Hillary Clinton, in an event generating even more negative feedback than her 1993 national health care debacle, has appeared in public with minimal makeup, glasses, and au natural hair. The shocking occurrence took place during an official event in Bangladesh, part of her current diplomatic tour throughout Asia.
In an act that brazenly flaunted common decency and decorum, she allowed the world to see the true state of a sixty-four-year-old woman’s face.
The Drudge Report, having had little to report on since a lengthy analysis of Santorum’s “Satan has his sights on the United States of America!” statement, was elated. “Hillary Au Naturale” screamed the Drudge Report headline, as it showed a photo of the Secretary of State wearing glasses, loose hair and nothing but a little bit of lipstick.
CNN followed, as did media outlets the world over. For 20 hours, Twitter mailboxes were jammed and within minutes, the website was able to do little more than show subscribers that stupid whale with the message “Whoops! It appears that we have engorged ourselves with Tweets and are experiencing a state of complete constipation.”
The View, Anderson Cooper, The Today Show, and Discovery Health all immediately set regular programming aside in order to present special shows on “When is Old Too Old to Show?”
Dr 90210 was appalled. “It’s bad enough that our Secretary of State continues to avoid the necessary cosmetic procedures that are easily available to all citizens, young and old, rich and poor, of this great nation. She goes about in public with her natural breasts, her wrinkles, and her facial sagging. But this, this is unconscionable. She could be setting an example for young women everywhere. Instead, she stoops to embracing her, and I get hives even saying this, natural state. After a woman reaches a certain age, plastic surgery should be mandatory, and no older woman should be seen in public without hair and make up done. This is exactly why we are slipping in world esteem.”
A spokesperson for the annual Wartburg, Tennessee beauty contest, “Purty Potty Trainers” showcased on Toddlers and Tiaras, said, “Lord, we wooden even let a two-yir-old out in public widdout full makeup an wigs. Wimen start fallin apart at an early age. We are shocked that that Hiliary person is some kinda big deal guvmint-type, right? And she did this, even if it was just in India. Them Indians wore war paint, right? So they know about cosmetics. How cum she didn’t?”
As all the hoopla swirled around her, Clinton flaunted public opinion further by telling a CNN correspondent, “I feel so relieved to be at the stage I’m at in my life right now, because if I want to wear my glasses. If I want to pull my hair back, I’m pulling my hair back.”
CNN producers immediately interrupted broadcasting before Clinton could dig herself even deeper.
The Sandwich Lady
May 10, 2012
Loved this! I think Hillary looks great without all the artifice. She looks natural without being hag-like. Go Hillary!
KM Huber
May 10, 2012
Ditto!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I loved her before, I love her even more now.
Charlie-Helen Robinson
May 14, 2012
I’m with you. “Love it” springs to mind before anything else!!
notquiteold
May 10, 2012
I think she looks fabulous. But… “How DARE she????”
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I know. I struggle to remember who my governor is, and my hair isn’t as good.
Marion Driessen
May 10, 2012
What the heck is wrong with these people? I think she looks great and natural.
The message to young people is that IT’S OK TO BE YOURSELF, and I applaud that! Natural look does NOT mean not taking care of yourself.
Hillary, you do what your heart tells you too.
~Marion
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
There are so many things wrong with the media nowadays, and this stupidity is but one example.
mimijk
May 10, 2012
It blows my mind that this is even making the round of news programs. In my view, the woman rocks, she has raised the bar for excellence in service and has done more to repair and remedy our relationships with other countries than many who preceded her. I’m a fan – wear what you will Hilary – just keep on doing what you’re doing! 🙂
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Yes, yes, and yes.
twindaddy
May 10, 2012
It’s actually quite sad that her make up (or lack thereof) is what drew the most attention to her visit there. What a superficial society we have become. Shame.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
We have replaced any kind of awareness or serious thought with the shallowest of responses to events. Shame, indeed.
Lisa Wields Words
May 10, 2012
I think she looks pretty wonderful for a 64 year old woman who has to deal daily with the insanity of this world. Just another hypocrisy, as nobody would comment on a man in that postion. Great post.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Thanks, Lisa. Hillary Clinton has been an outstanding secretary of state so far, at a time when world events are more complicated than ever. And she has been a positive force for how we are seen in the world. So with that in mind, let’s all get our panties in a twist over her make up and hair choices.
isthisthemiddle
May 10, 2012
The most beautiful part of Hilary is her brain, although her face is pretty, too. Since when do we need to judge the grooming of a Secretary of State? Great post.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Thanks. We have always been hypocritical where powerful women are concerned. We are still in the Dark Ages, for the most part.
