"Commander and Chief"

abc's revolutionary show

http://www.mackenziewatch.com/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060128/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_interview

ABC’s new show, "Commander and Chief", is certainly an indication of changing times in America. The premise of the show presents a situation that would have been almost laughable only years ago. The plot consists of a women portrayed as the President of the United States of America. This show presents two particular indications. Firstly, it provides a statement on the ever-changing roles of women in American Society. Secondly, it is acting as a preparatory tool for the possibility of women running in the next presidential election.

"Commander and Chief" is an effective reminder of changing views towards women in America. Years ago, a show like this would have been seen as a simple fantasy. The perception of women on television is a relatively accurate portrayal of what the ideal women of each particular time period was expected to be. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, shows like "I Love Lucy" and "Bewitched" portrayed women as the good housewife. They were obvious indicators of society’s views of the ideal women. It was a common belief that a woman’s place was in the home. Through the 1970’s and 1980’s, shows like "The Partridge Family" and "The Cosby Show" displayed the growing acceptance of providers and caretakers of the family. And as portrayed in "The Partridge Family", women were even being accepted as single parent providers. The early 1990’s gave birth to "Murphy Brown", which depicted the escalation of working women into powerful business positions. Like these past shows, "Commander and Chief" depicts social evolution, and hint at women’s acceptance in politics.

This show also seems to be acting as a tool to acclimate the American Public to the ideal of a female president. Such a preparation is particularly important, especially after President George W. Bush stated that Hilary Clinton was a "formidable" candidate for the next Democratic Presidential Nominee.

In conclusion, "Commander and Chief" is an indication of the evolution of the American perception of women.