CULTURE

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Graces the Cover of Vanity Fair

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New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the cover star for the December 2020 issue of Vanity Fair, and everything from the clothes she wore to the things she said is being examined under a microscope.

The 31-year-old Bronx native sat down with Vanity Fair and discussed topics such as her bartender beginnings, the struggles of being a newly iconic political figure, and her everyday routine. AOC shares her outlook on the upcoming Presidential election and what the next four years look like for herself.

Before critics even shared their opinions on the highly quotable interview given by AOC, her wardrobe was a trending topic. Republicans and other opposers criticized AOC for donning expensive suits and designer shoes for the magazine’s photoshoot, claiming that she was going against her socialist views by dressing fancily. Though supporters of the congresswoman were quick to point out the hypocrisy in judging AOC, all while turning a blind eye to the obnoxious spending of the Trump Administration.

Ocasio-Cortez has developed a good reputation for defending herself. She recalled standing tall in her defense after Representative Ted Yoho called her an expletive on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Refusing to let her colleagues keep her down, she took to the House floor to defend not only herself but to defend every woman who has felt stifled by overbearing patriarchy. So, when the topic of outfits became an issue, AOC spoke up, making it clear that her expensive threads were borrowed and not bought while sharing some image advice for her critics.

Despite her boldness, AOC shared that her new political life comes with its scary side. Threats to her life, and the lives of her loved ones, are constant. These threats worsen when the flames of hatred are stoked by President Trump’s verbal attacks on AOC and her fellow congresswoman known as The Squad. The Squad, including Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Ilhan Omar, have become a second family to Ocasio-Cortez, with the women bonding on the strength they need to get through the tribulations of supporting their constituents while keeping themselves safe.

With only days until the Presidential Election is decided, AOC is truthful about her concerns regarding the outcome. She acknowledges that no matter who wins, America still has a lot of work to do. She wants the average person to benefit from the election. With many of her constituents being Latino, Black, and Asian, she focuses on the issues that they face and the importance of helping those people succeed. AOC feels responsible for minorities, as she started her journey like them, a woman of color trying to make ends meet for her family.

Ocasio-Cortez stars in a short video giving readers a peek into the daily life of the famous AOC. She shares that despite her quick rise to fame, she is still a woman of the people who are seeking to communicate with America on a level that is reachable and relatable. You can read the full article here.