Then ask them to write their own editorials about policies they'd like to see changed, whether in school, in their town, or in the government. If appropriate, send the editorials to student and local newspapers, or compile them as a publication to be read by other students. Advise students that they must state clearly the problem as they see it, and provide a sound argument as to why and how the policy should be changed. And they do not have to feel that sense of obligation at every point to uphold the ideas of the man of the family. Ask students to choose a first lady to research, and report on how her public presence related to her husband's.
Clothing is a great signifier.
Then ask students to look for women's clothing as advertised in media such as magazines, television, or the web, and choose items to present as signifiers to the class. Ask the class to decide by putting her on trial. Divide students up into small groups and assign each group a specific position to present to the others. Each group may disagree with other groups' views, and students may ask questions of each group during its presentation. After the presentations, ask students to vote on whether Mrs. Roosevelt's political actions had a positive or negative effect.