Image via Wikimedia Commons
Well, I knew this whole Ann Romney “never worked a day in her life” showdown with Democratic consultant Hilary Rosen would re-ignite the ever-percolating “mommy wars” (Devra, make it stop), but it’s taken on a gargantuan life of its own. I hope for the sake of our country we can move on to something else soon.
But, as they say, strike while the iron is hot and, as my husband reminded me, this whole conversation about moms and working and politics is right in my wheelhouse. I did a little stint on Fox News to chat about it and I’m headed to do some serious talking on MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry show this weekend. Thank you to all of you who’ve given me your thoughts on this “debate” via Twitter, Facebook and Google Groups!
If you’re still up for some more reading, here are a few things I think you’ll like!
Other than here, I had a few things to say about it at iVillage iVote, CNN and Babble Voices! (Yes, I was on a roll).
As always, Liz at Mom-101 shares her perspective with wonderful humor but total honesty with her post The Myth of the Rich, Selfish Working Mom.
Jill at The Civic Commons (who I like to believe is my sister from another mister) stands up for me (it seems some of Fox’s viewers didn’t like that I referred to Ann Romney as “privileged”) in her post, Caution: Link Bait Ahead.
Angie at A Whole Lot of Nothing actually took some time from her loungey, luxurious life to pen This Lazy Stay-at-Home Mom Never Worked a Day in Her Life. I plan to be Angie in my next life.
Diana, my political cohort at iVillage iVote, weighs in from her side of the aisle with Ann Romney: Raising Five Boys Was Hard Work.
And, of course, if you’re planning ahead for Mother’s Day, you can pick up a copy of my book, Mothers of Intention: How Women and Social Media are Revolutionizing Politics In America and read the chapter on how moms are discounted in the political world, as well as the world of mothering. (Don’t worry, it’s not a downer!)
April 13th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Good luck on MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry show
April 13th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Thanks, Corey. I’m SUPER excited. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time!
April 13th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
SERIOUSLY? You want to be me and yet YOU’RE the one going on MHP’s show? Lady, you’re awesome, and I plan to be you in my next life.
Can you pass along my nerdland fandom SQUEEEEEE to MHP when you see her? I love her. And let her know my dad has a not-so-secret crush on her if it’s not too much trouble. I’m setting up my DVR to record you this weekend!
April 13th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Angie, You’ve got it! I’ll do my best to convey the message without going all fan girl on her!
April 13th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I wish I had time for all the links now – this issue won’t go away soon, though. I’ll have time.
April 13th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
You go girl – I’m just following your lead
April 14th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
I was excited to see you this morning on MSNBC. Can’t say I saw you on FOX though. You are very brave.
April 16th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
One of the ways we make it stop is by urging those in the media to stop treating “Mommy Wars” as a reportable topic and request those folks stop reporting it as such if they want us to be resources and interviewees. If those in the position of reframing the conversation to deal with issues insist upon it, and not navel-gazing, I think it would be a very real conversation on these programs and might even be, wait for it…NEWS.
We are also confusing “choice” with “decision” while presenting them as if they are the same. They are not. All families do not have access to the same resources and thus cannot possibly have their “choices” compared as apples to apples.
April 17th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
You rock. Amazing post. Totally pink puffy heart love it and the fact that you were on MSNBC is the CHERRY on top!
http://www.thedoseofreality.com/2012/04/17/you-want-a-real-mommy-war/