Just like ads for 1-800 Flowers, you can expect stories about moms to crop up on the news just before Mother’s Day. The "CBS Evening News" -- anchored by arguably the highest-profile working mom in TV news -- weighed in with a story about the decline in the number of women in the workforce who have young children. Of course it wasn't reported as good news. (Emphasis mine throughout.)
Taking a page from the National Organization for Women (NOW), reporter Kelly Wallace included "experts" who said women had been "forced" to stay home because of the "conditions" of their jobs and stay-at-home moms “do not use (their) full talents and abilities.”
Having been blessed to stay home for 10 years with my own kids I wonder if these women have any idea how many talents and abilities stay-at-home moms employ on a daily -- even hourly-- basis.
The story focused on women, dubbed “opt-out moms,” who choose to leave high powered jobs to stay home and raise their own children. While many would regard this as a stand for traditional values and actually good for the children, Wallace spent the entire report circling around the feminist theme, “But the question is why did these women turn their backs on corporate America to be home with the kids? Are they opting out or did they run out of options?”
Wallace singled out one “opt-out mom,” a former “lawyer at a high-power law firm” and “student body president at Northwestern Law School.” The mom never talked about why she thought staying home with her own children was important, but cast the decision in a business-like manner when she stated, “I went back and forth, and finally I decided that I couldn't do the level that I needed -- I couldn't be at the level I needed to be, at the job I was doing, and also do what I wanted to do with (her son) Jackson.”
It was the perfect sound bite to set up the feminist agenda. Wallace used left-leaning experts to comment on whether this trend is a “social revolution.” Sociologist Pam Stone, who wrote "Opting Out: Why Women Really Quit Careers and Head Home," said there is no revolution. Women simply have no choices. Women are being “shut out.” They are being forced out because of “the conditions” of their jobs.
No where in Wallace’s piece did she interview a mom who said she chose to “opt out” because she thought raising her own kids was more important than a job outside the home. Those women are out there -- in droves. I was one of them and I know many who still are. None of them feel they were "forced" into the decision. None of them regret their choice.
The feminist drumbeat continues with liberal philosopher Linda Hirshman, the other “expert” used by Wallace in the story. Her quote read like a statement from the NOW. “If you opt-out you do not use your full talents and abilities.” Wallace balanced the statement by saying Hirshman’s book "Get to Work and Get a Life Before It's Too Late" has “outraged” stay-at-home moms. But then she let Hirshman fire another feminist salvo, “If working part-time is such a great idea, why aren't men doing it? They are not doing it.”
Ah, so it's all about the "sacrifices" women make by staying home with their own children.
Wallace came back to her featured mom telling us she's struck the ideal balance by starting her own law firm out of her home and that her business and family are “thriving.”
And good for her. But good too for the other “opt-out” moms who don’t feel like they need to have another job besides being a full-time mom. Wallace’s report did not tell their side of the story and did a disservice to them in the process.
Editor's Note: For a similar article and other reporting on the media's bias against traditional values and social conservatives, check out CultureandMediaInstitute.org.
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"Stay-at-home-moms" did not
May 9, 2008 - 16:10 ET by Gordman"Stay-at-home-moms" did not turn their backs to corporate America just because they have chosen to rise their kids at home. This is actually a recommendable thing to do, those kids will get the right education to become respectable people that can work and make a good job for corporate America. So I think it's time to give those women (who don't get paid for their full time job of being committed mothers) some more consideration and respect. Happy Mother's day to all the mothers in the world!
Can't say that I'm surprised,
May 11, 2007 - 13:16 ET by mikejCan't say that I'm surprised, but this kind of rhetoric by the feminists and NOW is nothing but trash.
So raising a human being to grow up to be a productive part of society doesn't compare with dropping them off at daycare and letting them know, "Son, you need to realize that work is way more important than you are"
I've told my wife and I'll tell anyone else too, that stay at home moms not only have the most important job of anyone in the world, but also the hardest and least appreciated. As if we couldn't tell by this peice of trash segment from See BS.
