A Picture's Worth

I was taking another look at Nadav Kander’s “Obama’s People”, in the Jan. 18 New York Times Magazine. It’s an amazing series of portraits that depict Barack Obama’s Cabinet.

I reacted very emotionally to the images. I really like Vice President Biden’s picture. It’s very warm and paternal. Hillary’s photo was also very human and likable. Rahm Emanuel was bored and irreverent. You can tell that he has sharp tongue.

So, why are so many of the staff stone faced and serious. Take Ellen Moran, the new White House Communications Director. She has this no-nonsense look that makes you start explaining yourself, even if you’re not involved. It’s like the clock is already running on your conversation. It’s not at all like her photo on Emily’s List, which is much warmer.

Deisree Rogers, the White House Secretary, also has this ultra-serious look. With her elegant chin and deep brown eyes she looks regal, queenly. It’s a look that reminds you to get to the point right away, or risk scorn. Interestingly I saw her at one of the Inauguration events. She was talking with someone and smiling. She looked positively beautiful and approachable (not that I did).

So, maybe it’s an obvious question, but why is it that the most powerful among us are free to smile, while those who are one the “business end” of the stick must present themselves as these armor-plated creatures that can make you self-conscious with glance?

Take a look and comment.