Because Condoleeza Rice does not draw attention to her gender or ethnicity, it’s easy to forget that she was born in Birmingham in the early 50s (a kindergarten classmate of hers was killed in the 16th Street church bombing) in a time when the idea of a southern black girl growing up to serve as Secretaray of State was unthinkable. What is equally amazing about this Secretary of State is not just that she is black, female and highly accomplished but that her personal life does not and never has conflicted with her successful professional life. There is no dirt to dig up on Condi.
That is there would be no dirt if she was a man.
Rice has been criticized by both blacks and whites for being a sell out to the white boys’ club and for her close relationship with the Bush family. Some have questioned her single status, and her lack of romantic relationships with men sometimes raises eyebrows. By contrast, the public has no idea if top male officials are single, married or divorced and certainly wouldn’t think a single male less suitable for office than a married one, much less assume he was gay.
Like any female in the public eye, Rice’s looks and attire are constantly scrutinized, some finding her consistently conservative appearance unacceptable. On a recent visit to Engand, the Daily Telegraph reported that “Rice may be the most powerful woman in the world but she came dressed like a princess in a mauve trouser suit, pearls and metallic bronze stiletto shoes.” She has also been heckled for shopping in New York City where a fellow shopper shouted, “‘How dare you shop for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!’ - presumably referring to Louisiana and Mississippi.” This kind of attention to a woman’s attire is expected for any female in public office (think Janet Reno and Hillary Clinton), but press like this is unnecessary and works to undermine the authority of women in power.
Since Secretary Rice is no stranger to overachieving (she entered college at age 15, was the first female provost at Stanford, is an accomplished pianist, and is considered to be one of the primary experts on Russian affairs) she may have to overachieve in her personal life as well. It’s not good enough to be straight talking, tough-minded and cool under pressure. And it’s not good enough to be taken seriously by world leaders (who are not only male but who often lead countries where women are flagrantly oppressed) because Rice’s inability to work quick magic in global hot spots has convinced the media that she is inept. So instead of receiving praise for representing the US with poise, dignity and a strong stance for this administration’s ideologies, Rice is held to a powerful microscope no male in public office would be and has to think carefully about her hairstyle, her earrings and her nailpolish while she prepares for diplomatic meetings. In her off hours Secretary Rice may also turn down some tempting dating prospects to maintain the disinterest in her personal life that she must enjoy.
Under this ridiculously strong scruity, it’s reassuring that we know nothing about Condi’s sex life or personal investments. America is not ready to hold a woman in a position of power to the same standards as a man, so until then, women like Condoleeza Rice must continue to overachieve both professionally and personally. It’s an old story for women who seek position and power, but Rice may be in a class with few others when it comes to her impeccable personal integrity.