The media’s treatment of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans’ first Black female mayor, has been under intense scrutiny. This coverage appears particularly harsh, possibly reflecting societal issues of race and gender bias. However, some of her actions have been unprecedented, which contributed to the media coverage.

Mayor Cantrell has faced significant backlash over her travel expenses. Reports indicated she spent approximately $250,000 on travel, spending over one in five days outside the city at one stretch last year​​. Critics contend this level of expenditure is excessive and question her commitment to New Orleans. This scrutiny includes sharp personal attacks, suggesting she treats her position as an “all-expenses-paid vacation”​ (LSU Football – LSU Sports)​.

The mayor’s spending and the resulting media coverage sparked a well financed recall effort against the mayor. The recall campaign against Cantrell highlights the intense scrutiny she faces. Started in August 2022, the campaign accused her of “quiet quitting” and neglecting her duties amidst rising crime​ (Washington Examiner)​. During that time, New Orleans experienced a 141% increase in homicides, overtaking St. Louis as America’s murder capital​. The harsh media coverage contributed to the recall’s formation. And the recall itself generated even more harsh media coverage. Ultimately, the recall fell far short of the needed signatures and failed to oust the mayor from office. But the recall effort gathered over 30,000 signatures, showing substantial public dissatisfaction with her administration. The one constant factor is the intense media coverage of the city’s first African American female mayor. Still the mayor’s actions were increasingly out of the ordinary.

The Pontalba Use

For example, Mayor Cantrell used the Pontalba apartment for out of office activities. Cantrell’s use of a city-owned apartment in the historic Pontalba building generated seething coverage. Members of the media scrutinized hundreds of hours of video footage. The city’s Office of Inspector General opened an investigation, questioning if her use was an improper benefit​​. Cantrell’s communications director defended her, stating that her use was consistent with previous mayors. In the end, the city council took control of the city owned apartment. However, media coverage on this issue is relentless.

Related: Mayor Cantrell – Give up the Pontalba

Critics describe Cantrell as making poor judgment decisions, contributing to a perception of arrogance and detachment from the city’s pressing issues​​. In addition to these issues, Mayor Cantrell recently lost a lawsuit involving a stalker, which further damaged her public image. The case brought to light her handling of personal security concerns, casting doubt on her decision-making abilities.

But When Is It Too Much?

While these criticisms are based on real concerns, the intensity of the scrutiny raises questions. Studies show women and people of color in leadership roles often face higher expectations and more severe criticism. This phenomenon, known as the “double bind,” puts leaders like Cantrell in a difficult position. They must navigate their roles without facing disproportionate backlash for their actions.

The double bind concept refers to the conflicting expectations placed on women and people of color in leadership. These leaders are often expected to be both strong and nurturing, assertive yet accommodating. Meeting these contradictory standards is nearly impossible. As a result, they face criticism no matter what they do. For example, if Cantrell is assertive, she may be perceived as aggressive. If she is collaborative, she may be seen as weak. This dynamic makes it harder for her to be judged fairly based on her performance.

However, some of her actions, such as the scale of her travel expenses and the apartment controversy, are unprecedented. These actions provided fodder for her critics and fueled the perception of her administration as out of touch with the city’s needs.

Media coverage of Mayor LaToya Cantrell appears particularly harsh. This likely reflects broader societal issues of race and gender bias. However, some of her actions have been unprecedented and have contributed to the criticism. Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial. It helps assess the fairness of the media’s treatment of Mayor Cantrell and recognizes the broader challenges faced by leaders who break barriers in public office.