapiro, and Amy Klobochar. These people, and others like them, are, indeed, the future of our party and our country.
As far as I'm concerned, AOC could dress as a Martha and I would still consider her as one of the most effective politicians of this age. I love everything about her, her eloquence, her effectiveness, her "fight oligarchy" tour with Bernie Sanders, her preparedness on congressional committees. everything.
She is the Democrats future, either as a successor to Nancy Pelosi, as President, or any other office she aspires to.
She is amazing! And she deserves a fair shot from the media, which as I’ve researched …. she isn’t getting. They need to treat her with more respect visually.
I remember when, not long after her election, Republicans dug up an old college video where AOC did a slightly sexy little dance. AOC's response: She did another one right outside her congressional office door and published the video. Now, that's Chutzpah. Republicans dropped it like a hot rock.
Exactly Porter. I almost included that episode in the article but just didn’t have the space!
You are so right, Azza, as regards AOC. But thankfully, she is not letting others dictate her actions and marches to her own drummer. She is a very strong woman.
From what I've been watching for years now, the only women getting a more than fair shot by the billionaire media are republicon women. Look at the almost reverence with which Stefanik from NY, Blackburn from Tenn and many other female republicons are reported on. Blackburn is an especially evil character. When she was still a congresswomen, she and her republicon colleague from Pennsylvania, (Tom Marino) single-handedly took almost all enforcement powers away from the DEA regarding opioids. It is thanks to those two that the opioid problem has become so huge in the US. While Marino was forced to resign from Congress because he talked his mistress into getting an abortion, Blackburn was rewarded with a seat in the Senate.
Very good points. I’ll be interested to research how those Republican women are framed because there are definitely many Republican women who are treated quite unfairly (Palin, Haley, etc). I’ll look into this! Thank you!
But that gave Trump et al something more to run on! I say that tongue in cheek, but Republican’s strength usually comes from DEMONIZING ‘others’ and presenting themselves as the ‘only fixers’ … and MAGAts lap it up.
I agree! She is one of the best voices for democracy!!
Agreed Barbara!
Agreed. I see determination and understanding.
This article is so right on. My first real encounter with sexism began some 45 years ago when I started at Longs Drugs and the Manager asked this woman to teach me about the cash register. She said, and I've never forgotten it: "Oh great another guy I need to train to be my boss".
AOC became a very effective politician, I believe, because she listened to Nancy Pelosi early on. AOC seems has shifted her focus to bread and butter issues in lieu of only the social issues she seemed to focus on in her first years as a member of the House. I'd love her to eventually be Speaker of the House; but I don't believe she could ever be President (but who am I, as seventy year white guy who was shocked (and most presently so) when President Obama became President).
Thanks for sharing that story, Nick. I agree AOC is a very effective politician.
The future is feminine.
Alexandria always portrays integrity, intelligence, compassion for the American people and the world, honor, courage and fearlessness. She is a True example of what all of us should strive to be. She excels! Thank you Representative Ocasio- Cortez. You make me so very proud of the Audacity of Hope ( to steal from another hero ) ❤️Eliza from Maine❤️
She does indeed! And the media needs to frame her in a way that shows her integrity and intelligence.
My academic background is in semiotics which examines how things like photography are constructed to communicate and manipulate meaning. This was a fascinating and insightful article thank you. AOC is a shining star for sure!
Wow, thanks David! That is such an interesting field of study. Thanks so much for reading!
Great and important work you are doing here, we really need deconstruction of our current media. I look forward to the next one!
That’s so kind, thank you! Comment if you have ideas of which politician I should look at next.
How about Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston? She is incredibly inspiring and does amazing work.
LOVE this idea. I’ve actually researched her before and will definitely write on her in the future. Thanks David!
Absolutely, I’ll do so and post back up here.
It just shows you that it doesn't matter what a woman wears, how she styles herself or looks like - she will be ripped apart, so the best defense and offense is just to be authentic. AOC is a real leader and we need more like her.
Exactly, Robert! Thank you for this comment. Authenticity is the way (and the media ecosystem changing to reflect and respect that)
Thank you again - but really outrageous. Makes me wonder about the conversations at the NYT that led to the choice of that AOC photo. Hits every red button - she's divisive, ethnic, fringe, young, a scowler.
But what's also great about your article is that you let us know that AOC is so smart. She is choosing her own media screen. Yay!
