Meghan McCain vs. Jessica Simpson (Part 2)

This is an important topic to roll into the twitpic controversy b/c I think it's directly linked to it.  The issue is self marketing.  A lot of people choose to put these two in the same category (beautiful blondes on TV) who get pummeled by the media re: body image. 

It might surprise some people that I happen to believe that Jessica Simpson is open game on the weight issue.  Meghan McCain defends her and says it's the sickness of the media (which I mean, everything can rightly be blamed on the media, right?  Don't bother blaming the consumers) and while I tend to agree there is a sickness to it, I also happen to believe it's legit.

So why can Jessica be an object of ridicule on her body but Meghan cannot?  Easy - because of how they chose to make their money and represent themselves.

To get an idea, do a quick Google search for both Jessica and Meghan.  Click on images.  You'll see the differences immediately.  If you are too lazy, here is the most restrained Jessica pic and the most liberal Meghan pic:

Here's the thing.  Jessica was a singer but she made a LOT of her money selling her IMAGE.  People bought her records for whatever reason, but they also bought her calendars, her videos, and watched her TV show because of the way she looked.  Sorry girlfriend, I know it sucks to gain weight and all and have everyone be all over you for it but it's hypocritical to get upset over it now and not be upset over people talking about your body when they say, "damn she's hot" while buying playboy with you in it.  And yes, Britney deserves all the critique she gets on her weight -- these ladies sell a package of aesthetics.  There is a reason why no one cares when Alicia Keyes gains 10lbs; because she didn't sell herself like that.  To Jessica Simpson's credit, she does reply with class when her weight is attacked.  I sympatize with her situation but I don't think it's unjustified.

And herein lies the double edged sword with Meghan.  A child of a politican she was put into the spotlight at age 15 without anyone asking her.  She could have stripped down, sold a few records, modeled.  She's buxom and she's got the face for it.  But that's not what she chose to do - she instead went to Columbia, writes political articles, is writing her own book (*cough* palin *cough*), and is a voice of the young GOP right.  Her image is not for sale, and one little pic showing off less than a lot of people show off in a strapless does not modify that context.  And let's be clear about Nepotism -- this would in fact be a valid point if Meghan was actually running for office.  She's not.  She's actually got as much right to be in political discussions as, say, Luke Russert.  Where is the sceaming over him oh thee of the liberal blogging haters?

Nope, let's call it for what it was:  a very pointed attack on a GOP female (not crazy) voice that scares a lot of the left and the right.

Next (and last)  Meghan McCain vs. Obama