Pre-Boomer women were real pioneers
I don’t think our sisters get the kind of credit they deserve. Most of them didn’t march against the establishment, burn their bras or vocalize about not having the equal rights they deserve. Raised to be ladies, they just went about taking care of what was in front of them whether it was raising a family, pursuing a career, or both.
Yes, pre-boomer women understood responsibility and where able to juggle lots of things at the same time. And unlike today, back in the late’60s and early ‘70s, there were few affordable daycare centers or schools with extended hours where the kids could be parked while mom went to work. So family, friends and neighbors were often called on for help; but, then again, this was an era when others could be depended upon.
During those changing times, we saw civil rights, feminine rights and human rights – with its anti-war message – converge in a synergistic and unprecedented manner. Our minds were on overload trying to comprehend what was taking place and how these changes would affect our personal lives. But, somehow, you women seemed to understand that life must go on while we guys pondered how we were going to take over the world.
Pre-boomer women handled the equal rights transition with their usual sensibility. And the change has been good for all involved, even though some areas are still being worked on forty years later. The point is, pre-boomers were part of the women’s movement from the get-go, and you made it look so easy. You helped the boomers adjust to adulthood and that’s something the current crop of women could learn. These are our children and grand children, and they need to grow up by waking up to the reality that in life there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
If anyone is capable of carrying the message to the trailing generations, it’s the pre-boomer woman. Each of you has learned just about all of life’s lessons. So, I believe it’s your responsibility to teach others what being a woman is all about. Of course, knowing a little something about the women of my generation, you’ve probably been doing these things all along without making it a big deal. Thanks.
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