According to the Wall Street Journal, Laura Bush was wearing "a pink skirt-suit" when she rang the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange today, marking the first time, ever, that a First Lady has rung the closing bell. The White House website says brightly that her visit was made to "symbolize the vital contribution that women bring to a growing global economy."
And what better way to symbolize women in economy, everywhere, than to wear pink?
The Journal pointed out that she pronounced the floor trading "interesting" after receiving a description of the NYSE's workings from Spear Leeds & Kellogg.
Laura Bush has certainly worked hard for women's rights in her time as First Lady, but has labored much of this second term deep in the shadow of her husband. She's visiting New York City by herself this week, attending a conference on global literacy, accepting an award, and talking at the Clinton Global Initiative. She'll also talk at the UN about Burma's humanitarian crisis.
The history-making step at the NYSE seems at once flamboyant and girlish, feminista and feminine. Why ring the bell now? Why wear pink? As a woman in business, I'm at once bemused and a little insulted at this would-be economic role model. Will anyone remember Laura's actions as a mark on the timeline for feminism, or women, or pink -- or is it just a trivia footnote that will be quickly forgotten by all but the most dedicated Bushophiles? What do you think?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-19-2006 @ 7:52AM
Christin Carlson said...
No, Laura isn't an economic role model, but she is a role model in many other ways. I admire the woman immensely. She has a true partnership of a marriage: loving, laughter filled (and real.) In the interviews I've read, she speaks her mind with intelligence and candor without being stident - a style I aspire to. You don't have to be angry to be strong. Laura demonstrates this. Finally - what's wrong with pink? Especially this month. My first thought was that it was a nod to breast cancer awareness.
9-19-2006 @ 8:11AM
Nancy Yeargin said...
I agree that the wearing of pink was in recognition of breaast cancer awareness this month. It is an
obvious gesture and I am happy that there is a way
for someone of Laura Bush's stature to have such a
gracious and graceful way to show American men and women her support for the cause.
9-19-2006 @ 8:59AM
Patricia Ray said...
The term is role model, not roll model.
9-19-2006 @ 10:08AM
susan timmer said...
Why NOT wear pink? Why does a "woman in business" even need to comment on the color of the suit. Isn't this just the kind of superficial, dismissive judgement that women have fought against for decades?
9-19-2006 @ 11:31AM
Mike said...
I like Laura, she's a righteous woman.
She believes as the words of 1 of my tunes says
" We Will Build You Up Together "
check out Free samples of my songs
Twinfinity on any music download site