A Time To

For just one minute, can we forget the politics?

I absolutely have to express my reaction to a small segment of the State of the Union Speech that I viewed this evening.

My immediate reaction even before the President approached the podium, was distinct impatience.

I consider myself a feminist, but I loathe silliness. I have absolutely no patience with stupidity, and I have always refused to join a mob.

Unfortunately, looking at the audience and seeing the large female segment garbed in white, it fell into that category for me.

It doesn’t matter what political party they represent. The idea of wearing the same color clothing identifying a belief is nonsensical. It reeked of a kindergarten climate and in my opinion was ludicrous. It reminded me of early childhood when little girls wore the same color hair ribbon, and it had as little impact then as it did tonight.

Tonight’s speech was controversial, and members of both parties were listening. It provided a serious forum for every citizen, both those who disagree with the current administration, as well as those who agree. The immature gesture of intelligent women dressing alike seemed to minimize the occasion. Not only for those who supported the President, but also for every adult female in the audience who had not participated in the charade.

Color coding by intelligent mature politicians brought the occasion down into the level of a costume event.

I resented it not because of any political affiliation, but as a woman who believes in the dignity our sex deserves. Most of us have worked long and hard for the level of achievement American women now enjoy. It wasn’t accomplished by wearing a red hat or purple feather and certainly not by wearing white to this evening’s speech.

As the screen focused in on the segment of the audience sitting together in their color coded mock uniform, they seemed to disappear from my view and fade into the night. They didn’t represent any of the women I know or knew, who always identified themselves by achievement, sacrifice and ability, but never by dressing alike.

Ladies, it was a childish gesture, and I was embarrassed watching you. You looked silly while representing every citizen who voted for you.

Don’t disrespect them with nonsensical gestures. Grow up.