July 19 // July 6, 2017
Settle down and cover up.
And start covering the news, please.
In our very first “Short and Sour” entry, we’ve chosen to cover the non-issue of uncovered arms on the women who work at the Capitol, covering the news of the day.
In case you missed the coverage, a female reporter was turned away from the Speaker’s Lobby because she was wearing a sleeveless dress and that garment is not included in the list of the approved dress code apparel.
Immediately following this story, there were tons of articles published, discussing the discrepancies, vague notions and other problems with the so-called office “dress code” of the House. And how Speaker Paul Ryan may or may not be an insane sexist for choosing to enforce whatever the code is.
Enough. Dear God, enough.
We have just a few questions for the women reading this piece, and our only request is that you answer honestly, even if you keep your answers to yourself. Ready? Here we go:
Are we making sense? Yes, it’s summer and it’s hot outside. The good news is, you don’t work outside, weeding the grounds. For God’s sakes of America, you work in the White House, or in Congress or near the people who do. You work in professional settings and you should dress like you do.
We have a request to make of every woman working in the DC press corps. Stop it. Stop creating problems and headlines over nothing. Stop making women’s clothing an issue. Men wear jackets and ties and pants and they’re moving around and going to work in 95 degree weather, too.
So wear a jacket, or wear a dress or blouse with sleeves. Stop whining. Do your job. This is not about sexism. It’s about decorum and rules and professionalism when you’re working among the lawmakers and leaders at the highest level of the federal government. We’re pretty sure you can cover your arms and the stories of the day.
And here’s a hint from us to you: those stories you should be covering aren’t about you. Or your arms.
Settle down and cover up.
And start covering the news, please.
In our very first “Short and Sour” entry, we’ve chosen to cover the non-issue of uncovered arms on the women who work at the Capitol, covering the news of the day.
In case you missed the coverage, a female reporter was turned away from the Speaker’s Lobby because she was wearing a sleeveless dress and that garment is not included in the list of the approved dress code apparel.
Immediately following this story, there were tons of articles published, discussing the discrepancies, vague notions and other problems with the so-called office “dress code” of the House. And how Speaker Paul Ryan may or may not be an insane sexist for choosing to enforce whatever the code is.
Enough. Dear God, enough.
We have just a few questions for the women reading this piece, and our only request is that you answer honestly, even if you keep your answers to yourself. Ready? Here we go:
- It’s July in the northeast or mid-atlantic. You’re an attorney and you’re about to appear in court to begin the biggest case of your career in front of the most prestigious judge in your community. You are wearing:
- a suit and dress shoes
- a sleeveless dress and sandals
- It’s July in the northeast or mid-atlantic. You’re a salesperson about to negotiate the biggest contract of your career, meeting with the President and Vice President of the company who will confirm the deal. You are wearing:
- A dress with a jacket and dress shoes
- A sleeveless dress and sandals
- It’s July in the northeast or mid-atlantic. You’re the Development Director of a non-profit organization about to present your funding opportunities to the leadership team of the largest bank in your community. You are wearing:
- a suit and dress shoes
- a sleeveless dress and sandals
Are we making sense? Yes, it’s summer and it’s hot outside. The good news is, you don’t work outside, weeding the grounds. For God’s sakes of America, you work in the White House, or in Congress or near the people who do. You work in professional settings and you should dress like you do.
We have a request to make of every woman working in the DC press corps. Stop it. Stop creating problems and headlines over nothing. Stop making women’s clothing an issue. Men wear jackets and ties and pants and they’re moving around and going to work in 95 degree weather, too.
So wear a jacket, or wear a dress or blouse with sleeves. Stop whining. Do your job. This is not about sexism. It’s about decorum and rules and professionalism when you’re working among the lawmakers and leaders at the highest level of the federal government. We’re pretty sure you can cover your arms and the stories of the day.
And here’s a hint from us to you: those stories you should be covering aren’t about you. Or your arms.