Jacqueline Kennedy: The Overrated Icon of American History

Jacqueline Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States, is often hailed as an icon of style and grace. But let's take a closer look at who she really was, what she did, and why her legacy might be more myth than reality. Born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in 1929, she became the wife of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, in 1953. Her time in the White House, from 1961 to 1963, is often romanticized as a period of elegance and sophistication. But was it really all that? The media, particularly in the liberal strongholds of New York and Washington D.C., have long perpetuated the image of Jackie as a cultural and fashion icon. But why? Is it because she was truly exceptional, or because she fit a narrative that the media wanted to sell?

First off, let's talk about her so-called "style." Sure, she wore some nice clothes, but does that really make her an icon? Fashion is subjective, and while some may have admired her taste, others could argue that she was simply a product of her time. The 1960s were a period of change, and Jackie Kennedy's style was more about fitting in with the elite than setting any real trends. Her pillbox hats and tailored suits were hardly revolutionary. They were safe choices that appealed to the upper crust of society. So, why is she still celebrated for her fashion sense? It's simple: the media needed a story, and Jackie was an easy sell.

Now, let's address her role as First Lady. What did she actually accomplish? While she did spearhead a restoration of the White House, which is commendable, her contributions to policy and politics were minimal at best. Unlike other First Ladies who have taken active roles in shaping policy or championing social causes, Jackie was more of a figurehead. Her primary focus was on aesthetics and maintaining a certain image. She was more concerned with how things looked than with making any substantial changes. Is that really the kind of legacy we should be celebrating?

And then there's the issue of her marriage to JFK. The Kennedys are often portrayed as American royalty, but their marriage was far from perfect. Infidelity and scandal plagued their relationship, yet the media chose to focus on the fairy tale narrative. Why? Because it was easier to sell a story of a glamorous couple than to confront the messy reality. Jackie was complicit in maintaining this facade, choosing to turn a blind eye to her husband's indiscretions. Is that the kind of role model we want to hold up for future generations?

Let's not forget her life after the White House. After JFK's assassination, Jackie married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. This move was seen by many as a betrayal of her American roots, yet it was conveniently glossed over by the media. Why? Because it didn't fit the narrative of the grieving widow. Instead of being criticized for her choices, she was once again celebrated for her "resilience" and "strength." But was it really strength, or was it simply a calculated move to maintain her lifestyle?

Finally, let's talk about her impact on American culture. While she is often credited with bringing a sense of sophistication to the White House, the reality is that her influence was limited. The 1960s were a time of great social and political upheaval, and Jackie Kennedy's contributions were more about maintaining the status quo than driving any real change. Her legacy is one of style over substance, of image over impact.

In the end, Jacqueline Kennedy's status as an icon is more a product of media manipulation than any real achievements. She was a woman who fit a narrative, who played a role, and who was celebrated for her ability to maintain an image. But when we look beyond the surface, we see a legacy that is more myth than reality. It's time to reevaluate the way we view Jackie Kennedy and recognize that her contributions to American history are not as significant as we've been led to believe.