9/2/08

Maddow's Makeover


The New York Post is reporting that Air America radio host, Rachel Maddow, will be subjected to a "makeover" for her new show set to air on MSNBC. Maddow, who has been out since the start of her career, often wears tailored men's clothing and her signature thick black-framed glasses for public appearances. This look has been altered slightly when she does political correspondence work with NBC and MSNBC, turning a brilliant and attractive butch lesbian into an awkward femme. With all the media attention the announcement of Maddow being awarded her own show received, it was hoped that MSNBC would let Maddow's mind steer the program. Instead they have hired a "glam squad" and there is even talk of putting her in a skirt.

This is upsetting and condescending and unfair to Maddow and her viewers. I want my political analysis and commentary to come from someone who is being authentic. Forcing femme clothing on someone who is not comfortable in it jeopardizes the networks credibility and Maddow's. I had hoped that we were past all of this. That executives and viewers learned that you can't pigeonhole someone into something that they are not. After all the restrictions and limitations The View put on Rosie O'donnell's appearance, or even the manufactured image Ellen Degeneres adhered to during her sitcom days. I think most of the country is past being shocked and dismayed by a confident woman with short hair that refuses to wear a skirt.

Infamous gossip site Gawker also reported on the NY Post's story, but instead of reacting in outrage, they say the "makeover" could be "fun" and just what Maddow secretly wants. 

I don't think a Rhodes Scholar is going to reach enlightenment and peace by putting on a new shade of lipstick and layering her hair. I get the feeling that Rachel Maddow measures success differently. 

12 comments:

Unknown said...

SO TRUE!
Hopefully Rachel will not let them bully her around.

**I havent worn a skirt since 1997

Anonymous said...

This is the New York Post we're talking about. Not the New York Times, you know, the New York Post. The same newspaper that's been printing how Kieth Olbermann was going to walk out if he didn't get to take over Tim Russert's job. Just remember where this little gem came from.

And I never knew that Maddow was lesbian. . .

I'm feeling a bit behind the curve here right now.

Anonymous said...

It's called the wages of assimilation,

Anonymous said...

This happened months ago.
Over the summer she started wearing more "femme" clothing, grew out her hair, and started wearing makeup.
The NY Post is just trying to stir things up.

ReneeG said...

read this Rachel Maddow article from another anti-feminist woman. sigh.

http://gawker.com/5044228/dyke-icon-rachel-maddow-after-the-makeover

ReneeG said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I Congratulate and Wish Rachel The Very Best in Her New Role With MSNBC ....

As A Butch Lesbian Myself, I Would and Could NOT Allow Myself in Good Conscience, A Transformation Into A More "Palatable" Gender Typical Female, For The sake Of Public Opinion and Ratings ...

I Do Not Want to See Rachel Change Her public image From What I Know Is Her True Self, After Years Of Watching and Enjoying Her Television Appearances.

Anonymous said...

she's not being held hostage and she still looks butch hot to me.

Anonymous said...

I just think it's great that she has her own show on MSNBC now! I didn't know who she was before she started doing Olbermann's show, and she is great. As a gay guy, I knew she was lesbian, but wasn't sure if she was out or not (though I figured how couldn't she be??).. Every big network job is going to have people in charge of things like look and image and stuff. it's just part of the gig. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless she comes out looking like Nancy Grace. Until then, be happy!! Rachael Maddow, a very smart, beautiful and intelligent woman (and lesbian at that) has her own show on MSNBC!! Yay!!

Shannon said...

I'd wear pink tights and a Tutu for a job like hers! People have to wear things they don't like at work everyday. People make compromises for a paycheck - and I'm one of them.

I agree, the makeover look does seem awkward (or maybe it's just the photo), but still - youve got to do what you've got to do to bring home the bacon. Put your makeup on and deliver the news. It's not the end of the world.

Bill Graber said...

I noticed her "new look" yesterday while watching MSNBC's convention coverage....

I don't think you have much to worry about her selling out.... she was still Rachel Maddow and not Nancy Grace...

Anonymous said...

Sinnerviewer-

It's just that particular photo and not the new look or her that seems awkward. She's still butch, but probably a bit softer overall. Given that the only photo I have to compare to is the one on Wikipedia, it's just a slightly softer look.

As for my comment earlier- I probably would have noticed if I actually WATCHED Countdown instead of listening to it. I usually have it on in the background while I'm writing. I just pay a lot of attention to what I'm writing and only look up if it's something really, really important or interesting. And since my cable company cut off my MSNBC (I need a cable box to see it now), my writing obscures the screen.