Category Archives: Women

Mad Men, Cultural Change

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I am a big fan of television program “Mad Men.”  It exemplies the culture of years past and captures some the rituals and tension I felt in my own life growing up.  There’s been a lot of discussion about women and our rights as women in the news.  Some would prefer that things revert to the way they were during the 1960s.  A lot of those advocating those ideas grew up in that era, perhaps their backward thinking is waxing nostalgia or a refusal to grow up and accept that things, the way we live are vastly different now.

During the 1960s my sister and I would “go-go” around the house dancing the “swim,” “the cool jerk” or the “pony”.  One memorable evening , the week my brother was born, my aunt J, my sister and I had a “pony” procession around the house to go-go song  “El Pussycat,”  pausing and going completely still at the bridge  (where the cats begin to meow).  Here’s the song for those of you who have never heard it or those who just want to remember.

Female Empowerment

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There is a lot of  controversy in the American political arena about women, our bodies, our health. Some say that those trying to implement restrictions are merely trying to change the debate to subjugate women and reduce our societal roles.   They have declared war on women and womenhood.  Women are life-givers, caretakers and these days,  leaders, champions and anything we dern well please.  As women our anatomy is unique to our personhood.  It sometimes dictates our moods and our habits but it is not a hindrance to our ability to lead, to encourage and to thrive.  Still there are those would like to turn the clock back, reducing or restricting our reproductive rights.  They sent up trial balloons on the airwaves and in certain state legislatures.  Women, wise as we are, are fighting back and speaking up. We are joined by enlightened men who are standing up for our rights as well.  Yes, it is a mistake to underestimate the power of the female. Even in the cat world that is true.  Roxie, the female Japanese bobtail, is fierce, often refusing to share the feeder with Jean Claude, the much larger male black Bombay.  Regularly little Roxie beats Jean Claude at play – she kicks his butt frankly.   Still she relies on him to protect her interests and to bring her comfort.  There is balance and unity and sometimes peace.