The news coming out of America as it relates to violence against Black people for the past three months in particular has been extremely traumatic to acknowledge. Sometimes I purposely try to ignore it, to feel a sense of temporary peace but this often is easier said than done. In such polarising times, we tend to look to leaders and people with influence in particular to soften the psychological blow whether it be with words or policy.
Looking at First Lady Melania Trump’s recent speech at the Republic National Convention was an awkward experience. The First Lady who wore an Alexander Mc Queen militant skirt suit, has always been one to stir up controversy with her sartorial choices. Whether it was wearing the famous Zara jacket with the words “I don’t care do you” to visit children who were locked up in cages by her husband’s administration, or visiting flood-stricken states in towering heels, her choices have left a sour taste in the mouths of many. It is hard to stay focused when the intention is to strategically send you in another direction.
The Republican Convention was a family affair, seemingly trying to remind America and the rest of the world of the American dream and of an idealistic family life. Melania’s role, if you can manage to block the image of her clothing, was one which tried to project her husband as a fighter and hardworking, someone who is committed to the American dream.
Though she acknowledged the racial tension and the current discomfort for all Americans due to the pandemic, I still found it difficult to find her words authentic. Her sartorial choice coupled with timing of the dispatch of the National Guard to states that are currently experiencing unrest was a hard pill to swallow. Because if we look carefully, this wasn’t just a mere coincidence, but a reflection of the current reality unfolding. This enlightens us to the tangled web people have found themselves in. There is an illusion of democracy in the words, but in reality, it is just authoritarian leadership setting the tone for manipulation. It is pretending to listen and still asserting power.
Of all the strategic choices Melania could have made, like supporting an American designer, or even a different overall style, her image sets the stage for what we should expect, chaos wrapped in somewhat politically correct statements and speeches.
