An article that recently appeared in The Wall Street Journal (Why Do We Let Them Dress Like That?) made me sprain my neck from all the vigorous nodding I was doing in agreement. In the piece, author Jennifer Moses lamented that so many of her generation permit their teenage and pre-teen daughters to dress – to use her words – “like prostitutes.” It’s a familiar enough theme, as every few months there’s an uproar about this provocative billboard or that age-inappropriate clothing line, but the tempest usually dies down within minutes and it’s back to business as usual. And business as usual is a huge disservice to our daughters.
Certainly, it feels empowering to a young girl to dress like a mature woman. Sex is power, ergo “sexy” must equal “powerful.” It’s certainly fun to watch the boys lose their heads at the sight of their scantily-clad female peers though, in all honesty, it doesn’t take much power for a girl to accomplish that particular feat. Through and through, this “power” is an illusion.
In visualizing women they respect, one thing becomes apparent: They have class. They have dignity. They command respect.
In addressing this topic with teenage girls, I always discuss truly powerful women. When I ask for examples, what names come up? Eleanor Roosevelt. Hillary Clinton. Margaret Thatcher. Indira Gandhi. Michelle Obama. Names of that caliber. And, in visualizing women they respect, one thing becomes apparent: They have class. They have dignity. They command respect.
Such celebrities as Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton may be rich and popular. They may be fun to watch. It may be fun to act like them or even to act out like them but they don’t command respect. They have talent, they have money and they can get pretty much whatever they want, but in their eyes is not where the boys are looking. (In a similar vein, one can’t help but wonder if Lindsay Lohan’s legal problems might not be ironed out more smoothly if she was dressing for court more than for the paparazzi.)
Related Article: Beneath the Surface: A Deeper Look at Modesty
There’s nothing wrong with looking attractive. No one ever accused Jackie Kennedy or Michelle Obama of being frumpy. But there’s a world of difference between looking appropriately well-dressed and looking ready to dance onstage in a seedy bar.
In the book of Psalms (45:14), King David tells us that the honor of a princess is internal. The princess doesn’t have to put it all out there for the world to gawk at. She commands our attention because of what’s on the inside. She has something worthwhile to say and we want to hear it. In short, when we talk to her, we look her in the eye. In Judaism, we believe that all Jewish girls are princesses. This is the basis of modesty, the Jewish ideal in comportment and dress. Shouldn’t every girl be a princess in her parents’ eyes?
So, if dressing provocatively and giving boys virtual fits of apoplexy is not power, what is?
Saying no. Refusing to bow to trends just because they happen to be trends. Peer pressure is the single most compelling force in the world of a teen, and the ability to say no to it is the most courageous, most powerful thing a girl can do. It behooves every parent to facilitate his or her daughters’ ability to stand by higher convictions even at a time when all their peers may be descending into the muck.
The ability to say no to peer pressure is the most courageous, most powerful thing a girl can do.
Ms. Moses attributes a number of factors to the reluctance of mothers to deny their daughters access to provocative outfits – even to pay for them, which goes far beyond the appearance of tacit approval! The foremost factor appears to be that the mothers are of the first “liberated” generation. As part of the sexual revolution, with access to birth control in handy pill form, they were as a whole freer than previous generations in their own sexual experimentation. To deny their daughters this “opportunity” might make them that worst of all things – a hypocrite.
Actually, there are worse things a parent can be than a hypocrite. An enabler is one of them.
The author shares her own anecdotal experience that “not one woman (she’s) ever asked about the subject has said that she wishes she'd experimented more.” After decades of working with teens – who generally tend to grow into adults and parents themselves – such is likewise my experience. Rather than resigning ourselves to an “inevitable” conclusion, don’t we owe it to our daughters to share the benefits of our experience? Yes, our children will always make their own mistakes on the road to adulthood; it’s part of growing up. But while we know they may stumble into the occasional hole, we shouldn’t blindfold them, spin them around and give them a shove. We should yell, “Hey, look out! There’s a hole in the ground!” If they don’t listen, at least we tried.
And our kids might actually listen. They may roll their eyes, they may yell, they may slam their doors, but never deceive yourself: deep down inside, our kids are listening. They may never admit it because, hey, we’re uncool, but what parents say makes an impact.
What we neglect to say makes an even louder impact.