Carol R Craley
May 10, 2012
And I was just thinking, looking at that picture…Wow, The authentic Hilary looks great!!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
She does, indeed.
pegoleg
May 10, 2012
We women of a “certain age” are bombarded with mixed messages – love yourself, you’re beautiful as you are, just as long as you look like you’re 16.
Lord above, is it any wonder I’m so conflicted about this? I’ll take some Botox with a granola chaser!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
We are, indeed, conflicted, because of the hypocracy of the media: looks don’t matter as long as you look great.
Lori
May 10, 2012
Wow…does the phrase “we have bigger fish to fry” apply to this, or what? Thanks for sharing this!
To all the other au naturale women out there…ROCK ON!!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I’m not sure whether we focus on this sh-t because we are too scared/lazy to focus on what matters, or the fact that we focus on sh-t rather than what matters is what created the sh-t in the first place.
Betty Londergan
May 10, 2012
I am SO SO happy you wrote about this, Renee — because only your unique sense of humor could make me laugh about it, instead of wanting to get a gun and hunt down Peter Drudge…. Having spent a little bit of time on the road myself this year, going to a different country every month for Heifer, I can tell you that Hillary’s travel schedule alone would be crushing. It’s incredible her eyes aren’t glued shut with sheer fatigue… Then you add to it her incredible responsibilities in negotiating with some of the biggest pricks on the planet… then all the political landmines she has to avoid … then her awesome grasp of SO many cultures, subjects, conflicts, negotiations … and THEN she is supposed to look cute, and that’s how she’s being judged?? I was so impressed that she just laughed it off. The 24-hour news cycle is the bane of all real information … but I SO agree with Lori … we have nothing more to worry about in the world than the state of Hillary’s hair?? (And p.s. I DO think she looks really cute — like a 64 year old woman who is confident and not trying to be Kelly Ripa … and for BIG grins, look at pictures of her at Wellesley and Yale … she looks almost exactly the same as her bookish, smarty-pants coed self!!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Hillary is so powerful, so visionary, so compelling, and such a model for the promise of women in the world. Yet we continue to revert to some antiquated standard of womanhood when we judge her like this. Before anyone passes judgement, they should be able to detail exactly what issues she has been dealing with on this latest diplomatic trip. And MANY THANKS, my friend, for suggesting that I write about this!
subWOW
May 10, 2012
LOL. Love it! I am not sure whether you made up some of these hilarious quotes, The Onion wrote them. This one from a Dr. 90210 is my fav: “After a woman reaches a certain age, plastic surgery should be mandatory.” Sure. You paying, Dr? May I add, “After someone says something so stupid, a brain surgery should also be mandatory.”
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I want to write for The Onion.
She's a Maineiac
May 10, 2012
This is a fabulous post. I am working on one right now about beauty and trying to just be true to yourself au naturale or not.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Thanks, Your post will be great, of course.
Alice
May 10, 2012
Women of my generation ROCK!!! We have been the largest part of the population for over 60 years…we continue to make history and I am making history by being the oldest Freshman at my University…65! Shame on all of those people who are negative and disrespectful…Yes, how shallow and ignorant they are . …I was born standin’ up and talkin’ back and will never be quiet while one woman is living in silence, fear and shame behind closed doors. I have made it my life’s work to get into/on the media and speak about verbal abuse. 1 in 3 women are living this way on our planet. That is over 52 million in the U.S. Alone.
I won a scholarship, because of what I wrote about my life of overcoming (and thriving)..I am also a Veteran of the Vietnam era…Women’s Army Corps….born in Maine (Heaven), now in exile in the flatlands, LOL
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
It’s sad, isn’t it, when you consider that we have been fighting for the same things over and over and over. And the only option we have is to keep doing it.
Sienna (@datingseniormen)
May 10, 2012
At one time I might have found this post both sad and amusing but botox injections have made the associated facial expressions impossible.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
You are a hoot, of the best kind.
gojulesgo
May 10, 2012
I think she looks amazing!! Although I must admit, I rarely leave the house without make-up… The Toddlers and Tiaras ‘quote’ was priceless.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Thanks, Jules. Toddlers and tiaras was created by someone who knows that humor writers need material to spoof.
gojulesgo
May 11, 2012
Amen. It inspired my second ever blog post (big surprise, eh?), LOL
The Itty Bitty Boomer
May 10, 2012
DOH! lol! She does look healthy, natural and amazing! Wish that I looked that good without a little help from my “friends” … and that I was accomplishing what she is in this world!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I know. It boggles my mind. I am her age, know about 1% of what she does, and probably have more bad hair days.
