Thatcher's fashion as a symbol of her style of leadership

Seminar paper from the year 2017 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Other, grade: 1,7, Ruhr-University of Bochum (Englisches Seminar), course: Handbags: Fashion, Politics, Performance, language: English, abstract: In this paper, I will analyze Margaret Thatcher's appearance at different political and official events and link it with her political opinion and the course of action taken, as well as the outcome of the event. For that purpose, I will begin with some biographical information about Margaret Thatcher before I speak about her politics and the term "Thatcherism", which was shaped around her. In the main part, I will analyze Thatcher's outfit and appearance in general, as well as at different political events, to prove my thesis.Margaret Thatcher was not only a controversial figure in politics during her time as the British Prime Minister and thereafter, but she has also been described as one of the greatest and most influential politicians in British history by journalists, political scientists and historians. In spite of this, there are still arguments about the political style called Thatcherism. A closer look at Thatcher's appearance at important political meetings and media events, shows that her look - including her fashion and handbags - was, in fact, a symbol of her leadership style. The English Oxford Living Dictionary lists a verb created especially for Margaret Thatcher: "to handbag (humorous, informal) - (of a woman) verbally attack or crush (a person or idea) ruthlessly and forcefully." There are many examples to be found of the former Prime Minister. It can be said, that her handbag was one of the main characteristics of her appearance. It seems as if people were actually afraid of it and the possibility of getting 'handbagged' by the Prime Minister.