(28) Danielle, November 1, 2014 2:13 PM
Mrs. Obama is NOT the only First Lady to wear sleeveless or short skirts!
At least get your facts straight-First Ladies have been showing "too much" skin since 1809!
When Dolley Madison famously wore her low-cut dresses that showed off her shoulders and the top of her bosom, former First Lady Abigail Adams snidely remarked in a private letter that Mrs. Madison looked like "a nursing mother." [A fellow former Quaker friend] looked at her gown without sleeves or neck and with plunging neckline and quipped [to Dolly], "Sister, where is thy kerchief?"
Some forty-five years later, when Harriet Lane - the niece and White House hostess of the bachelor President James Buchanan (and the first to be called "First Lady") popularized what was called the "low-neck lace bertha" it set off something of a popular style - yet when her immediate successor Mary Lincoln wore shoulderless, armless dresses, she was criticized as "showing off her bosom."
When Frances Cleveland, the 21 year old bride of President Cleveland, wore gowns without sleeves and showed off her shoulders, the Women's Christian Temperance Union circulated a petition pleading for her to cover up her skin because she was a bad influence on the morals of young American girls.
Source: http://www.firstladies.org/FirstLadiesandFashion.aspx#dress
(27) Anonymous, August 4, 2012 2:51 PM
True Female Role Models
Hillary Clinton was all but convicted of her participation in the White Water Investment Scandal, and lied at least twice in her presidential campaign. Margaret Thatcher was imperious and a war monger. Indira Gandhi's (who was NOT related to Mahatma Gandhi) government was rife with corruption. Michelle Obama, who had every possible advantage in the US, said that she had never been proud of American until her husband had received support for his candidacy (shallow). I think a better list would be Aung San Suu Kyi, Amelia Earhart, Mother Teresa, and Madame Curie. Girls, young women, and women dressing / acting like sluts, especially in school and at the office, sends one very clear message: 'I am for sale to the right bidder...'
Anonymous, August 4, 2013 11:39 PM
completely agree.
Michelle Obama does not command the respect of her office in her choice of clothes. She has lost a huge opportunity to influence America's young girls and women to draw attention to their minds and not what they accomplish in the gym.Parents today cannot seem to ever say no to their children. But whatever, they are no role models themselves for their daughters.Wonder what Obama's daughters take away from their mom's style of dressing. Sad!
(26) Leah, February 15, 2012 11:26 PM
this article makes good points, but michelle obama, in my opinion, does NOT dress in a way that commands respect. She bares her toned arms and legs, and does not portray the image that a First Lady should. Otherwise, this article was amazing.
(25) Anonymous, April 13, 2011 9:04 PM
Good sound article//////See Today April 13th "The View".
Aish.com April 13th/ 2011 I enjoyed the article regarding "what to wear" (similar title of subject matter).... I also saw Barb.Walters "The View" (abc) today 04/1312011.... The five women had a conversation (as a last topic) reguarding clothing ( girls/woman) self respect and ancestery........ to link or not. Good idea or not? Views... I enjoyed this " view " conversation and articles I find on Aish.com.... Thank You I am not Orthodox. Please except my comment. l
(24) Gloria De Leon, Panamae, April 8, 2011 5:48 PM
SOMEONE HAS TO SPEAK ABOUT SUBJECTS LIKE THIS. CONGRATULATIONS!
THIS ARTICLE EXPRESSES MY WAY OF THINKING WHICH I HAVE LEARNED FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURE, YOUR TANAJ, MY BIBLE! THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT.
