Internationally Acclaimed Human Rights Lawyer Amal Alamuddin Marries an Actor Named George

[Fred Sanders]

Gotta love the way the foreign press understands that it is Amal Alamuddin, renowned lawyer, human rights activist, accomplished author and speaker that is the top line story, not the actor she married.

And in the process the American press reveals an institutional misogyny.

As described by Think Progress site:

"Over the weekend, George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin in Venice. Much of the coverage has focused on Clooney, with USA Today leading their report by describing him as “one of the world’s most eligible and sexy stars.” The New York Daily News bills Clooney as a “Hollywood heartthrob” who “finally uttered the words that he’d long sworn off.” E Online proclaims “the famous Hollywood hunk said goodbye to his bachelor days.”

Alamuddin is simply described as his “ladylove.”

..................................................................................................

There is one publication, however, that has its priorities straight:

http://www.ryot.org/george-clooney-says-i-do-to-human-rights-laywer/823333

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

1. Why should the story lead with Alamuddin?

Most Americans have never heard of her, and I daresay that "most" people here at DU would not know of her had she not wed Clooney. She is much better known in the U.K. and Europe.

There's nothing mysogynistic, imo, in this type of reporting, although it most certainly would have been nice to have read about her accomplishments. After all, she is brainy and beautiful.

I'm sure you noticed that the article is almost entirely about "George."

[JI7]

2. this doesn't fit in with what all those men can't help it because evolution/biology

are always posting.

[Nye Bevan]

3. I must confess I'd never heard of her

until George Clooney popped the question.

[JI7]

5. that's because she wasn't a celebrity

[Fred Sanders]

11. She IS a celebrity of a sort unknown in America, a cerebral celebrity.

[Baitball Blogger]

4. George Clooney's commitment to marriage is a sign of the coming Apocalypse.

[Brigid]

6. All I can say is . . .

My.heart is irreparably broken.

[JI7]

7. i'm sure there are other international human rights lawyers who are available

[Brigid]

8. I see what you did here.

[Fred Sanders]

9. I am not sure who got the better catch, but I think it is George who lucked out.

[malaise]

13. Indeed

[Number23]

10. Damn right. That is EXACTLY the way that it should be reported

She does more important work in a month than he does in a decade. But because he's an "actor" everyone wants to act as though he's lifting HER to HIS level when there is no doubt it's the other way around.

My opinion of Clooney went up about ten points when I found out they were getting married. Sure she's thin and gorgeous but that is by no means the totality of all that she is and not even close to the most interesting things about her. Major Props to him for being smart, confident and mature enough to not want a trophy.

[treestar]

15. +1 I'm actually rather surprised

I assumed she was a wannabe actress/model. Had never heard of her.

[CTyankee]

22. And I'll just bet that Clooney feels just like you do.

I just love the guy. But I am shameless. I see all his movies. I must admit I'd buy a ticket to see him read the phone book...

[JI7]

12. a pic from their Wedding on the people Magazine cover

probably one of the first celeb wedding dresses i really really like.

[Fred Sanders]

14. That is one stunning couple, she is a jewel. And it should be "Amal and George" on the cover.

She is taller after all.

[big_dog]

18. Hello Magazine overseas....

[stevenleser]

16. If a guy who won the nobel prize for science marries Madonna, she is going to get the lions

share of the press. Doesn't matter how smart or interesting he is.

A big celebrity will always be the focus.

[Fred Sanders]

17. SHE is the one in focus outside the Western world that watches only Western movies. He is "George".

[stevenleser]

19. Few of my friends in European and Latin American media have heard of her before this. nt

[Fred Sanders]

20. Maybe you need to expand your circle of international media friends.

[stevenleser]

21. Nope. She just wasn't that well known. nt

[RedCappedBandit]

23. I think this is a poor example of institutional misogyny.

If this sexes were reversed here, the famous movie star would still be the one receiving the attention in the US. Says more about our ridiculous worship of celebrities than anything, imo.