I love all those headstones in cemetaries that say "My only regret is that I didn't work more and spend more time away from my family"
Ancillary
May 11, 2007 - 15:12 ET by allanfI would go so far as to say everything else is secondary compared to family and children. A job is there only to support your family.
One thing about this generation of career women. They will die out fast and not pass it on down without children.
As Christina Hoff Sommers not
May 11, 2007 - 13:16 ET by GalvanicAs Christina Hoff Sommers notes in her book Who Stole Feminism, the thrust of this story is why the movement has alienated or failed to attract tens of millions of women. The feminist Kremlin --- as Camille Paglia refers to them --- tell women that their first ambition should be to rise to the top of corporate and government enterprises, and they pay little heed to child-raising. If you decline to do so, you are letting the movement and the Kremlin down.
The debasing of motherhood delegitimized the movement, according to Sommers and Paglia.
Happy Mother's Day
May 11, 2007 - 13:22 ET by Carl KolchakHappy Mother's Day to all the mothers who read and post on here. There isn't a tougher job in the world than being a mother, and mother's are truely wonderful. Thank-you for all you do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or 366 in a leap year.
Here are a couple of poems from the below site that I liked. I have to admit I'm not really a fan of poems, but for Mother's Day I make exceptions.
Thank the Lord for great mothers!
A Thousand Thanks
Mother's Day brings to mind
The thousands of things you did for me
that helped make me happier,
stronger and wiser,
because I had you as a role model.
I'm grateful for all the times
you healed my hurts
and calmed my fears,
so that I could face the world
feeling safe and secure.
I'm thankful for all you showed me
about how to love and give--
lessons that now bring
so many blessings to me
each and every day.
Your sacrifices and unselfishness
did not go unnoticed, Mom.
I admire you, I respect you,
I love you.
And I'm so glad you're my mother!
Happy Mother's Day!
By Joanna Fuchs
Mother’s Day Poem For A Deceased Mother
Mom, we miss you so very much
On every Mother’s Day;
And not just then, but every minute,
Since you went away.
You were the center of our lives
Before your soul passed on;
It’s just so hard for us to believe
That you are really gone.
But we celebrate the life you lived
And all the things you gave us;
Our wonderful memories, Mom, of you
Are the things that will comfort and save us.
Please think of us, as we think of you
With hearts so full of love;
We’re looking up at you, sweet Mom,
As you look at us from above.
By Joanna Fuchs
http://www.poemsource.com/mother-poems.html
Carl,....sniffle sniffle....
May 11, 2007 - 13:37 ET by bigtimerCarl,
....sniffle sniffle.... drying a tear...
Thank you so much kind sir...
Those are beautiful.
Happy Mother's Day to all.
Ahhhh, still trying to get th
May 11, 2007 - 13:34 ET by bigtimerAhhhh, still trying to get their agenda out there now aren't they?
Too bad, so sad.
This was coming to a head with women feeling guilt about staying home and made to feel ashamed for stating that they were a house-wife or home-maker, then a domestic engineer came next...which became the new word, because housewife wasn't PC anymore...as if it was not a more than full time job 24/7...raising your kids, being there for them and loving and caring for your man are plenty fulfilling and working from home is always an option anymore with the PC age now...if that is what you choose and have time for too.
These women complaining or having these segments are the one's who are usually guilt-ridden or envious in reality.
Oh well, let them keep spinning their wheels, the NOW groups and all their ilk have run out of rubber.
Now -- unlike the '60s -- t
May 11, 2007 - 13:52 ET by sarcasmoNow -- unlike the '60s -- there's an internet. I wonder when the feminist left will notice?
