Yesterday a blog post popped up on my timeline a number of times. I try not to address political or religious posts because no one wants to or needs to hear my opinion. But this falls into a category that I cannot ignore – our children. Two friends who praised the post retracted it after they really read it but more friends shared and praised it. I wrote this parody, matching her points to my own. As I did I realized even more how twisted this mother’s approach and thinking was; miss-targeted, sexist, and manipulating all wrapped up in a cheery “but we really love you” tone of voice.
The following is not written in a way that I would address someone…. it’s horrible really, but hopefully the format better illustrates my point.
FYI (If you are a middle aged
mother of teen boys)
Dear Mothers,
I have an opinion that might
interest you. I was sitting in front of
my laptop eating my cereal in the morning, as I sometimes do, and several FB
friends brought to my attention a blog post.
Wow! What a detailed and
heart felt blog post you wrote in such a tedious twisted manner. I noticed that because I am trying to emulate
your writing style right now. But I also
notice other things. For one, it appears
you believe teenage girls to be sluts and teenage boys helpless targets.
I get it – you are in your
room and you feel cold and frigid. Maybe
you should arch your back, pout a little, strike a red carpet pose and see if that triggers your blood to
warm. That must not be a posture you
would ever assume as you are getting ready for bed – this I know.
So here is the thing I think
you should realize. Teenage boys should
be taught to respect girls as equally sexual and empowered partners.
Please understand this. We are not against you just your sexist
opinion. Otherwise, we really liked your
blog post. We know you are a good Mom with your heart in the right place which is what makes your blog post so unfortunate.
God forbid teenage boys ever
think of a girl in a sexual way! Did you
know that you are potentially raising controlling boys who are ashamed of their
sexual thoughts and even more so of their girlfriends’?
I didn’t think so.
And so, in my home, I expect
kids to mess up. I expect them to
struggle as their bodies change. If I
see them waiver I will do what I can to steer them straight. With the hope that one day they will be
understanding, forgiving, confident, respectful partners in their
relationships. They will get second
chances, and third, and forth chances to grow and mature because that’s what it
takes.
Mothers, it’s not too
late! If you think you have made an online
mistake RUN to take it down. Talk to
your boys and girls. Tell your sons that
girls do not want to be porn stars (because you know they are seeing that crap
in the internet); they want to be asked, respected, and behave intuitively
without pressure. Tell your girls they
should not be ashamed to want to feel attractive or sexual. That they should only ever do what they feel
is right and anyone who targets, pressures, or disrespects them should be
kicked off their island.
I know that sounds obvious and
intelligent. But that’s the way it is in our home; we hope to raise boys who
respect women and are comfortable with their own sexuality.
Every day I pray for parents
to teach their young sons and daughters to have respect for the opposite sex
and to proceed into relationships with honesty, and good will. I hope that my sons will not look down upon
women as someone they have to “wait for” but as equals who are sexual beings in
their own right.
Do you trust me? Are you are saying that young men are fighting
a daily uphill battle just to keep their thoughts pure but it’s the girls who
are targeted for uncrossing their legs or posting a picture they think is
cute? That double standard is old as
dirt and about as palatable as dirt.
Educate your sons and daughters,
respect that they are changing, give them the knowledge they need to grow as
gracefully as possible, and forgive them when they blunder.
I’m glad we’re friends.
