Enjoying a lazy Saturday afternoon, Gwenn watched an old "I Love Lucy" episode. As I worked cleaning treasures found in my mother-in-laws estate, I listened to the classic comedy. Lucille Ball was hilarious in timeless fashion, goofy upstaging Desi Arnez's character, husband Ricky. In the last 2 minute segment we witnessed Lucy apologizing to Ricky, because she was offered the job for which Ricky was auditioning. I listened to Ricky tell Lucy he wanted her, "at home, cleaning house, cooking his meals and having babies". Lucy responds submissively; she will stay at home, where she belongs, cooking, cleaning, but she stops short of promising babies! This was 1950's American core values!
You have come a long way, Baby! Or have you? As I watch certain reality shows I feel like woman are selling themselves short. To see a pack of woman vie for a man or 'super star' is appalling! The high ratings on these shows which usher in more like programing is alarming. I watch the spectacle wondering if a generation of women who have walked into a degree of equality which previous generations contended and fought to achieve, are giving up ground. Like our responsibilities of citizenship, we need to keep moving forward, owning our place in this democratic society, and stewarding our freedoms. What does taking our gender seriously really look like? Am I taking issue with a merely base gender appropriate recreational viewing? Is 'women pandering for "love"' the equivalent to "men fighting in a cage?" Do we entitle ourselves to socially degrading self-indulgences we justify as "Blessings of Liberty?
The battle for equality for women in the society is still in progress. As a mom, I encourage my daughter to value herself, aim high, remember to be giving and kind. I recite to her the freedoms and equality she has now, that her grandmother didn't have. It may sound like a recording of 'Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen', but I want her to realize the ball is in her possession now. Take advantage of the ground gained, and plow ahead! By setting standards for herself, she will contribute to a better world. With our liberties, while pursuing our own happiness, let's also promote the general welfare.
Society doesn't watch gladiators kill each other for entertainment anymore. Or should I say yet? Reality shows which feature putting yourself in harms way for entertainment lead us on the slippery slope to a digital Colosseum.
Perhaps I am just over sensitive to the idea of "staying at home, where she belongs." I was delivered from an religious viewpoint that judged and sentenced a woman by a 50's mindset determined to be "Godly". Anything that reduces a woman to getting her worth and identity from a man, other than Jesus, just angers me! I have been married for 34 years. It took me almost 20 years to discover my identity in Christ which set me free to become a decent partner to my husband. I get my value and worth from God the Father who choose to sacrifice His only begotten Son. Jesus died so I could be restored in relationship to Father God. I am very valuable! The peace from a cherished identity as a Child of God, equips me for all my relationships. Like a precursory jump on the springboard before the vaulting horse, I am propelled into the day ready to share all the love I've received with whoever I touch. God's love appropriated in my life is the prescriptive lens in my glasses I put on before I begin my daily activities. Without my glasses on, life is more difficult, challenging, and straining. It doesn't feel right.
I aspire to empower my daughter to sustain a gigantic life. I share my convictions and experiences, intending to bestow her with discernment for ruminating her own conclusions. I assure Gwenn that she will make sensible decisions on life's quest . But when I descry something resembling poison ivy on the path, a spotlight of caution I will wield, even when she replies, "I know, I know!" It's my choice.
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