E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Shannon Stapleton / Reuters
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to students at Dhaka International School.
For women and their careers, it’s often not about what they do but how they look. More proof of that came last week.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made headlines around the world not for anything she did but because she appeared without makeup on a trip to Bangladesh.
“Hillary Clinton addresses ‘au naturale’ liberation,” said political blog The Drudge Report, while trend site Styleite.com declared that Clinton “just wants to be normal and do things like wear her hair in a scrunchie, party with her girlfriends and go out without a stitch of makeup.”
The kicker was England’s Daily Mail, which said Clinton’s moment sans makeup made her look “tired and withdrawn.”
Similarly former News International CEO Rebekah Brooks drew angry comments Friday not just for her role in a phone hacking scandal but for her appearance, especially her curly red hair, when she testified before a British government inquiry led by Lord Justice Leveson.
AFP/Getty Images
Former News International CEO Rebekah Brooks, testifies at the Leveson Inquiry.
Here are some of the popular Brooks tweets for the day:
- A date for your diary / Rebekah Brooks, at the inquiry / Hair and temperament, fiery / Words, liary
- Rebekah Brooks. We get it. You have lots of curly red hair, but wearing Orphan Annie's dress to the Leveson hearing? Seriously?
There’s even a Facebook page dedicated to Brooks' hair, called Rebekah Brook's hair is so big because it's full of secrets.
It goes to show that no matter how high up in business or politics a woman gets — or how hard she falls — in the end the focus is often about how she looks and not what she does.
“We’re still held to a double standard,” said Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who produced the 2011 documentary “Miss Representation” about the underrepresentation of women in powerful positions.
“It’s tragic,” she said. “We have an obsession with women’s looks. Unfortunately our culture has bought into this whole double standard that a women’s value is her beauty not her capacity to lead.”
The Look: Hillary Clinton doesn't care if you see her without makeup
Women certainly feel the pressure to look good. Nearly half of women don’t feel good about themselves unless they’re wearing makeup, according to a study released this year by the Renfrew Center Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on eating disorder research and treatment.
The online study, conducted by Harris Interactive for Renfrew, polled nearly 1,300 adult women and found 44 percent "have negative feelings when they are not wearing makeup," including feeling self-conscious, unattractive or that something is missing. Only 3 percent said going without makeup made them feel more attractive.
“Wearing makeup to enhance one’s appearance is normal in our society and often a rite of passage for young women,” said Adrienne Ressler, national training director for Renfrew and a body image expert. “There is concern, however, when makeup no longer becomes a tool for enhancement but rather a security blanket that conceals negative feelings about one’s self-image and self-esteem.”
Many women trying to climb the ladder of success believe they need to enhance their looks or face career doom.
“This goes to the heart of what we still see in the work world today,” said Nancy Mellard, general counsel for business services company CBIZ, which offers a program to develop of women professionals through focused leadership, mentoring and networking. “Whether you’re coming up the career path or at the height of your career like Clinton, we still see women, certainly more than men, judged on appearance not accomplishments.”
While blatant discrimination in the workplace is less common than it was 20 years ago, she said, there are still subtle biases that may be hardest to combat.
TODAY Style: Kathie Lee, Hoda dare to bare (their faces)
One study sponsored by the Women’s Media Center and She Should Run, a group advocating for more women in public leadership, found that sexist comments about female candidates, including critiques on appearance, lead voters to question how effective they would be.
Often the people bashing how women look are other women. “We’re some of the worst,” Mellard said.
Newsom agreed. “It speaks to our own insecurities. We are complicit and have also bought into this, and the only way to change things is for women to start seeing each other more as sisters and supporting, not judging each other.”
TODAY's Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb have nothing to hide. The co-hosts bare it all and wear no makeup on the show. See who else is exposed without makeup.
Judging each other based on looks, however, is a reality we all have to face because there’s a "beauty benefit" for men as well as women in the workplace.
“Research by economists has shown that ‘beautiful people’, both men and women, have higher pay than less attractive people, holding constant many other factors about the individuals,” said Anne York, associate professor of economics at Meredith College’s School of Business. “So it really does pay for everyone to look good for work.”
“In the case of Hillary Clinton, though, it was quite ridiculous to me that when she went with a natural face, which millions of men do every day, that it made the news with close-up photos of her face," she added. " While her appearance made a lot of news, I don’t think that is necessarily bad if it can start a conversation on accepting more women with a natural appearance.”
