A purpose comes in funny ways.
So, in case anyone is paying attention out there, I put together this site and have been thinking of my next post for a fair amount of time. I am going to do a post about my daughters, but I am not quite ready to explain them, or their ways. I have, however, found my inspiration in a book I bought for ten cents at the local library book sale. It is entitled: Experiences in Homemaking; written by Helen Laitem and Frances S. Miller. My particular copy is a 1954 revision of the original which was published in 1941. While some of the book seems out-of-date given the society which we now live, I feel up to the challenge of seeing if that is so, systematically.
I suppose it would seem that some simply dismiss outright the idea that there are “responsibilities” which women have. Some may simply dismiss that any woman should feel that they are tied to any expectations in the home. I admit, I sometimes question whether I must do something just because it is expected. I find it hard to place my peg neatly in the hole that is “Mothering.” I’d suggest that many feel the same way. I would say blogging itself is evidence to this fact. Moms need to feel real and normal no matter their daily grind. Therefore, I thought it would be fun for this site to explore the topic in a deeper fashion. Call it a social experiment.
A few of you may know that I have a political site as well. I hope that doesn’t freighten you. I’ll admit it: I’m a Republican. And I write about it. But, if you’re not, I certainly hope we can be friends. This experiment won’t be to define us as party hacks or to reinforce a philosophy. I may, however, take a brief look at feminism and whether we have moved forward as a people by shirking our 1950s models. I’m not quite sure. My hypothesis is not clearly formed.
I do, however, have a plan. I am going to experiment with some of my favorite “Mom blogger” posts, themes and agonies and apply them systematically to the logic that was prevailing in the 1950s. I’ll be the first to admit that there was a certain propaganda at the time. However, there is wisdom there – models of hospitality and grace. Is there a certain balance that can be struck?
As an introduction, I think this YouTube video melds the world of today’s satire with yesterday’s words. Enjoy! And come back here to the experiment. You might find encouragement, a place to vent or a little laugh. I’d certainly love your comments.
Oh, I think we could do an even better job on that video – perhaps a BlogHer project
You know, I was thinking the same. Could you be in charge of bringing the black boostier and matching heels?
I’m curious to see what you have to say about these feminist roles. Definitely lots of changes in the last 50 years (even in the last 20 or so — just read a book where a murder victim was declared a feminist, and therefore couldn’t posses a razor, because she had a Women’s Studies book on the shelf).
I think the 1950s, though, had pretty different female expectations and roles than the 1900s or before. Certainly the Proverbs 31 woman with her buying and selling land and making investments on her own seems worlds away from the woman in the video whose thoughts are not as important as her husband’s.
So curious about your experiment! Can’t wait to watch it unfold…. I guess I will be keeping an eye out for the heels and such at BlogHer
I see the value in what the pamphlet is trying to say, of course with a grain of salt. What’s with the feet rubbing? But my own hubby has complained about coming home to chaos and I’ve tried to adjust it on the days it is possible. (Although no foot rubs!) The other side is that the husband is also supposed to be trying to help and love you so it seems one sided because it is only aimed at the wife. The “letting him stay out all night” thing is definitely over the line, but “not pouring out all the things you need to tell him as soon as he walks in the door” is reasonable to me.