Sexism In The Media? Where? (Seriously Though, Did You See That Skirt Condi Was Wearing? Purrr...)

Journalists have been paying a lot of attention to Secretary of State Condileeza Rice lately. Dozens of articles have been written about her new role in the White House, but instead of focusing on her ideology or diplomatic efforts, reporters have been more interested in her looks and fashion sense. In one notable instance, a recent Washington Post article described Rice, during a recent trip through Europe, as "sexy", comparing her wardrobe to that of a "dominatrix". It's an odd fixation, considering that coverage of her predecessor, Colin Powell, was devoted almost entirely to his diplomacy and his policy disputes with the White House.

Some commentators claim that this discrepancy can be attributed to outright sexism; that, because Rice is a woman, the media is failing to take her seriously. To these Koran-humping liberals, I say: calm down. The diplomatic styles of Powell and Rice are so different that it would be impossible for journalists to report on them in the same way. These differences in coverage grow out of necessity, which makes any claim of sexism completely unjustified. To clarify things, the following breakdown examines the subtle distinctions between the former and current Secretary of State, and it should prove that Rice and Powell are both extremely capable leaders...just in their own unique ways.

Powell: fought in Vietnam.
Condi: wears fashionable pants made in Vietnam.

Powell: loves multi-lateralism.
Condi: hates combination skin

Powell: able spokesperson.
Condi: "doable" spokesperson.

Powell: nicknamed "Iron Fist".
Condi: nicknamed "Brown Sugar".

Powell: educated at George Washington University.
Condi: educated...at school or something, but have you seen those legs?

Powell Doctrine: military action should be used only as a last resort, and only when there is a clear exit strategy.
Condi Doctrine: Exfoliate...exfoliate or die.

Powell, after the Iraq invasion, stated: we need "more troops, more boots on the ground."
Condi, after the spring fashion show, stated: "I need more boots, more boots in my closet."