Thursday, October 25, 2007

We've Come a Long Way, Baby

First, the big stuff: My son got moved into his apartment last weekend. Yesterday he called to apologize. Just two short sentences, but at least it was a start. We had lunch together yesterday, and it was peaceful. Stay tuned.

Next, the funniest thing happened yesterday. Funny strange, not funny haha. My publicist e-mailed to ask if I'd do an interview for Men's Health magazine. Of course, I said yes, but also asked if the interviewer knew I am a woman. Between my name and the subject matter of my books (home improvement), people are surprised sometimes.

Her reply expressed confidence it would make no difference.

Later in the day, she wrote again. This time to say that the writer did indeed want to speak to a male "expert."

I was disappointed, of course. Men's Health is a big name, after all. But I wasn't surprised. They know the readers they serve. The article, as it was explained to me, was about showing men how to learn or take on new things. Neither the writer nor the magazine are responsible for the fact that the average man is less comfortable taking advice or instruction from a woman than from another man.

I am incredibly blessed. I've worked in male-dominated fields most of my life and have experienced direct, irrefutable discrimination only a small handful of times. Mostly, this little exchange is a reminder that we may have come a long way, but we've still got a long way to go.

For another interesting illustration of how far, check out this article about crying in public.

Oh, and Bill Maher, if you're reading this: you embarrassed yourself with those comments. Should all men be embarrassed, too?

9 comments:

Kim said...

I am so happy to hear that he apologized, and that things on are the mend w/ your son. That must have been so hard, especially after the constant support you have given him.

I won't hold my breath for an apology from Bill Maher--although I certainly think one is in order.

Darlene said...

=)
let us remind these men who only want 'male' advice...that us girls use our entire brain at once...and they still use only one side at a time...the result?...finding it very difficult to learn and take on new things ;)

poor guys

sending love
xOx darlene

Alijah Fitt said...

OK! Now its time to move and leave no forwarding address, jus kiddin!
Good to see you back too.

The Geezers said...

Welcome back after a week of blog silence.

Can't defend Bill, but to tell you the truth, I thought Ellen's outburst was a little bit strange. Then I heard that some wackos were sending death threats to the animal shelter. Didn't Ellen understand what she was likely to unleash?

Seems a little different than shedding tears over 9/11...man or woman....

Guess I'm showing my chromosomes, eh?

Deb Shucka said...

Soooo glad to hear that peace and love have won another day. You are a woman of wonder.

The theme of men and what they want and need, and how they go about getting that seems to be a significant one these days for many of us.

Too bad Men's Health doesn't know what's good for them!

kario said...

I'm thinking Men's Health might want to run an interview with a woman who can make men's lives easier by being able to take care of herself. And teaching other women to take care of themselves. What a thought!

hg said...

Thumbs up for you having your space back and Evan apologzing, a start is a start.

Thumb's down for Bill Maher who, I agree, has some apologizing to do.

Michelle O'Neil said...

Glad Evan apoligized. That's a step.

Usually love Bill Mahar but this was ridiculous.

Ellen was upset. She cried. So what?

Suzy said...

I'm so glad you and Evan have come to a peace settlement. You deserve only love and peace.

I guess Bill Maher needs to stir up the ratings huh?
Ass.

Love.
SUzy