America’s First Ladies: Their Changing Role and Influence | Beyond the Scenes
Sep 24, 2023
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America's First Ladies and their changing role and influence are discussed by CNN Contributor Kate Andersen Brower and Daily Show Senior Producer Jeff Gussow. They explore how First Ladies have impacted policy, navigated gender expectations, and shaped history. Topics include the lack of a rule book for the position, the scrutiny faced by First Ladies, and the evolving nature of the role. They also touch on the hypothetical role of a 'first dude' in the White House and play a fun trivia game about First Ladies.
First ladies have historically impacted policy, making important decisions and campaigning for causes they believe in.
The role of first lady should continue breaking free from gender constraints and allow individuals to define it on their own terms.
Each first lady has navigated intense scrutiny and criticism based on appearance, fashion choices, and adherence to traditional gender expectations.
Deep dives
The Role and Power of First Ladies
First ladies have played influential roles throughout history, possessing significant power despite not being elected officials. From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, first ladies have been politically involved, making important decisions and campaigning for causes they believe in. Their power often stems from being the closest advisor to the most powerful person in the country, the president. Each first lady has made the role her own, championing social causes and advocating for change. However, the role of first lady has also come with intense scrutiny and criticism, with expectations rooted in traditional gender norms and societal expectations. Moving forward, the role of the first lady should continue breaking free from gender constraints and allow individuals to define it on their own terms.
The Evolving Expectations of First Ladies
The expectations placed on first ladies have evolved over time, but some gender norms and traditional roles still persist. First ladies are often expected to be ideal wives and mothers, managing domestic duties and organizing social events. However, each first lady has navigated these expectations differently, making the role their own. Some have focused on specific causes like Michelle Obama with her Let's Move campaign for healthy eating and exercise, while others have played influential behind-the-scenes roles in policy and decision-making, like Hillary Clinton and Nancy Reagan. The role of first lady should continue to evolve, allowing women to define their own priorities and breaking free from restrictive gender norms.
Challenges and Criticisms Faced by First Ladies
First ladies face intense scrutiny and criticism, often based on appearance, fashion choices, and adherence to traditional gender expectations. They are constantly analyzed in the media and by the public, subject to debates and controversies. Each first lady has her own unique experiences and challenges in navigating these expectations. The scrutiny can have a significant impact on their well-being, but some first ladies have found support and camaraderie among each other. While some first ladies have been able to maintain friendships and offer advice, the relationships among first ladies are not consistently close or ongoing.
The Role of First Gentlemen
With the potential for a first gentleman in the future, the role of the spouse of a female president will be increasingly relevant. The expectations and standards placed on the first gentleman will likely be compared to the traditional roles expected of first ladies, posing an opportunity to challenge and redefine gender norms. The first gentleman will have a chance to show support for his spouse while also breaking free from traditional gender-defined roles. It remains to be seen how first gentlemen will shape the position and influence policies as they navigate a role previously held primarily by women.
Success and Progress in the First Lady Role
Success as a first lady should be measured by how each individual first lady has navigated and made an impact in the role. Each first lady makes the position her own, advocating for causes she is passionate about and exerting influence within the administration. The success of a first lady can be seen in her ability to break free from gender constraints, redefine the role, and leave a lasting legacy. As societal norms continue to evolve, the role of first lady should become more inclusive and allow for greater personal expression and autonomy.
America’s First Ladies have historically been expected to champion social causes, be style icons, and serve as the nation’s matriarch. In this episode, host Roy Wood Jr. sits down with CNN Contributor Kate Andersen Brower, and Daily Show Senior Producer Jeff Gussow to discuss how the role of First Lady has evolved, how they have impacted policy, navigated gender expectations, and shaped history.