“Oh, Elly,” says Sally. “I’m sorry to hear that. Want me to come over and fix you something after the meeting?” “No,” says Elly. “That’s okay. I’ll be fine. The family will take care of me” (I hope, she thinks).
Wait a minute! Two days ago she said it was a work meeting because they were behind with the library Christmas program. That’s work! Why would Elly call work to tell them she needs to spend more time with her family? Why does the library Christmas party program have a board? Why would her coworkers kick her off the board if she is absent?
Someone’s story in private is not matching her story to her husband and family. I think we have lost the basic, open honesty in more than one way.
Ok, I am not a US citizen and might have a different cultural background (I’m Swedish) but why can’t her HUSBAND take care of the family – is that impossible in the US?I do hope that this sequence is done like this on purpose to create a debate otherwise it is just cementing outdated gender roles. By all means – make America Great but do it by moving forward, not backwards!
What guilt? You have a job, do it!! (This is probably one of the reasons why you get laid off in the future!! (SPOILER!!)) John goes to his career everyday, why can’t you? The kids are old enough to take care of themselves, Michael’s thirteen now!!
Ellie doesn’t really think John can do as good a job as she can with the kids at night. It’s an idea which John will encourage by feeding the kids but making sure the dishes are just sitting in the sink “until later” and not picking up anything but telling Ellie he was just about to do it when she gets home.
This shows the reality of American life, we do not tell each other the truth, rather we lie to almost everyone all the time, mostly to make our own lives easier
Templo S.U.D. about 7 years ago
“Oh, Elly,” says Sally. “I’m sorry to hear that. Want me to come over and fix you something after the meeting?” “No,” says Elly. “That’s okay. I’ll be fine. The family will take care of me” (I hope, she thinks).
howtheduck about 7 years ago
Wait a minute! Two days ago she said it was a work meeting because they were behind with the library Christmas program. That’s work! Why would Elly call work to tell them she needs to spend more time with her family? Why does the library Christmas party program have a board? Why would her coworkers kick her off the board if she is absent?
Someone’s story in private is not matching her story to her husband and family. I think we have lost the basic, open honesty in more than one way.
Rosette about 7 years ago
At least Elly’s staying home. Good on her!
Mats Dahlgren Premium Member about 7 years ago
Ok, I am not a US citizen and might have a different cultural background (I’m Swedish) but why can’t her HUSBAND take care of the family – is that impossible in the US?I do hope that this sequence is done like this on purpose to create a debate otherwise it is just cementing outdated gender roles. By all means – make America Great but do it by moving forward, not backwards!
GirlGeek Premium Member about 7 years ago
What guilt? You have a job, do it!! (This is probably one of the reasons why you get laid off in the future!! (SPOILER!!)) John goes to his career everyday, why can’t you? The kids are old enough to take care of themselves, Michael’s thirteen now!!
Slatsmagee about 7 years ago
Liar, liar, pants on fire…
Grutzi about 7 years ago
Ellie doesn’t really think John can do as good a job as she can with the kids at night. It’s an idea which John will encourage by feeding the kids but making sure the dishes are just sitting in the sink “until later” and not picking up anything but telling Ellie he was just about to do it when she gets home.
MitmanArt about 7 years ago
Well, that’s disappointing.
joefearsnothing about 7 years ago
“Open honesty”……or a close facsimile! ;o)
Asharah about 7 years ago
You wanna bet her family will not appreciate her staying home with them?
ladykat about 7 years ago
John and the kids can certainly lay a good guilt trip.
timbob2313 Premium Member about 7 years ago
This shows the reality of American life, we do not tell each other the truth, rather we lie to almost everyone all the time, mostly to make our own lives easier
Iwa Iniki about 7 years ago
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
rebelstrike0 about 7 years ago
Let us look at the past couple of strips:
*Elly spends $589.76 on clothes, but fails to hear one “thank you” from her kids.
*Elly attempts to teach Elizabeth personal responsibilty by making her own lunch. Elizabeth glowers then says “her mom is too lazy to make it”.
*Elly eschews unhealthy sugar cereal. Michael sulks and makes a snide remark. Heart attack is anything but his concern.
Yes, quite the turnaround that they cannot spend one night without their mother.