Republican Women More Traditional?

Michelle Obama's Mom-in-Chief Image is a Cave to Politics and Stereotypes.

I believe Mrs. Obama's "Mom-in-Chief" image was created more by Obama image-makers David Axelrod et. al. to soften her into a first lady Americans could love. I think it is a sad state of affairs that Americans are more comfortable with a non-threatening first lady than with a career woman, but it is also a stereotype that screams to be abolished. Michelle Obama is just the person who could have done it, but she decided against it. Instead, she caved into advisors' demands.

The truth is, until that stereotype becomes history, all women will suffer less power and clout in the workplace.

Hmmm.

How about this ladies.  How's about we let the women in this women's movement decide what they want for themselves.  What's best for them and their families should come first.  If the First Lady is unhappy in her role, I'm sure she will in no time shed it for something that's more fitting.  If, as I suspect, she is very happy being a mother to her children and doing whatever other charitable work she does, I suggest we leave her alone to do it.

Seriously, you can't win when people think that the choice in feminism is to only be one thing.

And really, what job could possibly be more important than hanging out with her two daughters?  What mother, who had the choice, would choose to spend countless, thankless hours away from her kids?

The last line is telling though ... what stereotype do which they speak?  Is it that most women quit working after they have kids?  I have news for you, that's not a stereotype, that's the truth.  And you can't make that fact disappear by wishing it were so.

Ooooh, just found this quote:
The common sense path can be tough to see when popular culture and professors say your natural impulses are the result of male oppression.

That is so true for me!  In no way are my impulses the same as anyone elses (just ask my sister).  But for a very long time I've felt this unseen pressure or judgement on the choices that I make.  I don't feel paticularly oppressed.  My daddy always said I could be a leader at any company because I was so bossy.  And my husband certainly doesn't oppress me.  I'd like to see him try really.  He's probably in more danger of being oppressed, by me!

Women, why do we judge each other?  Really?  I don't want to be a corporate CEO.  I don't want to work 60 hour weeks.  Thank sweet heaven I don't have to.  Because I would if I did.  But I don't want the judgement on me.  I won't judge you if you don't judge me.

Feminism was about choice.  The choice to be the CEO, the choice to go to school, the choice to work outside the home, a choice instead of going from your fathers home to your husbands.  Independance.  Feminism was about independance!

Because yes, I do 90% of the work at my house.  My husband also does 90% of the work outside of the house.  So it really does work out equitably.  And sometimes, I don't feel like cooking.  So I don't.

SEE!  Even NOW I feel like I have to defend it!  I have to explain to you so you don't think I'm some mousey housewife (who works 40-50 hour weeks too, thank you).  See!  Again!  I defend myself.  Against unseen attacks.

Michelle Obama ... your politics and mine probably line up one time in twenty.  But I respect your choice to do what is best for you.  You have beautiful children.  And I think this Bonnie Erbe person is just mad that she has to work and you don't.

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