Of course, men can fall victim to image-bashing as well.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s hoodie has been a hot topic on social media lately. But unlike attacks on Clinton’s face or Brooks’ hair, there’s little fear hoodiegate will undermine the main power base in the business world today – rich white guys.
Related:
Have you and your spouse ever competed for the same job?
Facebook IPO pits Wall Street suits against the hoodie
Leave a Comment:
Bill,
All is forgiven. i understand completely. Yikes!
case closed
Hillary is a terrible example to use for this article. Makeup or not, the beotch be ugly!
Hillary is a terrible example of a human being period.
Who cares whether she does or doesn't wear makeup? She's a helluva woman and a helluva role model!
Pablo: wow. read. the. article. again. This time, comprehend.
Apparently the first four res ponders missed the whole entire point of the article.
And in case no one has noticed, taller, good-looking guys tend to catch more breaks in the workplace than shorter, plainer-looking guys.
JKLD-right on! Justme-thanks for pointing out something this article ignored.
Role model? She sat around for decades while her husband cheated on her with one woman after another. Not much of a role model in the mother category for her daughter.
People are animals too. The most colorful cardinal gets the girl if you know what I mean. Ironically, in nature, the prettiest/strongest male gets the girl. Looks count whether we like it or not. In most businesses, the leader may be someone who started the company or has the most invested financially. Leadership qualities are a wash for most businesses, so we are forced to fall back on primordal instincts to set each other apart to establish hiearchies and so forth, just like in the natural world.
Nothing ever changes . . . . it's still the 'good ol' white boys club'. How pathetic.
"Good ole boys club" not necessarily white boys. That's quite a bias you have there.
Really? I work with 400 other people. 10 people per team. 39 women some of them ugly as sin - one White Boy. That's the make up of the supervisors.
What's total bull is the HR domination by women - they hire their own gender and then this crap.
In the United States the squeaky wheel gets the grease and American women whine whine whine.
And you wonder why there is a huge market for Internet brides from anywhere but the United States. Spoiled Rotten is what you are.
-Oh one other thing -- I color my hair - I keep in shape and I do what I can to look young and youthful. Damn I'm sick of this BS - The most discriminated individuals in the United States are white males over 40.
Period end of story.
From my experience, it's actually women that seem to care how another woman looks. Women are a lot more catty.
...none of this would be an issue if guys would STOP THINKING WITH THEIR PENISES! Just think of how much better this world would be, if decisions were made with the big head, instead of the little head. The women who allow the looks of other women to influence their business decisions are weak minded fools who actually care more about their social status instead of their job. I don't care what a person looks like, I base my decisions on knowledge and professionalism.
Women believe that they are entitled to special treatment because of their internal plumbing. Dressing to enhance their breasts and lips is the fast-track to getting more attention than a man would.
um, yeah wrote "if guys would STOP THINKING WITH THEIR PENISES!"
My penis is a handicap. It makes me pay attention and listen to women that have nothing useful, valuable and interesting to say and treat them with greater attention than I would treat a man saying the same. It makes me spend money to buy female attention and time (dating).
There is a very good reason you pathetic, whinny little boys can't get a job or a real woman.
Sounds like there's some whiny misogyists here that simply can't handle strong women and want to be back in the stone age with the neanderthals.
JK: they're the same ones who post CONSTANTLY about their insecurities with women...(mommy issues, perhaps?)
AP,
Most likely you're right. They simply can't handle. They whine because of their shortcomings; they think it'll make them feel bigger. NOT!
"none of this would be an issue if guys would STOP THINKING WITH THEIR..."
Little difficult to rewire millions of years of evolution.
Probably just as difficult as it would be to rewire the female brain to stop them from incessantly trying to determine who the alpha female is in the office.
It's the way things go- so get used to it. Instincts outweigh opinions of how things should be done any time.
The females you see succeeding understand this, and use it.
Both of those are generalizations, some men don't think with their 'toy', and some women don't take advantage of their figure to get higher... But they are the exception to the rule.
I liked a comedian when he said "Do you think women dress up and leave the house hoping no one will look at them?"
There is definetly a double standard both ways - can I show up at the office with a "V" neck sweater, no undershirt and sandals? .....Didn't think so.
steve
That would depend on where you work. Go look at how they dress at apple, google, microsoft and facebook.