(23) Sarah, April 8, 2011 3:10 AM
Other comments = excuses
The point of this article is that respect is gained through what's on the inside and not the sexy outside. It doesn't matter that the examples are of older women, they're gonna be. The point is that these women have our respect because of their personality and what they have to say about life, not because they wear cocktail dresses and pole dance. Second, just because the popular stores only sell low cut and short clothing, doesn't mean you have to buy it there. Internet exists and I buy things all of the time. If you need something lengthened, add an inch or two yourself or send it to a seamstress. Don't blame the author because you're not willing to find a solution. Stand up to your daughters and guide them. I don't know how everyone else is dressing, but tight shirts and short skirts is not modest. If the mothers (cough cough) aren't dressing appropriately to begin with, than the daughters wont either. Sometimes we need to start with the mothers. I know it's hard, I am one. I work in a non Jewish environment. But you're beautiful without the short pencil skirt, because you're a bright, intelligent women. (not a pair of legs)
(22) yvonne zaslow, April 1, 2011 5:46 PM
Worthwhile article but readers have misguided comments
This article is good with a postivie teaching lesson, but not necessarily realistic, as demonstrated by some reader comments. Firsly, the 1st paragraph sets the tone - Teenage/pre-teen daughters. Last time I checked most of these people whose names are being tossed around as being classy are hardly teenagers with the lacking developed brain of a 15 year old. How can you compare Jackie, O, Michelle O, Senator Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt to the likes of a teenager? Come on folks! This takes all the credibility out of an article which is really about teenagers. Any psychologist will tell you that the frontal lobes ( thinking/reasoning skills, etc) of a child don't develop until age 23-26. These examples cited are of grown women, with the exception of the mention of a Hollywood star...not real life. In real life, yes, we want our daughers to dress appropriately and not like hoes, but the fact is that if your're not a frum and you're a working mom ( like most women), you're shopping in the malls. Malls in major metropolian areas have affordable stores like DEila*s, H& M, Hot Topic, Verdict, Pink, Express, Guess with Forever 21 TOPPING the list of most major malls. When was the last time you saw the skirts and dresses these stores carry? Their merchandise is 98% low cut and very short. Try scouring Forever 21 for an outfit for dinner and see what you find...good luck. So all the teens wear this bec. all the teenage stores sell this. We're not talking about the likes of J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom and Saks or Neiman's. As a parent, how can you cite the women in this artcile and expect your 15 year old to take this seriously? You're comparing apples and oranges when you compare Michelle Obamas and your 15 year old. Great Message, but not reality for many.
sarah, April 8, 2011 3:03 AM
excuses
it's not the age that maters. the point is that respect comes from having dignity and something important inside, not something sexy on the outside. it's the logic, the message that matters. It doesn't matter that the women are older, it's the point that the command respect because of who they are as people and not what they where. Second, just because popular stores only sell low cut, short, clothing, doesn't mean you have to buy it. There's internet for a reason. I but clothing for myself all of the time. Second, if you need to add an inch or two of fabric to the bottom do it yourself or get a seamstress... I do that too. You're excuses are baseless. Don't blame the author because you don't want to stand up to your daughter. Be a parent and guide her.
Shira Hershoff, June 1, 2011 8:03 PM
tzniut project for high school seniors
I recently did a project with my high school senior girls where they had to find and put together tzanua outfits that they and their peers would wear. They scoured Gap, Forever 21, H&M, and other popular stores and created beautiful, trendy, and modest outfits. Many girls commented at the end that they were surprised at how accessible and "do-able" tzniut is when one is both focussed and creative. I believe it is up to us as educators (and parents!) to impress upon our girls not only the importance and beauty of dressing modestly, but to validate their need to be fashionable and show them that the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.
(21) Anonymous, April 1, 2011 6:50 AM
What about older women who reveal too much?
I've seen older/middle aged women dress provocatively as well. Its hard enough trying to educate teenage girls about self respect of one's image, but how are we suppose to set a good example for them when we wear volatile clothing? As a woman, I can relate to everyone who wants to look and feel pretty. I admit that I have a conflict with the modesty laws. So what if my neck line is a bit lower than usual? Is a man going to chase after me for seeing my elbows? I highly doubt it.Whats wrong about wearing jeans in public? People don't notice me anyways so what does it matter? How is my voice considered sexy when I sing?Its hot and I want to go swimming but there are men there. My sheitel is longer and more suave than my natural hair.I feel uncomfortable wearing it because it has drawn negative attention.I may not be the best epitome of zniut but I've seen worse.I have self respect and I don't require outside attention.
(20) Sue, March 31, 2011 6:17 PM
Girls know how they want to look.If they wear the most modest covered up clothes but in sizes that are much too small they are achieving exactly the look they want, which is provocative yet "tznua" in their minds.I think we should focus less on inches and more on teaching them the values which will lead them to make the proper decisions.Teenagers are all about testing boundaries and when we make too many rules and regulations, we are just asking for conflict.
