Beyond Babedom

We're (way) over 40. Deal with it.

I’d Rather Be Taking Dictation

There I was, listening to some woman – Phyllis Schlafly, I think – talk about how men should be the providers and women should be the homemakers and it occurred to me: who the hell is she to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do? You know, no one tells men that they have to limit their life’s expectations, but everyone (well, maybe not everyone) knocks themselves out, trying to tell women what limits there are on what they can or should do. Being a mom is good, but it isn’t for everyone. We don’t all want to be “mama grizzlies” or grandmothers. Some of us just don’t.

Live in most Middle Eastern countries? Cover yourself up and forget about getting a  higher education (and, if you live in Afghanistan, forget about any education. And – yes – I know it’s not a Middle Eastern country. Duh). Live in a third world country, and be content to have babies, cook, clean and assume your husband will do whatever the hell he pleases. But these restrictions aren’t limited to the Middle East or the third world. No, as Phyllis Schlafly has so ably demonstrated, there are lots of people right in this country who want to tell us what we can and can’t do; what we should and shouldn’t do and why it’s so important that we follow their rules.

Well, shut up. Really. Stop telling us how women can’t be winning jockeys. Or race car drivers. Or football players. I’m sick and tired of women (and girls, for that matter) having to color their hopes and dreams around what people say. F*ck ’em.

What about what I want? All I want is a life where I can pick what I’m interested in and just do it.  Just like most men and boys have the luxury of doing, without being looked down upon, scorned and lambasted. Does it mean I can do anything? No. Most of us are limited by our skills, our intelligence, our resources. I’m okay with that. What I’m not okay with are these arbitrary rules and guidelines.

When I was a kid I liked to rough house, play with the boys and do anything they did. I was often told that I should “act like a young lady”, not a tomboy.  I look forward to the day that no girl is forced into a box, but is encouraged to try to do anything she likes, without the likes of big mouth Phyllis Schlafly throwing cold water on her dreams.

Shut up, Phyllis and the rest of you dream killers. No one asked you.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 at 4:57 PM and is filed under My Pet Peeves. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  1. Kevin L says:

    Point well taken, no one should be put in a box and told this can’t be done! Women certainly can be the very best at whatever they choose to be or want to be. I’m with you Lucille ! Keep the dream alive !

  2. Bud from Bayone says:

    I thought that all ended years ago?
    What about Danica what ever her name is, Serina and Venus, etc.? Most of all you, dear, sweet Lulu!!!! You are without a doubt without limitations, Like the “Outer Limits”!

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