Kathryn McCullough
May 10, 2012
Being a CNN junky I heard all about this, but, damn, I think she looks pretty good for 64–better than I look most mornings as I drag my aging ass out of bed.
Hugs,
Kathy
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I can relate. And you imagine dealing with the stress of travelling like that all the time? Yikes.
Jeffrey Slater
May 10, 2012
I think this is one of the more flattering image of her lately. I say she does look great, confident. She’s a smart and powerful woman so good for her…
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I so wish the media spent their time on items of greater significance. but I don’t think that will happen.
morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer
May 10, 2012
I thought, when I saw that picture, how terrific Hillary looks.Then I read the text and didn’t know who is putting me on. These criticisms are not worth my time to answer.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
I play fast and loose with anything that comes my way. The Dr 90210 quote is mine, but I ‘ll bet that’s what he was really thinking. And the toddlers and Tiaras quote was just plain fun.
Carl D'Agostino
May 10, 2012
Getting back to her 60’s roots. Bless her. (I mean 1960’s not hair).
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Love her.
Marcia Clarke
May 10, 2012
Hillary rocks and is showcasing how the rest of us boomers feel now; we’ve earned the right to do as we please. We are old enough!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
She is an amazing role model for women and for Boomers. And yes, we have earned the right to do as we please.
chlost
May 10, 2012
I missed this “controversy”. I agree with everyone that she looks great. But I would imagine that she has someone doing her hair, and her makeup in order to look so naturally good. I know that many male politicians use makeup and have hairdressers;are they taking any heat? Of course not. Women are still not respected for their accomplishments, brains, or anything beyond their weight and their looks.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Agreed. Of course, basic hygeine and grooming are expected of anyone. And people in the public eye have a responsibility to present themselves in a way that affords them a sense of dignity. Beyond that, lets focus on what they are doing, rather than nitpick what they look like when they are doing it.
Emily Cannell
May 11, 2012
I am sad to hear that this took top headlines versus the positive praise that Hilary got on this side of the Pacific during her trip East. All of us in Japan watched as the anti missile hardware was rolled out and deployed when N Korea did its experiment and tensions were high when she landed in China. She was welcomed in India with street parades for her continued visits. The most traveled Secretary of State since M Albright. Instead of celebrating this remarkable woman to the rest of the world- regardless of which side of the aisle one resides- she is welcomed home with comments about how she looks versus what was accomplished on the world stage. Very sad state of affairs if that`s what is getting viewers to tune in to CNN.
I think she looks great.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
Thanks for these comments Emily. We are lunkheads on this side of the world.
The Byronic Man
May 11, 2012
Before I started reading I thought, Wow, Mrs. Clinton looks great in that photo. Has she been getting extra rest or something? Little did I know that ACTUALLY I was horrified at her affront to beauty and feminine traditions.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
You should know better, Byronic, than to have an opinion about anything without checking with the media first.
nrhatch
May 11, 2012
This makes me glad that I am me . . . a virtually anonymous speck on the face of the planet.
Free NOT to wear make-up without worry that that decision will become “news worthy” by shallow media catering to an even shallower mentality in viewers at large.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 11, 2012
It used to be that a Secretary of State had to be a skilled negotiator, a tireless world traveller, a font of knowledge about world history, cultures, and current affairs. I’m thinking that is quite enough. Let the celebs worry about what the media will say about their fashion sense. Hillary can just keep doing what she is doing.
Lynne Spreen
May 12, 2012
Charlie Rose on CBS This Morning said HRC was serving as a role model for how to be at ease with ourselves at a certain age (I’m paraphrasing). HRC has spine, man. She rocks. I’m glad the media picked it up. Better to be deluged with that than with Jane Fonda getting a facelift in order to promote her latest book/dvd about being authentic and powerful in older years.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 12, 2012
Yes! Bravo to Charlie Rose. Double bravo to Hillary.
benzeknees
May 13, 2012
OMG such a lot of hoopla about a beautiful woman looking natural!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 15, 2012
In my perfect future world, women will be judged by what they do and not how they look while doing it. Think that will ever happen?
Charlie-Helen Robinson
May 14, 2012
Reblogged this on CharlieRobinson Says and commented:
Absolutely wonderful that a female can do this. Isn’t it weird we have to say so though. Glad we can…
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 15, 2012
Thanks for the reblog!
Main Street Musings Blog
May 14, 2012
Indeed she IS a phenomenal role model!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 15, 2012
As time goes by, I respect her more and more.