(19) BB, March 31, 2011 4:44 PM
One more comments re First Ladies
Rosalynn Carter (yeah I hate her husband too but this is fashion we're talking, not politics) was CASTIGATED far and wide for dressing in little cardigans and skirts. Frumpy to the max. Then came Nancy Reagan- pretty designer suits but they cost a fortune. The press howled over that! Bottom line: After modesty, it's a matter of taste. By American (NOT frum) standards, Michele Obama dresses nicely. The coat and dress she wore to the inauguration was classy. For the record, I hated the gowen she wore to the ball. She like J Crew and wearing little cardis over a tube top or sleeveless dress. Not what I'd wear but she's expressing her taste in clothes, not mine, not frum Judaism's. Hillary Clinton has been criticized roundly for those pantsuits (good for her for not caring and wearing what she likes too). The bottom line is that we as parents should be the main influnce when it comes to our daughters' fashion choices, not Hollywood, not fashion designers (unless the clothes deserve our patronage).
(18) J. Schur, March 31, 2011 3:27 PM
A message for ALL teens, not just daughters
Rabbi Abramowitz's article is a bull's eye. I would only add that it's not just teenage daughters who need to hear his message, it's also teenage sons. Coming of age is a confusing time. Young adults grapple with the growing biological and emotional need to be "attractive". When young men and women make each other feel that the MOST "attractive" and valuable qualities are physical, dressing becomes a display strategy. When my own sons went through the teenage years, there were frequent discussions about dressing to thrill. The discussion ended whenever I asked if they liked the idea of a dressed-to-thrill parent or, better yet, a dressed-to-thrill spouse (anywhere other than a private domain).
(17) Lauryn, March 31, 2011 3:18 PM
If you have nothing nice to say
Wow, what nasty responses! Michelle Obama dresses modestly and becomingly, and moreover in styles and brands that most middle-class women could afford. Being comfortable wearing sleeveless shirts and not needing stockings (I wish I could wear a dark skirt or dress without stockings!) should not garner such petty criticism from otherwise upstanding citizens!
(16) Rebecca, March 31, 2011 2:42 PM
powerful- and dressed
When talking to my son about this subject (though we were talking more about neatness than near nudity) I asked him about people who commanded respect in the community, then asked how they were dressed. The same applies to the women mentioned above. I've never seen Secretary Clinton's bellybutton. We tell ourselves to dress the part when applying for jobs or other times we are trying to make a good first impression, why do we deserve less every day.
(15) Leah, March 31, 2011 1:00 PM
When the Obamas were first elected, the media had a field day comparing her to her "Jacki O". Within a month or two, not one single word has been mentioned. This is a great article, but the fact that you put probably the worst dressed first lady on your list of "good dresses" ruins the whole article.
(14) Michelle Lewsen, March 30, 2011 3:45 AM
Key line
" They may roll their eyes, they may yell, they may slam their doors, but never deceive yourself: deep down inside, our kids are listening." - I love this sentence. It is so true. I remember slamming doors and telling my Mom she didn't understand me, but I did listen and I didn't do (too many) stupid things. As an added point, my husband treats me like a queen and my daughters like queens and in turn, my son is learning by example how to be a gentleman and a mensch and my daughters are learning to accept no less than love, devotion and respect from men. And from me, they are learning how to give love, care and support, and always remain a lady. I hope that by emulating MY parents, my kids will grow up right. I will always be grateful for parents who were clear about right and wrong and guided me unwaveringly in the right direction.
(13) Rifka, March 29, 2011 6:00 PM
small minded responses
I commend Rabbi Abramowitz on his down to earth, clear presentation of empowering girls through modesty, not peer pressure. I feel that the responses belittling Michelle Obama's possible poor taste in dressing as a sign of poor taste on Rabbi Abramowitz's part very small minded . Let's focus on the very relevant topic that was expressed so well, and not get side tracked.
(12) rhonda olenick, March 29, 2011 2:30 PM
Modesty today?
From one who wore mini skirts back in the old days, I can honestly say now: it takes a confident woman to dress like a confident woman... it doesnt mean aggressive or egocentric, it means comfortable with who you are in the world. A friend and I were walking down the main street in the next town and eyed a few different "observant" women wearing very high heeled, pointy, loud shoes - my friend turned to me and said: "what kind of message are these women giving?" I said: "I think it's loud and clear!" btw/I agree, Mrs. Obama should dress like a "Mrs." and a First Lady... put on some stockings!
(11) Debbie Litwack, March 29, 2011 2:04 AM
Present to our neighborhood!
