Rebecca Schweitzer Iowa
I am Rebecca Schweitzer, based in Des Moines, Iowa, and I am sharing my perspective on a recent public moment that sparked a broader discussion about women, professionalism, and being told to smile.
Recently, Donald Trump called out Kaitlan Collins from CNN during an exchange and told her she should smile.
It struck a nerve for a lot of people. It hit home for me, too.
Just a few months ago here in Iowa, I walked into UPS to ship a package in Polk County. I stepped up to the counter, ready to complete my transaction, and the employee said, “You should smile.”
I wasn’t upset. I wasn’t rude. I was simply there to ship a package.
Why “You Should Smile” Is Not Harmless
On the surface, these comments seem small. But when a President tells a female journalist to smile, and a woman in Iowa hears the same thing in a routine interaction, it reinforces a familiar message: women are expected to look pleasant.
This issue goes far beyond politics. It shows up in workplaces across Iowa and the country. It shows up in media. It shows up in everyday professional environments.
Women are often expected to appear warm, agreeable, and upbeat at all times. If we are direct, we are labeled difficult. If we are neutral, we are told to smile.
Men rarely receive the same commentary about their facial expressions.
Women Told to Smile at Work Is a Real Pattern
Many women have heard some version of it, whether in journalism, politics, corporate America, or local businesses in Iowa. It is not about being unfriendly. It is about autonomy.
Professionalism is not measured by how cheerful someone appears. Competence, credibility, and leadership should never be tied to whether someone looks happy enough.
Respect in the Workplace and Beyond
Subtle comments add up. Smile more. You look serious. Are you upset?
These remarks send a message that a woman’s face is open for evaluation in ways a man’s typically is not.
Women are not here to perform happiness.
We are here to do our jobs. To lead teams. To report the news. To run businesses. To contribute meaningfully in Iowa and beyond.
Respect in the workplace and in public spaces means allowing women to show up as they are. Focused. Neutral. Serious. Confident.
That should be enough.
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