But What About Her JOB?
Warning – rant ahead.
They’re bashing Katie Couric again. Awful. Boring. Dowdy. Oh no, they don’t mean her ability to perform in her new job. No, no. It would seem in that department, she did just fine. No, they’re talking about her wardrobe. That’s right, folks. The critics, who never opened their mouths at the wide lapels or the ancient haircut that her predecessor wore are most concerned with Katie Couric’s attire.
Could someone please tell me how her choice of clothing has any bearing on her reporting the news on Iraq, the election season and the news that suspected terrorists are being subjected to “alternative methods” of questioning by our government? Is it really relevant that while Katie Couric was delivering the dire news, she was doing so wearing what appeared to be a black or navy blue top under a white blazer? Are there really people out there who still believe white can’t be worn after Labor Day? Is that what this is all about? No? Then you explain the obsession the world has with what this woman, or any woman in a position of power, is wearing is all about. Did anyone jump on Dan Rather for having that same nasty haircut for decades? Does anyone notice that the Monday Night Football cronies (now the NBC Football cronies) are ancient and prattle on endlessly about the same thing week after week? No? Is it because they are men and men are allowed to express opinions, or is it because we expect them to get old and to sound like men trying to remain young?
This criticism of Katie’s clothing was heaped on top of a prior insult – the airbrushing of her healthy figure to make her look slimmer and younger. If we’re that obsessed with youth, can someone, anyone, please spackle Ted Koppel’s face? Howdy Doody has lost his youthful glow. I hate to sound bitter, but it’s very difficult to sit by and watch the double standard flaunted so shamelessly. Women of all ages and shapes are beautiful. They don’t have to be stick thin or wrinkle free to perform their jobs effectively. Just tell Barbara Walters that she’s going to have to have that facelift or her job is on the line. If she has the kind of tenacity I suspect she has, the lawsuit would be filed instantly. For when was the last time a man’s job was criticized because he wasn’t “pretty” enough?
Please send this to all major newspapers, Salon, VANITY FAIR, et al — it needs to be heard everywhere.
You don’t sound bitter, just fed up (like any woman worth her salt should feel). I find it so sad that in the year 2006, a proven career woman such as Ms. Couric can still be subjected to these petty bashes.