Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I Am Woman – Hear Me Roar!

Let’s set a scene. Sitting in front of computer monitor. Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin are belting out, “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.” Catching up on latest blog posts from some of my favorite bloggers … and I see an interesting theme playing out right in front of me!

Coincidence? Maybe. But I think not.

If you know anything about me, you know that I am all about gender equality, especially in as much as the notion that just because I have boobs it doesn’t mean I don’t have a brain. (There’s a car dealership that is finding that one out and how!) And why is it that so many men are threatened by a woman’s success. (From conversation with friend whose paramour is totally freaked out by her newly acquired spot at the top of her firm. Ummm … When you love someone, don’t you want them to succeed? Shouldn’t you be proud of them when they do? )

Chivalry is marvelous – and appreciated – but not required. I’m probably more likely to open the door for him than he is for me. But that’s more about being polite than chivalrous. And I’ve never been the subservient type. I will gladly get him a beer, fix him dinner or rub his back – but because I want to, not because it’s expected. And you’d better believe I’d want him to feel the same way!

But back to the blogs:
· Never, and I emphasize never, underestimate a woman’s ability to spot a bargain at 40 paces! Vinny over at The Black Dog’s Bungalow shows off this uncanny ability.
· An installment of rules, courtesy of Star Simplified, as part of her ongoing series “When I am Queen.”
· I don’t cook much – but Ty’sMommy does. She even bought a tool just for a specific recipe. A woman after my own heart!
· But the most female-empowering entry of all comes courtesy of Jayne over at The Kelly House whose “p*ssed-off – ness” sounds a lot like my pi*ssed off determination. (Girl, we MUST party sometime!) She tells a local plumber just what he can do with his wrench. And never, NEVER underestimate what you can do when you get really good and p*ssed off! (That’s how I got the job I have today.)

At the same time, I am still coming down from an estrogen-powered weekend with some of the most talented, fun-loving and generally great to hang with gals I know. I finally got the weekend’s photos posted for sharing but how could I not share a few with all of you? (Especially with a post with a theme like this!)



4 comments:

Jayne said...

"Towanda!!" Remember that from "Fried Green Tomatoes"?! I love how Jessica Tandy's character inspires Kathy Bates's character to grow a little spine. Never underestimate the power of a woman--preach it, sister!

Vicki said...

Yes, Towanda! I think the issue with guys and their wigging out over their significant others' successes is that they inately need to feel needed and powerful. NOT powerful OVER a woman, but be able to provide for her. I think it's God-given. Men derive satisfaction in being providers and obtainers and winners (think sports). If their women are capable of providing for themselves (or, gasp, even better than the man!) then men irrationally think they aren't being needed anymore. That's not to give them a pass AT ALL for being irrational, but I think that's where they're coming from. Anyway, what do I know, I'm not a guy. Towanda!

Kate R said...

After reading this post & comments, I decided to request the Fried Green Tomatoes dvd from the library b/c it's been many, many years since seeing it. There are only 2 copies (both signed out already) & 3 people ahead of me requesting it. Must be the year for "Roaring", lol.

And I noticed when I was updating my RSS feed favorites that they are mostly single women DIYers.

I agree, I think a lot of men still tend to be intimidated by strong & smart women, which is just sad. Men just need to get over their "Me - Tarzan" mentality!

NV said...

Jayne – You bet I remember it – and how! I was screaming it the night the little jerkshit stole my parking spot at the grocery store.

Vicki – I think you’ve hit it right on the head. It IS irrational but may be innately programmed, unfortunately. Well, at least in SOME guys. Then there are those you couldn’t get to provide for their families if you put a torch to their feet!

Kate – Hang in there! You’ll be all the gladder once you get it. You’re right about that whole Tarzan thing, too. You’d THINK that since we’re nearly 50 years out from the days of June Cleaver, that the idea of a woman as more than a cooking, cleaning, baby-making machine with a smile in pearls would have dissipated more.