Recently I read an article in the February 8th Chicago Tribune, “State of the uniform,” discussing Obama’s clothing choices. The article stated that, “Few presidents’ fashion choices have attracted as much attention as Barack Obama’s, yet each has left an impression in the annals of style.” The author, Constance White, goes on to discuss six presidents’ clothing choices. I found her analysis of George W. Bush the most interesting. White commented, “Evoking oil and swagger, George W. Bush’s cowboy boots and belts now seem emblematic of the Wild West Mentality.” This directly relates to our in-class discussion dealing with cowboys and furthermore the post similarly dealing with the “Myth of the West” and how several presidents have capitalized on this myth to give themselves and their administration an air of strength and purpose. White states that Obama’s “uniform” can be described as dapper, modern, classic, big-city polish, and confident. However, there is currently no theme like the “Wild West” associated with him as of yet.What do you think Obama’s style will evolve into? What do you think his style will be called?
3 comments:
It's ironic that we have gone from a cowboy, wild west President to an urban president. The two are almost opposites. The cowboy is fierce and irrational. While Obama, the urban man will sit down and talk. He is portrayed as this man who wants to work things out and get down to the real issues through discussion. Right now, I think Obama is this kind of guy. Though his image could change as his term progresses. We may see him make decisions and moves that alter our idea of him. Who knows, ten years from now he might be just like GWB was. Though I highly doubt this.
I agree with Adam, President Obama will be known as an urban president where as Bush could be remembered for being a "cowboy" amongst other not so flattering things. Obama's style is much more progressive and he evokes a sense of confidence as opposed to Bush, who every time he stood in front of the country made a fool of himself with his verbal blunders. Adam has a point when he says "We may see him (Obama) make decisions and moves that alter our idea of him." Look at Bush for example, he started out as a cowboy in his first term, then in his second term he transformed into a blinking idiot with an atrocious approval rating, and that's what he will be remembered for by the American and world public. So what's next? I think confidence in our great nation is next because of the confidence that Obama takes in himself and in our country.
I feel like Obama wants his image or "look" to be serious and fierce. He wants to impress the nation with his choices. I personally don't view Obama in this way but it seems this is what he is aiming for. It will be interesting to see what he evolves into and what people say about him. Now that he is president, he is the face of our nation.
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