JMR
If Mrs. Hero Squad ever met Kelly
May 11, 2007 - 14:06 ET by Hero SquadIf Mrs. Hero Squad ever met Kelly Wallace, she'd utilize her talents and abilities to give her a verbal dressing down she wouldn't soon forget. Yes, I'm pretty sure she'd make Kelly cry.
Two enthusiastic thumbs up to Kristen Fyfe for doing one of the hardest jobs in the world for a decade.
Happy Mother's Day, all!
*****
"Was it a millionaire who said 'Imagine no possessions?'" - Elvis Costello
I would love to be there to s
May 11, 2007 - 14:11 ET by Tom PaineI would love to be there to see what would happen if someone dared to tell my wife she had "wasted" her talents by staying home to raise our sons. She is the first to say that taking care of our family and home has been more rewarding than any paying job she's ever had. I couldn't even begin to calculate how valuable her contibution has been to me and our sons.
Memo to the feminists: there is no such thing as having it all. Dividing your attentions between work and family will always cause one of them to be shorchanged. Happy Mother's day to all of the moms here who add so much to your families and to our country.
What if a husband tells his w
May 11, 2007 - 17:23 ET by mulerider24What if a husband tells his wife "I love you," and then proceeds to spend Monday night playing softball, Wednesday night at the bar, Saturday on the golf course, and the rest of the time watching t.v.? I assume the woman will just have to trust the man that his love is sincere.
I don't have kids yet, but we all face the opportunity cost dilemma everyday. I woke up this morning and vowed to run 5 miles, learn Spanish, and start writing that book I've been postponing all these years. Then I realized I would rather get paid today, so I went to work.
Does NOW simply think kissing your kids on the forehead when you come home late every night is sufficient for raising productive members of a feminist society? Time is our most valuable commodity.
No amount of success at the office can compensate for failure at home. Patrick Morley
This off to rile the 40 or 50
May 11, 2007 - 14:40 ET by mattmThis off to rile the 40 or 50 members of NAG, er ah NOW...
Proverbs 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night...
She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.
...
mattm,Amen.
May 11, 2007 - 14:52 ET by bigtimermattm,
Amen.
I find this insulting
May 11, 2007 - 15:06 ET by terrigWell, well, well I guess my career wasn't "high powered" as a teacher but I am a stay at home Mom. I cannot imagne a better career for myself. I worked with plenty of women who couldn't wait to get back to the classroom when they had their kids and returned earlier than they had originally planned. I am not one of those women. I guess it's time for a new career. I did drop out of law school to marry so perhaps I'm an "opt outer" from way back.
Everyone has to make her own decisions and do what's best for her. However, I hate these femanazi's who tell me I'm wasting my time staying at home. I am fortunate that my husband does make enough for me to stay home, although we don't go overboard with spending.
CBS is full of doo doo.
terri...You have the most imp
May 11, 2007 - 15:51 ET by Clear thinkerterri...
You have the most important and fulfilling job on the planet. Don't ever let the liberals get under your skin concerning your occupation. You just keep doing what is best for you and your family!
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
Liberals are such a confused
May 11, 2007 - 15:46 ET by winston smithLiberals are such a confused lot. They hate men but they want all women to aspire to be more like them. They despise the corporations but push like hell to get women and minorities into them. They become ill at the mere mention of a stay-at-home mom but who the heck would be home to watch the relentless DNC propaganda on Today, GMA, etc. and those sickening soap operas if all the life-long stay-at-home moms and "shut-outs" decided to go to work full time?
Sent this to my wife and I th
May 11, 2007 - 16:15 ET by Airforce_5_OSent this to my wife and I think she put it in prospective.
"Honey, these people have never stayed home and tried to raise kids. They write books and don't realize that some stay at home Moms want to bring their children up and be good people. Stay at home Moms don't put it off on the day cares to teach their kids morals.
How many kids in this world today don't get the love at home they need? How do they turn out?
My Career will come when all the kids are in school and that was my choice. Joseph (that’s my youngest) starts school next year and when he does I'll probably go back to work."
