The former first lady, Barbara Bush, passed away on April 17 of this year. In honor of her passing, I believe it is necessary to remember the ways in which the first ladies have influenced American politics and culture. Although there is no job description given for the position of the first lady, Encyclopaedia Brittanica holds that many first ladies have used their influence to bring changes within legislation, social reforms and particularly women’s rights.
The second first lady, Abigail Adams supported women’s rights in letters she wrote to her husband, President John Adams. In 1776 she asked of him, “Remember the Ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” This action was one of the first in the long tradition of first ladies addressing certain social justice issues of their time. Adams focused particularly on women’s rights and encourages others to as well. According to the National Archives, Adams wrote to John, “If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion (sic), and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” Adams’ desire for gender equality resonates with our culture today as we still address social injustices committed particularly toward women.
Sarah Childress Polk redefined the ways American women were viewed and limited to motherhood. According to whitehouse.gov, in a time where women’s jobs were as mothers, Polk had to define a place for herself due to her childlessness. In her spare time, she became very involved in the political activities of her husband, like helping him write speeches, copying his correspondence, and giving him advice. Polk redefined the boundaries of women at her time, securing a place outside of motherhood, within politics to find success.
Caroline Harrison, the 23rd first lady acted in ways that supported women in more prominent career positions and lived out her interests in art. According to whitehouse.gov, Harrison enjoyed dancing, painting, and playing piano. She involved her daughter in dance lessons and encouraged creativity. Harrison advocated for women’s rights by raising funds for Johns Hopkins University medical school under the condition that they admit women and established the Daughters of the American Revolution, honoring their patriocity and family’s service to American independence. Harrison’s influence today may encourage some to donate to causes that are important to them, such as women’s rights and honor.
Eleanor Roosevelt served as the first lady from 1933-1945. Roosevelt redefined what it meant to be a first lady. She traveled to all parts of the country, held press conferences, and even began her own radio broadcast and newspaper column. After her husband’s death, Roosevelt began her service as an American spokeswoman in the United Nations. Despite the role of “hostess” the first lady was expected to play, Roosevelt made her own way by working in American politics and the United Nations.
In her role as first lady, Barbara Bush won over the affection of Americans through her grandmotherly charm and smart wit. Bush lived out her role as first lady based on compassion, after losing a young daughter to leukemia. According to whitehouse.gov, she chosen to take on the literacy of America as her special cause, and become an honorary chairperson of the Barbara Bush Foundation of Family Literacy.
As the first African-American first lady, Michelle Obama took on many social issues that were close to her heart, addressing women’s rights, children’s health, and education for international girls. Obama launched education programs such as Reach Higher, which encouraged all students to continue their education beyond high school, and Let Girls Learn, which called countries around the world to support education for women.
From advocating for women’s rights, pursuing a role in politics, and supporting children in academic success, first ladies have made prominent changes to American politics and culture. In honor of Barbara Bush’s recent death, I believe it is appropriate to bring attention to all the work that first ladies have done and continue to do. We cannot forget that politics do not belong strictly to the president, but the first ladies as well. I hope that by remembering our first ladies, their legacy may live on and we may find a place of hope and promise in the work they have done.
