In a rare interview with the press Melania Trump said how she is one of the most bullied people in the world. The sentiment resonates as bullying has a tendency to be considered a schoolyard issue. In fact, you can see bullying happen everywhere from mother’s who helm school auctions to the White House. The media, for which I am a member of, sets a weak example to the world which they have such intimate access to.
Melania Trump on a cover I created for Hamptons Country Magazine, photographed by Chuck Baker. She was one of my favorite models to work with from her quiet demeanor, professionalism and hard work. A graceful spirit that lights up an environment.
Melania is a mother and wife who happens to be married to a controversial president. Our country leads the world because it is founded on free expression. However does that mean we can be nasty and unmannered? Is it fair to make personal attacks on everything from Melania’s style to her son? Melania is a thoughtful, intelligent and humble woman. I had a few encounters with her in my days in New York as an editor and panelist at the Miss Universe pageant. She was extremely complimentary of her cover and engaged with plenty of warm smiles that weren’t with an agenda. In her position she could put on an air of exclusivity but she did not. She was poised, funny and mannered. Many of the reporters who write about the Trump family could benefit from some lessons from her. Keep to the facts and do not make it personal. Perhaps an issue may not go your way but that is not a reason to be mean-spirited. If we know bullying is damaging to children, have the sense not to continue it in the grownup years.
