I’ve written an “open letter” to Ms. Hirshman that I think you’ll like. I really hope you’ll come check out, and add your comments:

http://www.imperfectparent.com/articles/articles256_1.php

(The first page consists of the site editor’s commentary, along with some background; my “letter” begins on page 2.)

Since I am afraid I puff on a bit much already, I think a fan club might be fatal to anyone within ten kilometers of me and my soap box. However, I like to hand out honorary titles. How about, She-Who-Throws-Coins-Hopefully-in-Fountains, and Duchess-High-Laughs-at-Knock-Knock-Jokes?

And Camera, I’m with you on the absolutes. There are always mitigating factors and shades of grey, and prescription just doesn’t answer those things.

I agree w/ Dr. B. on most things, but her “women must have a career” stand really bothers me (although I know her reasons) as do all the people like Hirshman who have a moo-cow-hissy at those of us that have a professional degree but do not work in a professional job related to that degree, especially that they limit their hissy to the females in that situation. Both of these people tend to see things as absolutes, and as the mother of one (or maybe it’s two, the matter’s up for debate) disabled children, I know there’s no such.

But I’m with you — even if the kid(s) didn’t have problems, I’m a damn-sight better at running a household of five and managing our extensive extended families (our family “trees” look more like crabgrass — both of us have parents on their third marriage) because I have “authority issues”. I get paid only love and living expenses, but I am my own boss and make my own hours and schedule.

I don’t disagree with all the things these people have to say about the differences in socio-economic classes re: needing to work, lousy childcare, the remaining onus for women to deal w/ kuchen and kinder whether or not they work outside the home, etc. But it pisses me off that they think they can tell me I don’t know what’s best for me and mine.

If more people discover your blog as a result of Hirshman’s capitalist patriarchy feminism, it will be a good deed for the universe.