Thanks, Wendy! I found even more photos from the NYT that were awful… women have to reframe themselves. And the media isn’t going to do it unless we start this conversation and push back together.
AOC for President.
AOC is my number 1 candidate for the leader we desperately need to recover from the cataclysm called Trump. But I'd like to suggest that there are other rising stars that need our support. Deja Foxx is running for Raúl Grijalva's seat in southern Arizona. Check out her credentials. You will be impressed. Jim Acosta interviewed her a few days ago.
BTW ... I'm an old, retired white guy and I don't even live in her district.
Meidas Touch just interviewed her, too.
https://www.meidasplus.com/p/meet-deja-foxx-a-25-year-old-ready
Sarah Palin’s wardrobe got attention because it was said that she was spending large amounts of contributions meant for the campaign on her clothing. Sarah Palin was vapid. There was nothing else to say about her except her wardrobe.
I certainly agree with what you have written about the way women are portrayed in politics, particularly, Democrats. Women are either too pretty or not pretty enough. They are either too tough or not tough enough. Men don’t face that type of scrutiny.
The more I look at the images of different candidates and elected leaders, the more I see this pattern — men and their image just do not get treated the same way.
This has always been a problem, and yeah, whenever a woman takes a public position, it rears up. . But even women aggravate it, sometimes deliberately, other times without thinking. I was disappointed by this article, because it didn't really help.
For instance, you opened the article by describing AOC this way:
"... a 28-year-old bartender and community organizer defeated a 10-term Democratic incumbent in a congressional primary that shocked the Democratic political establishment. When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrived in Congress six months later, she brought progressive policies, a fresh approach, and a new visual presence to the political landscape— one that traditional media struggled to frame."
Yes, you framed this with positive words But you omitted the rest of who AOC was, and did not touch upon them at any point in the article. While it was true that she's worked as a bartender, she had graduated from Boston University with honors and two degrees- one in international relations and the other in economcs. During college, she also interned for U.S. senator Ted Kennedy on foreign affairs and immigration issues. But your description makes her sound like a bouncy teenager. I see her as an attractive, intelligent, thoughtful, and insightful young woman.
The article cites a recurring theme, and at the same time reinforces it, by focussing only on AOC's appearance and how her femininity is perceived. I'd like to have seen the photos more balanced, but there are more of the negative photos than the positive, I realize you were making a point, but really, THREE open-mouth photos?
Yes, three open-mouth photos, to make the point! And good on Ms. Cohen for choosing them!
You hit it out of the park there, Annie! Debate team captain material here.
She is much more than a bartender - you should add her educational achievements. Just as misleading as the bad photos is the assumption that her primary experience is as being a bartender. That is not any more a true representation of her than the photos selection.
I am reminded of side by side photos of 3 Dem women vs 3 GOP men, under the heading :
“WOMEN ARE JUST TOO EMOTIONAL!!”
— the women are shown calm, cool & collected, the men angry & hysterical!
This was around the time of the Kavenaugh hearings … and we know how those turned out!
Thank god we get articles about true heroes of the fight for democracy. AOC has been one of the leaders in the struggle for social and political justice. It is interesting though that the author managed not to say a single word on her support for Palestine and her courage and moral integrity to speak against the genocide in Gaza. See please: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2155822888085866
I love AOC. ❤️
Good photo or bad.
Too bad most people are so visually biased and easily manipulated.
I totally respect, admire & am inspired by AOC!!! I love her passion , her courage & her determination!!! This woman is on fire!!! (Alicia Keys' song perfect for her!)
So...what I am wondering is who are the people/journalists that are choosing the photos to print? Are they all men?!! Are their no women journalists/photo-journalists that have a say in how women politicians will be portrayed in the media?!!
We all know about the scarcity of strong women in leadership positions throughout the world.
Thanks for pointing out this important issue. It suggests that these photo editors either 1) have a negative point of view about strong women in leadership or 2) are trying to attract viewers/readers by appealing to an audience with those views. It's no different from headline writers who distort the story, and with the same motives.
We Democrats have a very strong bench that includes important players from all generations and all genders. Rep Jasmine Crockett, an attorney who I believe is somewhat older, than AOC, regularly impresses me. So do Pete Buttigieg, Cory Booker, Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Josh Shapiro, and Amy Klobochar. These people, and others like them, are, indeed, the future of our party and our country.