February 25, 2005

Dominatrix?

Never mind Condoleezza Rice's impeccable credentials as a scholar, stateswoman and presidential adviser. Or even as a foreign policy expert. The Washington Post’s description of the Secretary of State during her recent visit to the Wiesbaden, Germany, Army Airfield? “Dominatrix!”

Rice's coat and boots speak of sex and power — such a volatile combination, and one that in political circles rarely leads to anything but scandal. When looking at the image of Rice in Wiesbaden, the mind searches for ways to put it all into context. It turns to fiction, to caricature. To shadowy daydreams. Dominatrix! It is as though sex and power can only co-exist in a fantasy. When a woman combines them in the real world, stubborn stereotypes have her power devolving into a form that is purely sexual.

I’m disappointed that the venerable Washington Post couldn’t — or, maybe, just wouldn’t — find something more substantial to write than about Rice’s “commanding clothes.” If they dug around a little, they might find a story in the slew of racist and disparaging editorial cartoons the journalism industry hawked at the American public a few months ago. But I digress....

I love Condi Rice. She’s a quintessential example of the American success story — a brilliant woman who rose from humble beginnings to positions — lots of them — of power, prestige and influence. She is brilliant, witty, charming. But I think what I love most about her is her blind confidence in the face who say she can’t do the job for which she was hired.

At least the Post got that part right.

Rice's appearance at Wiesbaden — a military base with all of its attendant images of machismo, strength and power — was striking because she walked out draped in a banner of authority, power and toughness. She was not hiding behind matronliness, androgyny or the stereotype of the steel magnolia. Rice brought her full self to the world stage — and that included her sexuality. It was not overt or inappropriate. If it was distracting, it is only because it is so rare.

But is it Rice’s sexuality and clothing that makes her tough? Is it not possible that she’s powerful because she’s shrewd, sharp and sophisticated?

— Brady Creel

| Feb. 25, 2005 | 11:36 AM