"We don 't believe in that [WOHM]"
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| Mon, 01-09-2006 - 11:31am |
On Friday, as I was driving hom from work, I stumbled across an interview with the wife of the one surviving miner from the collapse in WVa. In the course of the interview, someone asked her if she worked.
Her response was that they don't believe in that. She explained that her husband was very proud of the fact that he was the sole supporter of the family, and that he didn't need her help in supporting them. She explained that they just don't believe in women working after they have kids and husbands, and that they believe her place is at home with the kids.
My heart really goes out to her, and this post isn't about her, but about the sentiment that women shouldn't work because their place is at home. And being a real man, even if it means working in dangerous conditions, long hours, holding two jobs and being a step away from poverty at every turn, means that your wife doesn't work.
I suppose this is the first time that I've heard someone, not a movie character or a character in a book, express this sentiment. I don't understand why anyone would be proud to limit their spouse's potential. Or why be proud that you live right on the poverty line?
If they didn't see the dangers of their POV before, surely that entire community, and even the whole country, has now seen the risk that we talk about on here all the time, the risk that suddenly the SAHM will need to find a way to financially support the family. I wonder if anyone will re-think what they believe in.

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So you are quibbling over the difference between good and best?
PumpkinAngel
But what is the cost of Just Fine vs the cost of the Best. Sometimes the cost of the Best just isn't worth it.
And what if what is BEST for the kids is only Just Fine for the family as a whole? Or if what is BEST for the family as a whole means the kids get only what is Just Fine?
Edited 1/18/2006 1:54 pm ET by okiegirl71
Jennie
Which has what to do with anything?
PumpkinAngel
I didn't think you could do it.
PumpkinAngel
Jennie
Exactly.
PumpkinAngel
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