General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe women today were real worked up. REAL worked up. Mrs Obama, I think, just woke a sleeping giant.
I'm the only male teacher in my school. It's been that way through most of my career. And let me tell you, when the only male around is gay, the women let their hair down. They basically talk as though you aren't there. I mean, occasionally they will be talking about their hot flashes, or menopause or....dear God not this topic again, Vaginal dryness, and then they'll glance over and see me there (spoon hovering half way to my mouth, look of shock on my face as my extremely visual mind is trying to NOT hear what they are saying) and I'll see this funny look flicker across their faces "Oh my God! I forgot there is a man in the room!" but then they remember it is me and they usually just continue on.
Because of this I have become very knowledgeable on many different subjects that most men would avoid like the plague. Lazy husbands and good for nothing men, menopause, feminine care products that are good, feminine care products that should be avoided (anything available in the school's vending machines, apparently, should be avoided at all cost-"scritchy" is one of the descriptive terms that have been used but I didn't ask for details) cute hair styles, terrible new haircuts on a coworker or star in whatever People or US the person is looking at, that adult women should never wear Wednesday Adam braids, diets, children and fashion.
Today there was this very strange energy. Everyone had one thing they wanted to talk about and it was Michelle Obama. They discussed her hair (very cute and super glossy) her makeup (she looked flawless) her dress (they all LOVED it) her shoes, her beauty... but I could tell that these women had been moved. They were...I don't know how to say it...energized on the same level. They were all beaming and it was similar to how a woman shines when she tells you something really cool that one of their kids did. And then they talked about her speech and, as the only dude and on the outside of the vibe that was going on, I sort of struggle to put what it means into words but I'll try.
I think the women bonded fiercely over Michelle Obama's speech last night. I've never seen them speak so highly of anyone before. I've never seen them so political. I think the battle cry has been raised and it was Michelle Obama who raised it. It is she that may well have galvanized many independent women to move, en masse, into full support of the President.
I struggle to give you the visual of what it felt like. A French painting of Mrs. Obama, twisting red flags held high above her head (with flawless makeup and cute hair), leading an army of women into a fiery red battle? An Olympic Mrs Obama sprinter tearing up the track and handing off the baton to the President with a ten second lead as the crowd roars in the background. You get my picture though.... the women in my building seemed to have experienced a shared bonding experience.
And pardon any sexist attitudes you might see in this. Of course the topics discussed in front of me also contain work, finances, highbrow art and science talks and every other topic available under the sun. But, as the only male teacher I stand by my claims that women like to talk about fashion, hair, makeup, menopause (++),cute guys and perky butts (at least some of the time). (and, to be fair, I joined the conversation twice, to point out the shoes were from J. Crew and that I liked that bouncy curl that kept flying away from her face. It was kicky and youthful, in my opinion).
SalviaBlue
(2,918 posts)WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)And you!
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)I intend to help Obama get elected and then I am going to write him constantly, urging him to go green.
He went after healthcare and took on insurance. I'd bet he'd be a warrior if he ever decides to fight big oil.
ncgrits
(916 posts)Thank you sir! We ladies ARE fired up! And I'm not just having another hot flash! (Well, I AM, but you don't wanna hear any more about THAT!)
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)Seriously, I was ASSIGNED those tasks one year when THREE Women I shared a teaching space with were in menopause at the same time. On the first day they told me how it works:
I believe I can almost quote them: "If one of us says, "It is getting hot in here" that means you should open the window, turn on the fan and then get the hell out. We'll come get you when you can come back."
I was only a second year teacher, young, naive and they didn't bother to soft-peddle it.
The first time I heard "It is getting hot in here" with THAT tone in it I bolted like a greyhound, ("YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN WORKING SO HARD WE ARE HAVING SURPRISE RECESS BUT...if we're not all outside in 30 seconds, WE DON"T GET TO GO!!!
They approved of me from then on. :0)
ncgrits
(916 posts)Instead I have pieces of cardboard all over the house for fanning emergencies!
Bless your heart; you're a good egg!
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)and had the sense to run away. :0)
TheOther95Percent
(1,035 posts)My power surges are contributing to climate change. ;=)
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)You could charge your own phone! :0)
ncgrits
(916 posts)Lord. I've only been at it for about 6 months. If it keeps up like this, I'm hoping I can somehow harness the heat, sell it back to Duke Power, and live off the grid!
We could start our own alternative energy initiative!
(and a surge begins just as I finish this post!) ugh
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)or an ice cube--it will help cool you down fast!
Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)I am just goofin' on those otter pops (their names are a hoot!)
I wish you were in my school!
In my elementary we have now 2 dudes, but once had only one for a long time. Poor, long suffering guy! But he now knows MORE about the female gender than maybe he wants. He is a gem.
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)flamingdem
(39,341 posts)and so humble, what a star to match our other star
reformist2
(9,841 posts)Fly away curl defiance.
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)They'll take any wretched excuse to be petty and horrible to a powerful black woman.
gkhouston
(21,642 posts)It looked good, but there was a stray curl. That happens to real people.
hedgehog
(36,286 posts)freshwest
(53,661 posts)DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)Very handy things, those otter pops!
freshwest
(53,661 posts)DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)freshwest
(53,661 posts)DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)bluemarkers
(536 posts)said all he could think of was... and he named several Democrats whose personal foibles became public drama.... and his wife said she didn't like her push up bra.... they are two icky sicky people. Did I mention they just love Chris Christy.
I love this website.... great relief from the crazy
cynannmarie
(113 posts)DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)It was difficult to write it in a way that showed the candor we have without me coming across like a sexist pig. :0)