In a recent opinion piece, The Washington Post has sparked conversation by dubbing Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, a "modern-day sex symbol" and a "progressive sex symbol."
The article, authored by Catherine Rampell, suggests that Emhoff's appeal lies not in his physical attributes but in his willingness to prioritize his wife's ambitions over his own.
According to The Post Millennial, Rampell's piece begins with a bold statement, "Move over, Ryan Gosling. The modern female fantasy is embodied by the man who might soon become our first First Gentleman." This statement seems to be a nod to the upcoming "Barbie" movie, where Gosling is rumored to play Ken. Rampell goes on to argue that Emhoff's allure stems from his secure masculinity, which allows him to support his wife's ambitions, earning him the title of a "hunk."
However, the article fails to mention Emhoff's past indiscretions, including an affair during his first marriage that resulted in his children's nanny becoming pregnant. The nanny reportedly did not keep the child. Rampell also draws parallels between Emhoff and NFL player Jonathan Owens, who publicly supported his wife, Simone Biles, during the Olympics, further solidifying Emhoff's image as a "fantasy man."
Rampell's piece also suggests that Emhoff's relationship with Harris is reminiscent of romantic comedies, where male characters often sacrifice their professional achievements to support their partners. This dynamic, according to Rampell, is the essence of the "Emhoffian 'wife guy' fantasy."
The columnist goes on to argue that the sexual revolution and the post-industrialization of the U.S. economy have led to status anxiety among American men. She accuses former President Donald Trump of exploiting this trend rather than helping men adapt to their changing roles in families and communities.
Rampell also criticizes vice-presidential nominee Senator JD Vance (R-OH) for his views on family and work. Despite Vance's wife, Usha, having a successful career as a lawyer and only pausing it when Vance decided to run for Vice President, Rampell labels his views on gender as "retrograde."
In her final remarks, Rampell suggests that Emhoff embodies the ideal man for modern women, describing him as a "dreamboat." This portrayal of Emhoff as a "modern-day sex symbol" is sure to spark further debate about gender roles and expectations in contemporary society.
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