Jack- Do you ever present these in lecture /discussion format? With your delivery flair, I think speaking at YIWB or somewhere in the FTFR area or the girls' even 5th grade and up, would be VERY helpful.
(10) Anonymous, March 27, 2011 10:46 PM
nix Michelle
I agree with Mordechai. Nix Michelle Obama from the classy dressers list.
(9) Michelle, March 27, 2011 10:46 PM
I am in agreement with this entire article besides ONE thing. This one thing was repeated quite a few times and it must be pointed out. Michelle Obama our first lady is a disgrace to all first ladies. She dresses as no first lady ever dressed before. I always tell myself that this just shows the extent of the moral decent of our society- having OUR first lady dress as if she thinks she's a hollywood actress. With no sleeves, tube-dresses, her back showing, etc. This has NEVER in the history of the united states ever happened. First women ALWAYS wore suits and modest attire. That is until Mrs. Obama came along. The presidential inauguration was more like a Hollywood Debut than a presidential inauguration. If you want to look it up for yourself just youtube ''Michelle Obama Inauguration" you can see for yourself. The first lady is supposed to be the prime example of what our american women should be. Our president's wife is exactly the opposite of what this article is trying to stress. With her dress and how she presents herself she is promoting 'dressing to turn heads' and dressing like a prostitute. She has absolutely no class or modesty. I think the author should go back and look into these things before writing who we should look up to. Thanks.
BB, March 31, 2011 4:35 PM
Look at old photos!
Mamie Eisenhower wore sleeveless (and she certainly did not have the arms for it). So did Jackie Kennedy (look up designers of that era: Halston etc- sleeveless was in). I agree about the absence of stockings but I'been to enough frum affairs where even the bride skipped stockings to see that it's not in fashion to wear them right now.
(8) michelle, March 27, 2011 10:33 PM
Michelle Obama NOT frumpy??
I agree with this entire article besides ONE thing. I'm not sure if the author has ever seen pictures of Mrs. Michelle Obama or what she wore to the inauguration or the inauguration ball - or what she wears to public appearances all together but she's the sleaziest dressed First Woman there ever was. First women until now wore nice presentable suits and dress suits that covered their body somewhat. This all changed when Michelle Obama became the first lady. I really feel that she is an example of the decent of our society. If you can't look up to your ''first woman'' as being modest and beautiful yet classy, who will you look up to? If she is supposed to the representing the WOMEN OF OUR GENERATION - what does that say about us? If she is the prime example of the women of the USA, I'm not surprised that people dress like prostitutes. Regardless of your party affiliation or if you agree with Obamas presidency or not. His wife dresses anything BUT modestly and it's an embarrassment to our country. The presidential inauguration was more like a Hollywood debut than an inauguration. Here's a clip from it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Wh2N-QsQ0 She should not be in this article as someone our daughters should look up to.
Anonymous, March 30, 2011 3:02 AM
In total agreement- exactly what i was thinking.
Anonymous, March 31, 2011 12:59 PM
Yes, also in total agreement.
(7) Anonymous, March 27, 2011 9:06 PM
Mordechai, I am not an American but I think that Michelle Obama doesn't always dress appropriately (but if I had her arms, I might want to show them off) What I dislike is the way that she towers over people by adding to her height (oh envy, I wish I was that tall) by wearing very high heels and big hairdos. This seems to me to be discourteous; you don't score points by towering over foreign dignitaries & making them look like dwarves. It didn't go down well with some people in India & I didn't like it when she did it to our Prime Minister and his wife. Often she is the only one in a photo who is really smiling and laughing while the others look as if they are don't find it as amusing as does. Her height is enviable, but why try to make others look like midgets-not a good look when it's the queen of England or the PM of India who's being dwarfed. But I remember when I was a teenager & thought myself a siren to whom all eyes were drawn when I wore a short skirt and blouse with ? buttons undone. Well, they probably were, but not for the reason that I imagined. I agree that it's much better NOT to put all the goods in the shop window and then react with prudish disgust when someone thinks that they're for sale. I still hear the old 'expressing your sexuality' line-all right, but to whom are you expressing it ? There used to be ayoung girl who lived near us. She would be swishing her little tail & doing the under-eyelash look & all the attention seeking devices that have been around since caveman days-even when the only adult around was me.! Her friend was an ordinary looking child, who must have been a great foil. It was highly distasteful & potentially dangerous to see one so young sending out such signals to all comers-too great a chance that the invitation would be accepted by someone who knew what they were about. I hate to say it, but she was asking for it & one can only hope that she never got it.
