The ugly truth behind Saudi Arabia's love for Melania Trump

[IronLionZion]

(CNN) — Donald Trump's first major trip overseas may be fraught with diplomatic land mines for the President, but the Trump administration can at least comfort itself with the clear hit that Melania Trump has been with the Saudi press.

The fact that Melania is communicating with the media and the public in Saudi Arabia -- mainly through what Saudi news reports have deemed her "classy and conservative" fashion choices -- works well in the notoriously anti-woman kingdom. Her intense appeal makes sense, considering the first lady represents so much that Saudi citizens find familiar and can relate to, especially visually. Melania walks behind her husband, is quiet and reserved, does not make obvious demands (at least not ones we can hear), and most importantly, she looks beautiful and polished.

All of that should come as no surprise, given whom Melania is married to. After all, how the Saudi government likes women to behave is similar to how Donald Trump has said he likes women to behave. And they both prefer women to look pretty in pictures, rather than hold actual positions of power.

Melania's husband and the Saudi government also both know and understand the power and value of a good photo opportunity. In fact, fantastic photo opportunities are something the kingdom values and is hypersensitive about, especially ones that are going to be seen around the world.

For them, Melania Trump was perfectly poised in her black Stella McCartney jumpsuit and gilded gold belt. Melania projected a glamorous image for a country where women live under male guardianship, cannot drive, still do not have the full vote, and cannot travel or seek medical attention without male permission.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/22/opinions/melania-popularity-saudi-arabia-hossain-opinion/index.html

Conservatives love Saudi Arabia. The cartoon American Dad even had an episode on how it was so appealing that they moved there.

Make Misogyny Great Again

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. Haven't they seen her nude/nearly nude photos?

Or are the Saudi men getting off on them?

[BigDemVoter]

2. You beat me to it. . . .

And while my dislike for Melania is eclipsed by the pure hatred I have for her husband, let's not forget that ANY Democratic First Lady would have been inundated with hate mail and negative press had she revealed even 1/4 of what Melania proudly showed us. . . .

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. And especially so had it been Michelle Obama.

[sheshe2]

5. Bwahahahahaha

[greatauntoftriplets]

11. They probably blasted Michelle Obama for her bare arms.

The gods know that her husbands compatriots did. Hypocrites.

[CatWoman]

3. that pantsuit didn't fit her very well

it looked kind of awkward -- if that's the right word.

[Generic Other]

8. Like it shrunk in the wash

Still, it covered all the loose bits up unlike her usual attire.

[sheshe2]

6. Ugh!

[BigmanPigman]

7. Misogyny is alive thriving in the good ol' USA...Hillary is right!

[regnaD kciN]

12. Uh...Saudi Arabia is part of the U.S.A.?

[BigmanPigman]

16. The Donald is a misogynist and was elected despite this fact.

Not really elected by popular vote but he is the prez of the US and a well known misogynist. Therefore, misogyny IS alive and thriving in this country as well as Saudi Arabia.

[Volaris]

17. Not despite. BECAUSE OF.

[Amaryllis]

9. Did they miss the hand slap? hardly what one would call subservient.

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. That was when they landed in Israel

It's quite possible that Saudi Arabia wouldn't show pictures from Israel "on priniciple", because they're that petty. But the comments were probably before it anyway.

[Amaryllis]

15. Ah. I lose track...so much happening so fast.

[louis-t]

13. Maybe they'll stay.

We can hope.

[Coventina]

14. Yep. I've had cause to use this link several times today.....