Spontaneous Human Reductivism

I was reading this post about how the term "mommy blogger" is pretty much considered universally derisive. And it's true. Somehow as a society, it has been collectively determined that being a mother (or God forbid, talking about it) is the most valueless thing a person can do. I feel that it's sad to state the obvious--mothers are needed, wanted, and do the most important work in society: raising the next generation. It's the species, stupid!

Just because someone is a mother does not mean that they are an idiot. Far from it. Some of the very best mothers I know are very highly educated people. When I am teaching Salam, I know that I actually am putting my education to good use. Not just in the basics of teaching him sounds and letters--but in interpreting the world around him to make it safer/better/more beneficial. Everything from doctors, diagnoses, sicknesses, nutrition, evaluation of schools, managing bilingualism, choosing learning tools, etc. This is BY FAR the most challenging thing I have ever done--grad school shmad school. Motherhood is hands-down more challenging, more stressful, and more rewarding.

Why is it still considered a 'radical act' to make your voice heard if you are a woman? In the Middle East, it is very apparent that it is a man's world, and that you need to stay in place or it's SHAMEFUL. If only Jordanians could have seen me in art school. They would have all withered with fright (or endlessly disparaged me as a whore while wanting to date me). The 'West' is a bit farther ahead in the toning-down-the-patriarchy bit, but only by degrees. Women still make less than men. Motherhood is still considered 'doing nothing' with your life. Women are still judged by looks more than talent/productivity. Your career takes a hit should you dare to actually start a family.

Really, it's tiring. You know how you feel when you are being managed by someone, and you are more capable than them? Yeah, that's how it feels.

I used to be timid, and give society what it wanted. A quiet, hardworking person who was great at preserving every ego in the room. I'm different now, thank God. I am not afraid to tell people to piss off or shut up anymore. It's ok. It feels good and means that I get to keep my self respect (at last!). If I were a man, it would be considered assertive. Since I'm a woman, it's considered bitchy. Here's me giving a damn.