(6) Wendy Weiner Runge, March 27, 2011 8:59 PM
Lead by example
I often ask my daughters and my former students if they were going to prepare a magnificent, one of a kind present to give someone incredibly special...how would they wrap it? We've discussed how memorable it will be to open this gift when it is carefully enclosed inside a beautiful box, tied with a bow, tucked inside tissue paper, carefully placed in a beautiful bag...and thoughtfully handed to the recipient. That present is THEM. Their clothes reflect their style, taste and personality guided by the idea that what is enclosed is a one-of-a-kind gift for only one special person. If we women strive to lead by example, and do it b'simcha, G-d willing we will all get the gifts we registered for...someone so special that no one wants to re-gift.
(5) ruth housman, March 27, 2011 7:43 PM
becoming adult before one's time
It's true, that it is really a marker of a society gone a bit crazy that young people feel the need to attract others by wearing sexually provocative clothing at increasingly early ages. They are too young to understand that this "thrill" is dangerous, and could even provoke some very unscrupulous people who prey on young woman who do these things, unknowingly. There is a reverb between 'thrill" and "kill" and we surely use that English phrase, "dressed to kill", meaning really dressing up, big time. Since I am looking at language, I will ask the question I keep posing, and that is, "How is it we can do these things so constantly with words, to make our points, so cogently?" Could it be, we are all actualizing in deep ways, the potetials of the words themselves. Which came first?
(4) Chaya, March 27, 2011 4:08 PM
Designers are to blame too!
Looking through the pages of fashion magazines, I could count on one hand how many designers have put together an outfit that a girl/woman could wear to school or the office (or for that matter on the street). We have to teach our daughters to dress for themselves not to make "boys" look at them. My mother taught me that the more one wears, the more that is left to the imagination.
(3) Mark Gary Blumenthal, March 27, 2011 4:08 PM
Dressing our Daughters like Sluts
Rabbi, I agree 100% with both your article and the WSJ Article. My two adolescent daughters are very attractive, dress stylishly but modestly, and have no confusion about what their parents expect of them as young Jewish women. We talk the talk and walk the walk. Unfortunately, American mass culture has become appallingly degenerate (and I am no prude by any stretch of the imagination). The kids are clueless because their parents are clueless. If the parents have no clue how they should behave, how can they possibly teach or model appropriateness to their daughters and sons? I am grateful to have friends and family members who are like-minded about raising their kids, and as Hillary Clinton correctly noted some years back with regard to child rearing, ‘It Takes a Village’. Thank you for publishing this fine article. Mark Gary Blumenthal, MD, MPH Knoxville, TN
Jewish mom, April 1, 2011 6:01 PM
When was the last time you shopped at the Mall?
Mark, Not sure where you live, but calling other Jewish working moms ( who generally shop for our daughers) "appaling degenerates" is a bit unrealistic. I'm a reform jewish mom with a daugher in Public school in the metropolitan area of Potomac MD. Public Schools don't have dress codes and malls have affordable teenage stores such as Forever 21, DElia'*s, Verdict, Guess, and Hot Topic. Laila Rowe , Mango, etc. Attractive teenage girls aren't going to the malls to spend their money to emulate Hillary Clinton.
(2) daveedmelechyisoel, March 27, 2011 11:48 AM
strong fathers, strong daughters
this is the name of a book that is required reading for being prepared to interact with women of all ages !
(1) Mordechai, March 27, 2011 10:38 AM
Wrong about Michelle Obama
Good article but I completely disagree with the author to include Michelle Obama as a woman who dresses with class and dignity. She does NOT dress as a First Lady should. Her halter and sleeveless dresses showing off her bare arms in public are undignified. Barak Obama has made public comment about his wife's muscle toned arms. Her dresses are often too short, way above the knee. No, this is a lady who has no class, and does not present herself the way a First Lady should. No other First Lady I can recall ever dressed this way. Now that her husband is in the White House, she might be proud to be an American, but whe definitely shouldn't be proud of the way she dresses.
B, March 28, 2011 7:49 AM
agree
She often does not dress in a dignified manner and has not earned a place on the list of dignified and respectable ladies.