Oppression and Jewelry at the White House (and other places)

So on this week's West Wing, C.J. Cregg, White House Chief of Staff, was wearing this terrific looking necklace. It was quite elaborate--not the usual chain with a cross or something--but with silverish oblong beads. Looked great on her. Too bad it isn't reflective of how the real White House Chief of Staff could dress. And I'm not talking about Andrew Card wearing a necklace, I'm talking about what if it was 'Andrea Card' and what she could wear.

I do normally find it easy to confuse the tv show with real life in this particular case. It's probably wishful thinking since the tv West Wing is home to Democrats, while the real life one houses the supposed 'GOP'. But in this case I was jarred out of my daydream by this necklace. It truly was great, and demonstrated that C.J. has, or would have if she was a real person, have great taste. The problem is that in my experience as a witness to women in some high powered positions, wearing such a necklace invites an opinion among colleagues that you have too much time on your hands and don't take your job seriously enough. I suspect that if Condoleeza Rice wore something similar to Mid-East Peace Talks people would think she was a bit of a loose cannon. I mean with peace to manage how could you possibly have had time to think about finding something to go with your outfit like that?

On the contrary, perhaps it demonstrates that you have a life outside your job. A balanced individual, imagine that. Might make for a better employee too.

And as for men having to choose ties, yes, you might get into the same dilemma, but most probably if you wore one that was really fanciful or out there everyone would think your kids/wife/girlfriend got it for you and have pity. This is perhaps another form of oppression for those of the metrosexual variety who like to look smart and put together. Sorry about that, but I didn't start the fire, if ya know what I mean.

While 'put together' on the outside may not equal 'put together' on the inside (in the sense of a balanced life) chances are if you don't have time to think about earrings in the morning, your job may be what's oppressive.