Middletons as role models?

[Bennifer]

www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/apr/18/middleton-sisters-time-list-most-influential-people?

I thought this deserved a post - Time Magazine has put both of the Middleton sisters into the 100 most influential people in the world list, describing them as "avatars of aspiration".

What do you think?

I see why Kate would be influential purely in her position as future Queen. Pippa - not so much. Having a nice bottom and an influential sister would not it itself make her influence many people I wouldn't think.

i imagine their influential but not aspirational

Ugh. No!

they're

Daily Mash got it spot on yesterday when they were described as 'Kardashians for people who buy Jack Wills' .

How are they influential other than on clothes? Is that the only influence women are expected to have ffs?

I suppose they both are quite influential, but in a completely non-feminist way

I find that very depressing. One is famous because of who she married, the other because of who her sister married. Hopefully at some point Kate may use her influence to bring about attention to particular causes, but it cetainly hasn't happened yet. So far she has modeled how to be discreet and get the ring. Pippa has modeled how to go to parties and be photographed.
I don't want my daughter emulating either of them.

I think they're saying they have influence, not that they are role models.

I think it's true of the Duchess, especially now she has begun her public/charitable role.

Including the other sister seems to me more dubious, as interest in her doings is more of a red top gossip thing, rather than anything with substance.

April 1st was some time ago. Time need to sort itself out.

Gimme their money and I'll be the most inspirational role model you ever did see.

Has Time magazine turned into Grazia overnight?

No, but it looks as if the Guardian is reporting oddly again.

Here is the list, from the Time Magazine site. The entry is titled "Prince William and Kate Middleton" and Pippa isn't mentioned.

As always, the actual list recognises "influence" in many ways. Most of those on it are highly unlikely to be featured in Grazia.

I like the way Kate has worked in the past and held down a normal Job like a normal person, and I think that makes appear even more 'inspirational' but not because she married Prince William. Marrying someone rich and famous has no place in a list of inspirational women.

& I don't think Pippas bum is anything special!

& can I ask why do they refer to her as the duchess of Cambridge rather than princess Catherine? I know she's been given this title, but why refer to one rather than the other? I would be interested to know if anyone has an insight?

Oh! Really ruby! Why not?
I thought it was automatic!

Because her formal title would be "Princess William of Wales" (like Princess Michael of Kent), and everyone can see all too clearly that's unacceptable, especially as there's an easy alternative. They did similar for the Duchess of York too back in the 1980s, so it's not a completely new practice. The title may have been a wedding present, but the effect, in giving an acceptable female title must have been part of the consideration.

Edith the list you linked to is last year's. The entry for Prince William and Kate Middleton is all about their forthcoming wedding

Oops!

Oops was to johnny

ruby: what change do you think they should adopt?

That's really interesting! So she might never be a princess, then! Tough times Middy!

I used to be a royalist but lately I'm getting a bit sick off them!

They are influential, like other celebrities are influential, pop stars are influential, because the media reports on them and follows them around, and young people especially, copy them.Not sure how many people aspire to them, maybe more than we think?

So there might after all be a point to Pippa Middleton. I was wondering.