We’re in week two of our countdown of stories that shaped the images of black women in popular culture. We’ve chosen a dozen stories (the good, the bad and the ridiculous) that captured our attention in 2009. Here’s the story that made our hot list today:
#7: Desirée Rogers’ Fall From Grace (aka “Desirée Rogers is Feeling the Heat” originally published December 2, 2009)
When we talk about the sisters in the Obama administration, Desirée Rogers’, name comes up not just because she’s the White House Social Secretary but also because she has great style. In fact, the Washington Post’s Robin Givhan points out she was featured in Vogue before FLOTUS Michelle Obama and her designer duds are often identified in photos taken of her. But now that the Salahi’s crashed the first White House State Dinner people are wondering whether Rogers is actually doing her job. Givhan reports that tomorrow Rogers is set to appear before a House committee to answers questions about this party snafu. Can you feel the heat Ms. Rogers? Because if you ask me folks are coming for ya.

On Sunday, the scrutiny surrounding Rogers gained some steam when Newsweek posted a story that featured Cathy Hargraves who used to be White House Guest List Chief. She says that she used to be in charge of guests lists for State Dinners (and literally stood at the East Gate to check guests off the list) but Rogers stripped her of that responsibility citing the country’s economic issues (she eventually resigned). Hargraves says their encounter went as follows:

“We don’t feel we have a need for that anymore.” Rogers’s explanation, according to Hargraves: “In these economic times, I don’t think we’re going to have very many lavish expensive dinners. It wouldn’t look very good.”

And although the Secret Service is taking the blame for the Salahi’s entrance, there’s no doubt that this falls under the auspices of Social Secretary’s Office. What’s fueling this mess is that Rogers was a guest at the party (wearing a peach Comme des Garcon gown) . Now Givhan points out that while this is not unusual, most of the others that held the position had proved themselves before they dared to take a seat at the table. This was the first State Dinner so people are giving her the side eye. There are reports, however, that Rogers was working more than she was socializing.

So will this cost Rogers her job? I somehow doubt it but it may cause her to walk more carefully as she does it. It was bound to happen to her. Let’s face it, the POTUS isn’t immune to scrutiny so why would those in his administration get a pass? What’s interesting is that in reading Givhan’s piece I learned that Rogers is more accustomed to being at A-list parties as a guest than she is as a planner. And labeling her as a close associate of the Obamas may be inaccurate since she’s really closer to Valerie Jarrett.

For most of us working in a corporate environment this may all seem a little too familiar. We’ve always heard we’ve got to be twice as good as everyone else, but when we outshine others people are often looking for ways to bring us down. Desirée Rogers rose the ranks in business in Chicago with dogged determination she just needed to be reminded that she’s playing for much higher stakes now. Desirée just remember people are always watching the black girls!

UPDATE: It remains to be see how this will all play out but there has been speculation that Ms. Rogers has been advised to keep a low profile these days and perhaps steer clear of future State Dinners (as a guest that is). But this is one story that will continue to develop in 2010.

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5. TBGS Year in Review: #5 RHOA Rules