While we are quick to acknowledge the 44 men who have honorably served as the leader of the free-world, we are less apt and often ill-equipped to truly recognize the First Ladies that quietly and elegantly assisted in keeping our glorious nation together. The position of First Lady is one that has been held by 42 different women since our country’s conception some 240 years ago. Yet, over the decades, all of these women have been tasked with the job of winning over the public with their larger-than-life smiles, killer wardrobes and oddly down-to-earth nature. However, as a lover of liberty and avid "Scandal" watcher, I refuse to fall victim to this over-played and, in many regards, antiquated concept of who and what the First Lady represents.
Throughout the years, we have had First Ladies educated from the country’s leading universities and colleges, including Princeton, Smith, Vassar and Yale. Nevertheless, as their husbands embark on the political journey of a lifetime, these women give up their own careers as lawyers and educators to support their beloved spouses. In an article published by the National First Ladies’ Library, these prestigious women are described as not only the “hostess at White House social events,” but also are regarded as successful only when they are able to “have carefully balanced being perceived as a ‘Queen’ of the people while also being a ‘commoner.’” As if, in some bizarre universe, picking out the table cloths that match the dinner plates and pretending to be average is somehow as fulfilling as educating our youth or fighting for justice. However, despite this menial description, Pat Nixon described her position as being “the hardest unpaid job in the world,” leaving us to believe that there is much more that goes into this position than previously depicted.
Arguably one of the most influential First Ladies, Eleanor Roosevelt was initially hesitant to step into the role for fear of losing her “hard-won autonomy.” A valid concern, Roosevelt dedicated her time in the White House to transforming the traditional role of the First Lady by serving as an active participant in her husband’s administration. Embarking on a solo journey across the country, Roosevelt served as the administrations eyes and ears as to how the country received the recent implementation of the New Deal. Undeniably touched by the stories she heard, Roosevelt became an early advocate for the blossoming civil and women’s rights movements as well as for the working class. However, Roosevelt’s accomplishments span far further than her time spent as the First Lady. After the passing of her husband in 1945, Roosevelt served as the chairman of the United Nations Human Rights Commission and even helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was accepted as part of international law. Chosen as chairman because she, “better than any other person, can best represent the little people of America, or even the world,” Roosevelt was able to fulfill her routine duties as First Lady, while also utilizing her talents to better the world.
Since the Roosevelt family’s time in office, we have seen many First Ladies follow in the path that Eleanor so elegantly laid out for them. Most recently, we have watched as Michelle Obama spent her days fighting childhood obesity and her nights entertaining the world’s most powerful individuals. While the position of First Lady’s has evolved throughout the years, there is no questioning that the role of the President’s spouse will continue to drastically change in the near future as we face the possibility of having a First Gentleman.
