What prejudice! In the Pre-Betty/Gloria days, my mother was doing what any one armed woman of the 50s was doing, pursuing her doctorate so she could join her spouse in practice. The women condemned her for leaving her children with stereotype help, a drunken Irishwoman, then a drug addicted black blues singer. They said she was a failure as a woman and a mother. At times the help got paid more than my mother.
Did it hurt the children? Did these hard working women set a bad example? Were these poor children exposed to different cultures (ah, the food)? Could the maid hit harder than my father when we misbehaved?
When the family sat for dinner, my parents were there to hear of our day and correct our table manners. After we would play games as a family. On weekends we would go places as a family. Dad always left his desk in time for church. Speaking of church, I think we learned a Protestant work ethic from both family and help.
My sister’s a Federal judge. Paid for her college through ROTC and 27 years active. My brother worked his way by himself. He’s a municipal planner. Myself, the country called, I answered, and earned my undergrad degree on the military dime30 years federal service.
Some people want to be the best they can. Others have excuses. You have to sacrifice to get ahead. So ladies, you want to earn that 70% of what a man’s salary is and watch your kids grow? Or are you willing to give up some things till you break that glass ceiling?
Well stated Lewreader. Everything about how I grew up can be read between the lines of what you said. Which is to say my siblings and I turned out okay as well?
fredbuhl about 14 years ago
Ummm. . .
ejcapulet about 14 years ago
Oh dear.
lightblade77 about 14 years ago
I do believe we have found the source of Caitlin’s problems.
lewisbower about 14 years ago
What prejudice! In the Pre-Betty/Gloria days, my mother was doing what any one armed woman of the 50s was doing, pursuing her doctorate so she could join her spouse in practice. The women condemned her for leaving her children with stereotype help, a drunken Irishwoman, then a drug addicted black blues singer. They said she was a failure as a woman and a mother. At times the help got paid more than my mother.
Did it hurt the children? Did these hard working women set a bad example? Were these poor children exposed to different cultures (ah, the food)? Could the maid hit harder than my father when we misbehaved?
When the family sat for dinner, my parents were there to hear of our day and correct our table manners. After we would play games as a family. On weekends we would go places as a family. Dad always left his desk in time for church. Speaking of church, I think we learned a Protestant work ethic from both family and help.
My sister’s a Federal judge. Paid for her college through ROTC and 27 years active. My brother worked his way by himself. He’s a municipal planner. Myself, the country called, I answered, and earned my undergrad degree on the military dime30 years federal service.
Some people want to be the best they can. Others have excuses. You have to sacrifice to get ahead. So ladies, you want to earn that 70% of what a man’s salary is and watch your kids grow? Or are you willing to give up some things till you break that glass ceiling?
Trainwreck_1 about 14 years ago
Well stated Lewreader. Everything about how I grew up can be read between the lines of what you said. Which is to say my siblings and I turned out okay as well?
Thank you.