First Lady Is US' Diplomatic Secret
Published in The People's Daily
(China) on 1 April 2013
by Song Guoyou (link to original)
Major diplomatic ceremonies and occasions show much affection and love between the president and the first lady; this no doubt helps to maintain a positive image of the president. Such a display of affection not only shows the rest of the world the happy family life the president has, but also the trust and intimacy between the members of the first family, stressing the importance of family for the president and how much he cares for his wife. The president reveals this side of him, of course, in order to maintain his image. If the first lady attends an important diplomatic reception with the president, it will be more beneficial for his relationships with the foreign diplomats, as well as the family members of the foreign dignitaries. This can be compared to ordinary people visiting their friends and relatives. If the hostess comes forward to entertain the guests, chatting and gossiping with them, this not only shows respect for the visitors, but it also leaves a good impression of the man of the house.
That is why the president is so willing to bring his wife along for major foreign receptions or trips. It doesn’t matter what she wears or how her overall appearance is. The mere presence of the first lady will have a significant effect on foreign affairs.
The image of the president is, in one way, just the overall image of the president himself. Yet in the grand scheme of things, it also represents the national image of the United States. In this sense, the first lady has already helped play a major role in maintaining the country’s image. However, if one thinks that the first lady only helps enhance the country’s image by presidential orders, one has obviously underestimated her role. As a woman, the first lady has to display different qualities than the male president. If one says that the president must show strength and wisdom in diplomacy as well as maintain the U.S.’ strong interests, then the first lady must be gentle, friendly and cordial, an overall gentle beauty. Obviously, this second image is much softer than the first and easier for the public to accept.
Whether it is a speech or a visit, the first lady of the U.S. must emphasize the same visions as her husband, ones that express values of freedom, equality and democracy. The fact that the first lady is required to appear alongside the president on major diplomatic occasions affirms the political status of women in the United States. Among the other successful people in the United States, the first lady is the most representative of American women and is the best narrator of America’s core values and the concept of the American dream.
Regardless of their individual personalities, the first ladies always avoid speaking on major international issues and instead choose to focus on the field of women’s rights, children’s welfare and education. This is to help better the conditions of women everywhere. Each time a first lady accompanies a president on a trip, she will usually go visit schools, hospitals and other welfare institutions to express her humanitarian concerns.
The first lady of the U.S. has become an important figure in contemporary American diplomacy; she is directly related to the soft power of the U.S. and overall U.S. foreign policy. Moreover, as a female, she can also make up for certain deficiencies of presidential diplomacy by playing an important complementary role — one that has become irreplaceable. Through her charm and sense of humanity, the first lady has realized the American dream as something more vivid and real.
That is why the president is so willing to bring his wife along for major foreign receptions or trips. It doesn’t matter what she wears or how her overall appearance is. The mere presence of the first lady will have a significant effect on foreign affairs.
The image of the president is, in one way, just the overall image of the president himself. Yet in the grand scheme of things, it also represents the national image of the United States. In this sense, the first lady has already helped play a major role in maintaining the country’s image. However, if one thinks that the first lady only helps enhance the country’s image by presidential orders, one has obviously underestimated her role. As a woman, the first lady has to display different qualities than the male president. If one says that the president must show strength and wisdom in diplomacy as well as maintain the U.S.’ strong interests, then the first lady must be gentle, friendly and cordial, an overall gentle beauty. Obviously, this second image is much softer than the first and easier for the public to accept.
Whether it is a speech or a visit, the first lady of the U.S. must emphasize the same visions as her husband, ones that express values of freedom, equality and democracy. The fact that the first lady is required to appear alongside the president on major diplomatic occasions affirms the political status of women in the United States. Among the other successful people in the United States, the first lady is the most representative of American women and is the best narrator of America’s core values and the concept of the American dream.
Regardless of their individual personalities, the first ladies always avoid speaking on major international issues and instead choose to focus on the field of women’s rights, children’s welfare and education. This is to help better the conditions of women everywhere. Each time a first lady accompanies a president on a trip, she will usually go visit schools, hospitals and other welfare institutions to express her humanitarian concerns.
The first lady of the U.S. has become an important figure in contemporary American diplomacy; she is directly related to the soft power of the U.S. and overall U.S. foreign policy. Moreover, as a female, she can also make up for certain deficiencies of presidential diplomacy by playing an important complementary role — one that has become irreplaceable. Through her charm and sense of humanity, the first lady has realized the American dream as something more vivid and real.