Even at these companies, women show cleavage, calves, plump up their breasts, wear colorful clothing - all designed to draw attention to them.
Whether it's Hollywood, magazines covers, or the music business....sex sells. And I'm pretty sure that it's not just men who enjoy these. If I had to blame any one group...it would be humans. lol And no end in sight. THANKS Kardashians for all your help (extreme sarcasm, implied)
Poor, poor Vincent....all that whining and still no dates? Gee, who would've guessed....
You've answered Vincent's post (I 100% disagree with his comment) with sexual humiliation, AP.
Both you and he are clear examples of the basic problem in question.
This is upside down.
Women use their looks and flirt to try to succeed, but when looks fade, or when they have a fashion misstep...suddenly they cry foul and wonder why looks matter.
Truth is, it is only noticeable on the extremes. They way most women dress and look is not noticed...it is only the hot ones and the ugly Betty that are noticed.
For guys? Please same story. Most guys, acting like guys, wearing similar suits...etc looks don't play a role, again only on the extremes. There are some guys that make the secretaries laugh and giggle as they walk by....the rest pass by without even being noticed.
So if you are on the downside fringe, you notice it. If you are the top...may times you are oblivious to it, or have come to expect it. The other 80%...looks are not a factor.
Also, taller men get promoted more and faster. They're more likely to be CEOs, etc.
Taller men need to get promoted faster - you can be as fat as you want but if you need to buy tall sizes it always costs you more : )
All women are fugly without makeup. Some even scary as schixt looking. Please keep the fence painted or just stay home.
Wow and I think most women look worse with make up, especially as they age after years of putting chemicals on their face.
A lot of workplace female dress and behavior is sexual harassment, and complaints about such should be taken as seriously as those about a picture of a woman showing similar cleavage. Why do I need to face cleavage across the table for an hour at a meeting? Will a complaint be leveled against me if my eyes lock on that carefully chosen sexual display for a few seconds or a few times? What is the business purpose of showing a cleft (believe me, nearly all of these ladies have sun-burned leopard skin)?
Oh aren't you three a fine example of manhood....your mamas must be SOOOO proud.
Sounds like a bunch of children talking.
Oh btw, its that mentality that led to Muslims forcing women to wear bags over their heads.
The onus is on YOU to control your sexual urges. Not on the girl to cover herself from head to toe.
To be honest, Hillary looks old and tired. Nothing wrong with old, but she could definitely use an eye lift and a facial peel. Her skin needs moisturizing as well, since we are on the subject.
You and Fa Tass are just proving the point. Where's the list of me who need face/eye lifts and peels? There are plenty of men in power who are fugly and old and tired looking.
Yea, god forbid that women age too.
She looks tired?! Last time I checked, she was the freakin' Secretary of State. Do you have any idea how hard her job is?, how many hours this woman is working and traveling on behalf of the American people? I think I will give her a pass on looking tired. As for looking old, I guess I prefer my states[men] with some wisdom and experience. Yeah, she probably could use a vacation, but I guess she figured she would just plow ahead and get the job done instead.
Why should she do all that? She has the right to look however she wants and not give a flying rat's ass about what you or anyone else thinks.
Personally, kudos to her and the flying fickle finger of fate to you and all like you!
Why of course it does. I remember when I started working in the early 80's. We were always told dress for success, and by gosh, take a shower, put on some deodorant, put on your best smile, and show them that personality of yours! You need to make a first big/good impression, especially in today's horrid job market. Your resume will speak for your job experience. Yes, I am a woman.
Oh, I forgot - her hair looks like a limp noodle, or that she is trying to have the hairstyle of a 15 year old.
The only one who should care is her. She didn't ask for your advice, nor should she care what you think. Get over your friggin' self.
Ken, Hillary is in her 60s. Her hair looks the way it does is because a) she's trying to grow it out, and b) because her hormones dictate that after a certain age (varies with the individual, obviously) her hair (and skin, for that matter) will be thinner, dry and limp. And the more she works with it, the worse it will be. Why do you suppose so many older women wear their hair so short?
That said, isn't your observation just exactly the type of thing this column is all about?
Like this is something different. Unless you are Donatella Versace who has the money to do anything. Looks are everything as portrayed in most Hollywood films.
She is a poster child for bad cosmetic surgery, Raymond. An example of what happens when this lookism gets taken to an extreme.
