billb wrote:
Let me post an atypical picture and try to convince you it's a typical picture, so that Melania's tone-deaf colonial garb, and therefore her, seem normal.

Lemon Drop wrote:
She says "pay attention to what I do, not to what I wear."

Honey, choosing what to wear during high profile international visits is something you DO. The way not to be scrutinized for your clothes is to wear something normal instead of dressing like you're headed to a Gatsby party.

In Egypt she's channeling Dr. Belloq the French archaeologist from Indiana Jones, not sure why she'd want to invoke the Nazi era. Then the white pith helmet, symbol of white colonialists.

This woman takes white supremacy to an entirely new level. What message was she trying to send? "Hell, sh@thole countries, your superior has deigned to pay you a visit."

rjmacs wrote:
I had a terrible Saturday. Didn't you?

My point, poorly done, was intended to convey my opinion that the First Lady (and First Family broadly) don't care much about optics, as long as they are personally satisfied with the image presented. Unlike former First Families (say, the Obamas, or the Bushes) who spent a great deal of time and effort considering how best to represent the nation and its people whenever in public, this cadre seems to care only about preserving and promoting its personal brand.