Kiersten Marek
May 15, 2012
Reblogged this on Kmareka.com and commented:
Go Hillary. I think she looks great.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 15, 2012
Thanks for the shout out, Kiersten!
dufmanno
May 15, 2012
Hillary has balls of steel in every arena. It is my sincere hope that she eventually makes another run for president so I can give her my vote. I have always liked her. Now I think I actually LOVE her. She will continue to gracefully deflect most of the negativity arrows shot her way with the matter of factness she has always displayed. Go Hillary.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 15, 2012
I went with Obama over Hillary. But after his second term, I’ll stump for her. I feel the same way–used to like her, now love her.
Lunar Euphoria
May 15, 2012
I’m not on Facebook or Twitter. I don’t read the news. I don’t even have a TV presently, so I get my news of the world from you and occasionally NPR. I love the filter. 😉
HC is amazing. She looks like a regular human being in that picture. Hurray!!
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 15, 2012
Oh my, this is a huge responsibility you’ve given me. Good thing I don’t feel the need to present only the facts. That’s too boring. Yes, Hillary is my new idol.
CMSmith
May 16, 2012
Excellent.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 19, 2012
Thanks!
Sandra Parsons
May 19, 2012
Love it! I am far too lazy to hide myself behind make-up on a daily basis and usually a pony tail will have to do in terms of hairdo.
You know, in Germany it is standard practice to attach a professional photograph of your best-looking you to any job application. I was really offended when the photographer suggested to me he retouch my wrinkles. Mind you, I was at the ripe old age of 30 and my wrinkles weren’t even worth mentioning. I just asked him whether a prospective employer was supposed to be duped into thinking I had reached my professsional status without any effort and just by looking pretty?
It is shameful how much importance society places on looking immaculate rather than on people’s achievements. Kudos to Hillary for taking a stance.
Life in the Boomer Lane
May 19, 2012
Oh my. I assumed we were the worst at being youth-obsessed, here in the US. Do people now look at retouched photoso f themselves and believe that’s what they actually look like?
Sandra Parsons
May 20, 2012
I guess it’s just to take the first hurdle of being invited to an interview where you can then win the interviewer over with your skills, personality and overall pleasant appearance.
Except that all the HR people know that a good photographer can make the worst bum look all professional and youthfully energetic…
xristinamaria
December 7, 2012
she’s always been a woman of substance. it’s great to see someone like her who’s more on function rather than form.
one more thing, she look great!
Life in the Boomer Lane
December 11, 2012
Go, Hillary! She has come a long way and she will continue to rock the world. Thanks for your comments, Xristina.
Joe Garrick
December 10, 2012
I had nearly forgotten this story. A woman – the generally more successful of a couple in which one became President of the United States – and who herself became a United States Senator from one of our most populous states, and then became Secretary of State for the first black President of the United States, a woman who weathered the storm of her husband being caught in a public philandering scandal, a woman who came within a stone’s throw of becoming the first female President of the United States, and who might very well still eventually be the leader of the free world, has the nerve, the unmitigated gall, to GO OUTSIDE WITHOUT MAKEUP! OMG! God save us all!
If ever there will be a true sign of the apocalypse, we’ll all recognize it. It will be the day when a famous woman can go outside without makeup and it doesn’t make the cover of The National Enquirer.
Life in the Boomer Lane
December 11, 2012
Well said, Joe! Isn’t it amazing that a person can have had such a huge impact on the world, and we still feel it necessary to comment on her hair and make up?
Patti Winker
December 10, 2012
{{sigh}} I’m terribly tired of this kind of nonsense. You are such a trooper to keep reporting on the ridiculousness of judging women by how young/coiffed/perky they are. Thank you again!
Life in the Boomer Lane
December 11, 2012
I will always do this, because every single time it happens, I go crazy. Someone get me an armband and point me in the direction of the protest march.
Carl D'Agostino
December 11, 2012
I think Hill is a shoo-in for 2016 nomination and win general election. Gingrich himself says Republicans not able to battle that one successfully too fragmented and to finite an appeal. I think you would enjoy my post today. Regards.
Life in the Boomer Lane
December 11, 2012
I will check it out, Carl!
Sara
December 12, 2012
Random useless comment: She reminds me of a mix between Diane Keaton and Annette Bening.
I also loved reading the post 😀 Women are beautiful when they are themselves. Without or without make up, hair stylist, fashion advisor or whatever else…
(This applies to men as well.)
Life in the Boomer Lane
December 12, 2012
Not a random, useless comment at all, Sara. It’s one that need to be said over and over. Thank you for saying it now.