There are some things that one can't change: Looks and our reactions to them are a prime example. Though we can acknowledge the apparent inequity that reaction causes, on a gut level we are going to react differently to a person who appears attractive to us. Gender doesn't play a major role here but men are more likely to respond then women.
Gimme a break. Looks matter no matter WHO you are! Even for guys ladies! If two men have the SAME performance, though one is smooth and handsome, and the other one is a dork with no idea how to dress himself, guess who's getting the promotion?
It's ok girls. Forget the makeup, forget hygiene, you're "beautiful" just as you are and EVERYONE gets a trophy! Um....well maybe not. It's the REAL world, GET OVER IT!
You have to be super rich like Jocelyn Wildenstein who has the power of money to do what she wants regardless what she looks like. Or you have to have the looks and the body to go right to the top.
Whether ore not it matters, I'll bet it was mainly women who were concerned with and commented on the looks of these women. They are their own worst critic.
wrong - read above comments.
sigh..sad but true. Plus, you have to flirt.
When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I wouldn't be caught dead leaving the house without my hair and make-up done...even if it was just to run to the grocery store for milk. Once I hit my late 20's, all that changed. And you know what? Guys STILL would hit on me even with no make-up on. Not that it matters anymore. I love my husband and his opinion is the only one that matters.
I actually wear a lot less makeup now in my thirties. Yes, I am getting older, but I don't feel I need to try as hard. I am not married, but I feel I attract more guys when I dress down. As for work, I am in an organization where it's mostly women. I follow my bosses lead most of the time and just dress professional. The one thing I think of the most is my curly hair. I try to keep it professional because I feel that if it's too big, it's distracting. I always wear it back during big meetings.
Never hired a woman based on her looks. If you can do the job - it's yours. Granted, good looks help in many ways, but that applies to men as well.
Way to go, Max!
Its all ugly women at my workplace!
where I work, my boss only hires attractive women. he even has a reputation for having attractive assitants, secretaries, etc under him. BUT he also hires women who do their jobs well. the attractive piece is just a bonus. i don't mind working around beautiful ladies. it makes each of us up our game everyday. life's too short to look like you just don't give a damn!
high heels...CHECK!
skirts...CHECK!
make-up...CHECK!
doing a great job...CHECK!
you can have it both ways! : )
Right on bologna. Unless you're an ugly girl, who could argue with that? Nothing worse than an ugly Betty with something to prove!
My old dad always said, "You can hire a good looking woman for the same price as an ugly one". He owned his own pharmacy before the days of chain drug stores. TV seems the worse as the networks only hire VERY good looking women for their news programs.
Most are beautiful, a very few really really aren't. But OMG...the female weather-casters!!!!! I'm wondering if they're real people or very 3D holograms, sometimes.
Funny how in undergrad I never wore make-up and my then boyfriend preferred me w/o make-up but I got major grief from my mom and sister who insisted that I needed make-up to look decent. I never thought make-up enhanced my look. However I do wear make-up now because I do like the way I look with make-up and not because someone had beat it into me. I agree that women are so mean to each other. Men often times don't care.
I can tell you I don't care. God just laugh a little - stop thinking men are evil. It's getting old. And it's killing my income.
I work for the only male supervisor in my building. 39 others are female. Not because of the work but because HR has a lock on it.
First male super in 15 years. I don't mind working for the ladies at all unless they have that chip on their shoulder. Than stand by.
But out on a date just smile and let's enjoy the evening. Life is too short. MSNBC - can this crap and start printing something from people whom are not divisive a holes.
You write.....
"I work for the only male supervisor in my building. 39 others are female....."
Sounds like an un-balanced, gender-discriminatory workplace!
Probably because they can hire a woman cheaper.
The photo of Kathie Lee shows that she IS wearing makeup. (eyeliner, eyelashes, eyebrow pencil and a coat of foundation). Just because a woman is not wearing lipstick does NOT mean she's not wearing makeup. Who is she kidding?
she actually ISN'T wearing make-up! I saw the show that day and she rubbed her face with tissue and NOTHING came off! She proved she isn't.
I always resented the idea that makeup was thought necessary, and mostly I didn't and don't wear any. I like to be able to touch my face when I feel like it without wondering if I smeared something. On the other hand, being an amateur actor showed me that with makeup you can look any way you want. So now it's a matter of the event I'm attending--whether I want to look a certain way.