Do you have any thoughts on why some people see a Bush smirk and others don't?
I didn't know there was anyone who didn't see it. But if there are, maybe it's the old TEOMOP from Psych 101. A "smirk" connotes negative things about the smirker, and some have a strong motivation not to "see" the negative aspects of those of whom they approve politically or in some other way. Why do so many people think OJ was, and looks, innocent?! It's no mystery, really.
About getting smirking under control. That sort of thing is what imgage consultants are for. They show their clients video tapes of their appearances, point out the offending expression, mannerism, tone, usage, etc., and work with the person to change it. Early on they tried to get Bush to pronounce the e in nuclear, and he tried, he really tried, but it was too much. He is much better on the smirk, though.
Partly I think the early smirk was a nervous one, a knowledge he was over his head, and a fear of humiliating himself. This new role is something he can do.
I see either Leno's or Letterman's opening monologues sometimes, and more if I've heard about some guest I'm interested in, and notice the difference between them. In Letterman's case, he's basically a cold fish, and that's how Leno beats him, I think. Leno is a genuinely nice person, evidently. I suspect Letterman was given lessons on wiping the smirk off his face and trying to be less arrogant and cold. Amazing how these things work. Shy people can learn to project confidence, the uncharming can learn to project charm. Over the long haul, this image-management won't hold up, but it's good for ratings in the meantime. |
