I’m angry, angry for the women in this country, and angry for Nancy Reagan. What should have been a 20-minute tribute to her accomplishments as First Lady, instead was a 20-minute tribute to her impeccable wardrobe. Nancy Reagan did so much more than strut beautiful gowns at political events.
They could have talked about her devotion to the “Just Say No” campaign against drugs. Her address given at the United Nations General Assembly was a crucial moment for the eventual passing of the 1986 National Crusade for a Drug-Free America anti-drug abuse law.
They could have also talked about how Nancy Reagan was the first First Lady to address the U.N. General Assembly. What a powerful moment for women of this country. But instead, WBALTV decided to debate which designer dress was “the most important” of her life. This is what was actually perceived to be the most important legacy Nancy Reagan left behind. Not once did they mention this monumental moment when Nancy took to the podium to advocate for a drug-free America.
They could have linked her preaching of tolerance for the homosexual community to today’s fight for gay and lesbian rights. During a time when homosexuals had no chance of ever holding a political office, Nancy Reagan encouraged the appointment of homosexuals to administrative jobs in government. Her outlook of a sensitive topic shows her ability to form a personal opinion on an important topic even while being in the public eye. As First Lady, she voiced her minority opinion even though it meant the possibility of high degree of criticism towards herself and her husband.
They could have even talked about how although Nancy herself enjoyed pretty things, she also fought for and was sensitive towards those struggling in America during this time of recession. She spoke frequently on the need to keep funding for programs to help the poor, even if that meant taking money from programs elsewhere.
But no, instead, they spent 20 minutes talking about her love for the color red, and her relationships with high-end designers in the fashion industry. This should anger every hard-working, motivated, and intelligent woman in America. This tribute makes it seem like no matter what accomplishments or advances us young intelligent women make in society; all we will be remembered for is the color of our dress during a press conference or the designer we chose to create it. In an age where women are becoming CEOs and leading discoveries in science, this tribute was appalling. WBALTV should be ashamed for their inability to properly honor a First Lady who was ahead of her time and giving young women the idea that what they wear is more important than what they fight for and the beliefs they stand by.
