Am I the only one who didn’t read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan between the time it was written and when it was re-issued on its 50th anniversary? I remember saying I wanted to read it in 2013, but I was afraid that it was going to be one of those uber academic feminist books that are nearly impossible to read/understand.
I am here to say that it is not so and that I am thoroughly enjoying it. I’m early in the book and Friedan is reviewing the history of women’s activism. It’s interesting and accessible. It’s encouraging to think that many of these battles are in the past, but a little unnerving to realize that we’re beginning to fight some of the same old ones.
If you also have been hesitant to pick it up, I encourage you to do so.
Last night I attended Mary Chapin Carpenter’s concert in Eau Claire. Somewhere during the night she sang “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” This is a ‘retort’ if you will to the old Geritol commercial where the husband lists all the wonderful attributes of his wife, which of course include taking Geritol, and then says “My wife, I think I’ll keep her.” Both the commercial and the song embody what The Feminine Mystique is about. (I'll attempt to post the video of the song here. If that doesn't work, click this link.)
I love it when things come together like that.
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