Hey I love that woman because we have three great kids and I owe that to her being there for them everyday.
Thanks Sheri. You are the Greatest Mom to me.
"For the hand that rocks
May 11, 2007 - 16:28 ET by alamojb"For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world. "
from a poem by William Ross WallaceWell, my wife is a stay-at-ho
May 11, 2007 - 16:35 ET by ArchConservativeWell, my wife is a stay-at-home mom and trust me, she uses her full talents and abilities (and then some) !!!!!
"Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."
- President George W Bush September 2001 speech to a joint session of Congress.
These stories are ridiculous
May 11, 2007 - 17:54 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveThese stories are ridiculous
My wife graduated (summa cum laude) from college about the same time my first enlistment in the USAF expired. We had no children at the time, but planned on having them. She could’ve easily gotten a job that makes at a minimum double what I make in the military, but she chose to not work so she could raise our children (I told her I didn’t have any problem if she chose to get a job). Her thinking is the business world will still be there for her to conquer when our children move out.
My wife wouldn’t trade all the money in the world for the time she spends with our children. The time is limited…they will eventually leave. If we don’t spend time with them when they are young and need our attention and especially throughout their teenage years when their hearts and minds are being pulled in all directions, we will regret it for the rest of our lives.
I am envious of the bond my wife has with our children. I know my kids love me and I am special to them, but there is a more special and sacred bond that mothers have with their children, especially when the mother is spending all of her waking hours nurturing them.
My hat is off to any woman that turns her back on a career to raise her children. In my book, there is no honor higher than that of being a mother. I think the success of our nation is dependent on the good mothers that raise our children.
“No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” –David O. McKay
"Believe what you want. You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine." --Frank Bullitt
I stay home. I was getting
May 11, 2007 - 19:41 ET by amberI stay home. I was getting to the point where the kids were all going to be in school and I started to notice that my oldest (7 at the time) did not know the things she should and my middle (5 at the time) was not being challenged like she should. That was when I decided (along with my deployed husband) to start teaching them at home. I use k12.com, the program Bill Bennet helped design and that many states actually use. I was appauled at all of the things my second grader should have known. If I had not been a stay at home mom I would have been too preoccupied to notcie my kids were not getting a basic education.
When my middle one was 5 weeks old she got sick, really sick. She had bacterial menengitis. 8/10 chidldren who have the same illness (late onset group B strep type menengitis) die. They die because parents do not notice the signs early enough. I did. Had my daughter been in daycare, some are at that age, I would not have known that that was not normal behavior for her, but because I was with her every hour of the day I noticed the signs right away and she has 0 side effects now. The doctors are still amazed, they were pretty sure she would be blind or deaf in a few years, but no, she is 100% 6 year old.
Before I had kids, I worked my butt off. I had my own retirement plan when I was 18. I loved working. I loved school. But now that I am older I hate it. I hate the politics. Not that I can't play, I am quite good at it, but I just don't want to. I have done some volunteering since my husband was deployed and I was quickly reminded of how it is outside the home. I did not like it at all.
Now, I am going to upset some people, but since I don't care, I will share anyways. I think women, for the most part, are more suited to staying at home. Not that they have to, but I believe if you have kids someone should stay home. Women tend to be more nurturing (ok, so I am not so nurturing, but I am more so than my husband), we tend to do better emotionally without the added stress of having to be a bread winner. I am not saying that women bread winners are not able to handle the added stress, just that women are more at peace if they do not have to take on that role, and again I am generalizing. I also think that if more women stayed home; communities would be safer, families would be happier, fathers would spend more time with the kids because home and the kids are more pleasant, and women would be healthier and therefor men would be happier because with a calm, happy, healthy, wife he would be more loving and build her up better and he would get more of what he wants and she in turn would get more of what she wants. One more added benefit, if you can all remember the orgasms for peace people, is that the home would be more peaceful, maybe not the world, but the home at least.