Does anyone remember Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, or Mamie Eisenhower?  Although Mamie was famous for her bangs, none of these women were known for their glamour or beauty.  In modern times, Jackie Kennedy was the most glamorous occupant of the White House—that is, until Melania Trump moved in. That was one First Lady who was never seen without her make-up.  You had to wonder how she and her husband would look after washing their faces.  But now, after watching the 2021 presidential  inauguration, I’ve concluded that fake eyelashes are de rigueur at the White House.

As the television cameras zoomed in on the  ceremony, it highlighted the professional make up jobs of the ladies surrounding the president.     Should women in the White House send a message that wearing  fake eyelashes is  desirable?  The fact is, it’s  risky.

Here are the dangers:  Fake eyelashes can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis.  This occurs when bacteria collect under the eyelash glue and on the false eyelash itself.    They can also cause serious  allergic reactions, and damage your natural lashes to the point where they may fall out and never grow back.  Fake eyelashes may scratch or  damage the cornea,  if the glue thickens or falls into your eye.

They say that politicians should lead by example. It bothers me that politicians and their wives are setting such impossible standards of beauty  for American women. They’re telegraphing a mindset –that women must risk their health, and spend the time and effort it requires to look like a movie star.  Did you know it takes two hours to apply false eyelashes? And they should be changed every day for infection control purposes.  Are they really worth all that time and effort?

Do we elect people to public office for their looks, or for their ability?  Apparently, looks have a lot to do with it.  Most successful politicians are fairly good looking, although that may be a matter of opinion.  I never really admired Richard Nixon’s nose or Barack Obama’s ears .  On the other hand,  I’ll never forget the time I saw Dwight Eisenhower in person.    With his charming blue eyes and wide grin, he radiated charisma.

I’m all for attractive women occupying the White House.  But the fake eyelashes need to go.