Aspiring Politician's Photo Selection Evokes Reaction

Frustration.

That's the sentiment Congressional candidate Wendy Rosen said she hoped to convey when she submitted a photo of herself to announcing her candidacy.  In the photo, Rosen, has her hand under her chin and an unhappy expression on her face.

"I really believe that we can't change anything in government unless those who are apathetic or angry can relate to the cause," said , a Cockeysville Democrat campaigning for Maryland 1st District House of Representatives seat currently held by Republican Andy Harris. "Right now, too many of us have given up on the change we were promised. That change can't come unless we all move beyond the anger and get active."

But the message she was conveying, at least in the photo, didn't sit well with some readers, based on comments.

"Interesting choice of photo," wrote commenter "Susie," in one of the milder responses. "She might want to submit one that's a little more professional."

Other readers did not mince words.

"Sadly you all might consider that's the best picture she has," "Karl Schuub" wrote. "Those artsy, women's rights activist types aren't so much known as lookers."

The image issue for Rosen involves competing notions, according to Dr. Kimberly Moffitt, an American studies professor at the Univeristy of Maryland Baltimore County.

"For one thing, [Rosen's] not a politician but an aspiring politician," Moffitt said. "She is not part of the establishment. I think she chose that picture to show how different she is [from more seasoned politicians.]"

However, while voters may say they want change, Moffitt added, they still prefer the appearance of the establishment.

"[President Barack] Obama's campaign was all about change," Moffitt said. "But he was a politician, not an aspiring one. He knew to dress like the establishment to instill confidence in voters."

And being a woman may create more difficulties for Rosen regarding appearance in the political world, according to Moffitt.

"It's a double-bind," she said. "There is a lot of expectation for female politicians to affirm and accentuate their feminity, but because politicians are seen as masculine they have to exhibit masculine traits as well."

Moffitt cited Hillary Clinton, who is often mocked for her pantsuits but is often considered a serious  politician and public servant, in contrast to Sarah Palin who is regarded as being attractive but had trouble being taken seriously as a vice presidential candidate.

Moffitt, who said she first learned of Rosen and the controversy when contacted by Patch, added that she appreciated the Cockeysville resident's effort to show that she is a regular person concerned about her community, but Americans may not be ready for that visual yet.

Still, Rosen's intentions were not lost on all.

"I personally appreciate a 'real' casual photo to the sprayed on orange tan, capped teeth, hair piece 'professional' look," wrote "Pat" in the comments section of the original article. "She looks like a fighter—good on her."