When media mention a woman's appearance, her chance of being elected falls, study finds

[redqueen]

Any mention of a female candidate's appearance in the media —be it positive, negative or even neutral —damages her chance of being elected, according to a new study.

The study from "Name It. Change It.," the nonpartisan media-monitoring and accountability project of The Women's Media Center and She Should Run, presented people with articles about generic male and female candidates and asked them to judge how competent, in touch and qualified they were.

...

"What we're saying is, we don't want this appearance coverage to be a barrier for women at all. What's happening now doesn't prevent women from winning and running this race, but they have to run twice as fast as the man next to them. We want to level the field," said Larris.

...
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/04/15/daily-circuit-politician-appearance

[One_Life_To_Give]

1. What do you think of Obama's shoes?

Did the plain toe of his Oxford really catch the essence of the look? Or does it's lack of visual interest signify his more conservative outlook?


Can you imagine the above in any mainstream press? Substitute Michele and I bet you can. Don't think it's just the mention of clothing but the perception of what the dialog is about.

[ismnotwasm]

2. Heh!

There's a certain tragedy in the division of gendered fashion. Men could stand more color and fabrics, women could use more comfort and multiuse. Then there's 'cost' sexism with women's fashion being far more expensive.

[seabeyond]

3. i read this. thank you. gotta be aware. and for the people that see no harm. well, here it is.

but but but... it is a COMPLIMENT saying michelle is hot.

no. it takes away from her being, doing, accomplishing and creates her as "easy on the eyes". a thing of use for men.