Response to Johannas final week post

I agree with you and your concern about raising kids in this society. Its not easy and its definitely getting more challenging. I look back at the issues I had to deal with and compare it with my childrens issues (24 and 18 respectively). I can see how they've had a tougher life. But, having said that you need to look at the kind of person you are and the messages you'll give. If you are able to give them a good example on gender, and morals it will work. Kids do have challenges, and we need to recognize those. But we also need to look at ourselves and know that if we chose to have them we can help guide them through lifes complex maze.

Response to Britts Post

I have to agree with you. Prior to this course I only thought there were womens issues and mens issues and I thought I knew what they were. I had no idea how complex the issues are or the different levels involved.
I appreciate what I've learned because it has made me more aware of our world and all the nuances in involved in human interaction

Response to Britts Post

I have to agree with you. Prior to this course I only thought there were womens issues and mens issues and I thought I knew what they were. I had no idea how complex the issues are or the different levels involved.
I appreciate what I've learned because it has made me more aware of our world and all the nuances in involved in human interaction

Week 6 response to Johanna

When you ask will there ever come a time when your friends parents will accept her I honestly think that they are too ingrained with their beliefs to change. But, I do believe that overall we are becoming more tolerant (even if its just to a small degree) and that will initiate change and acceptance. Its just that it will not happen soon. I think a few generations need to go by before we see anything significant. I mean in California they are allowing gay marriage...thats a first step. But there are still many to go.
I think your friend will need to learn to deal with her parents rejection and accept them for who they are while she continues to accept who she is.

Being Married -- Only men and women?

Ok so I ran out of ideas until I saw the latest news on the California ruling to permit gay marriage. My first reaction was good..no big deal, let them do what makes them happy. Then I questioned why its such a big deal? Why are people affected so negatively by allowing gay couples to marry? Why does is\t diminish the male/female marriage? I don't feel any less married because a gay couple is permitted to marry, so whats the big deal? If 2 people love each other and are willing to committ to each other what else matters?

As I was reading the epilogue the term "melting pot" was used. And while we use the term as a positive to imply this country is open to everyone. What it truly means (and the book enlightened that for me) is that we're all the same; and that is were the problem lies. We can not be the same..its impossible and unrealistic. When I was in Miami in April for a meeting, a coworker and I spent an evening with a lovely gay couple. I had the best time with them. They were wonderful people. And one thing I noticed about them is that they were just as committed to each other as my husband and I. They were a typical married couple (without the legal paper). So I say let them participate in the rituals we've established..and if they want to get divorced because it doesn't work out -- let it be.

Response to Shonte's Week 5 post

Shonte,
What you discuss is the issue that women will continue to face. Its definitely not easy to leave your children and especially when you have to go off to work. The choices that need to be made to fit the evolving model of the new woman (the one who does it all) are difficult. And even more importantly are those sacrifices worth it? Is it worth a not bonding with your baby to attain a career goal? Is it worth sacrificing time with your family? I think these are all individual questions/choices that we all need to make. For me it was never worth leaving my children for a career. I put that on hold until they were out the door. But..that is my choice. Someone may feel differently. I think in the end what we need to do as a society is examine why we require those choices. Can't we allow a woman to be a mother and professinal? Can't we allow her to spend time with her family once a week? Do we also allow fathers the same privlage?

Response to Suzanne

I'm exhausted just reading this! Its amazing how much women take on and your right...not one notices or appreciates it. In the end its actually expected. I think I once heard someone make a comment to the effect that we wanted to be liberated so we got everything we wanted...yeah right.
I myself have suffered from "second shift" I've worked long hours and have been required to come home, cook a meal, help with homework, run errands, pay bills and keep the house clean. There was a time that when I never stopped working..I think I actualy ended up collapsing from the exhaustion. Now my second shif consists of school work and sometimes additional work from the office that I have to complete after hours or I'll fall behind. This is a new level of second shift.
Good luck to you as you continue to work your second shift. I'm sure if they paid a salary for this second job (think about the night differential) you'd be pretty well off.