Are children, elders, families in general, the poor better off than they were in 1968, at the start of the Second Wave of Feminism? Are you outraged with a society where 2 month olds are cared for by strangers for 10 hours a day because there is no genuine paternity and maternity leave? Are you outraged that childhood bipolar disorder has only been discovered in the United States? Are you outraged that 2 year olds and 3 years olds are pushed into early academics, that 5 year olds are perceived as backward if they can't read before leaving kindergarten? Are you outraged that teaching for the standardized tests is replacing art, music, recess and gym? Are you outraged that our four year olds are taking dangerous anti-psychotics not proven safe for chronic schizophrenics? Are you outraged that poor immigration women are exploited as nannies and home health aides? A nonviolent revolution as sweeping as the civil rights movement is required to make the US a child-friendly, family-friendly, elder-friendly, human -friendly society. Join me.
When I was an active young feminist in the late 60s and early 70s, the upper middle class nature of New York feminism was profoundly disturbing. Only a tiny minority of women could afford to become doctors, lawyers, college professors, corporate executives. The needs of women of color were ignored. African American women had always worked and taken care of their children. They were more dubious about abortion, since the babies were more welcomed and taken care of by family members.
Unlike many women with my intellect and education, I stayed home with my four children full-time for 15 years and part-time until the youngest was in high school. I also care for my mother in my home 24/7 during the last four years of my life. Both my husbands made career and financial sacrifices to make that possible.