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What is a mum? Is this your role in the home?
Friday, 10 April 2009
Trojan from Trojan's corner sent me this advert (he probably knew I'd have an opinion lol!) apparently its showing on TV at the moment...I haven't seen it as I don't get to see much TV...but it's interesting...its really lovely on one level i.e. 'A mum is someone that saves for a hat, and spends the money on a cricket bat instead.' We've all done that..well, I'm not a hat person..but you get the gist!
But on the other hand...and maybe I'm being over sensitive here, but is it not a tad sexist...mums use persil, mums wash the clothes, mum cleans up, mums are the only ones who look after and comfort the kids...okay so at one point she makes her son wash a shirt...big deal, he wastes so much washing powder, she probably wishes she did it herself anyway...yes persil has been going for 100 years, and it seems that a woman's role hasn't changed in the eyes of society for roughly the same amount of time...
And if mums are as tough (yet gentle) as the adverts suggests, why don't they give their husbands and children a gentle kick up the arse and tell them to get the bloody persil out and wash their own clothes....not a single dad in the advert you note...probably they are all busy off earning the bacon, while these stay at home mums get on with women's work!
10 April 2009 at 17:54
Stupid stereotypes! When our second child was born, I made my husband start doing his own laundry. It's hard enough for me to keep up with my own and the kids. He does it, but refuses to fold it, so I either have to put up with piles of laundry everywhere and a husband in wrinkles, or fold it myself. Grrr....
10 April 2009 at 18:11
I think it all depends on the parents. Some I see where the dad helps, some I see where they got with the "bread maker" theory. Personally I think that is old fashion. I agree, tell them to get off their @$$ and do it themselves. Me on the other hand, I have both jobs, the mom and the dad so my scenerio isn't the same. :-)
10 April 2009 at 18:51
Sorry Sally, but I got to say I think you're over-reacting.
I'm a software engineer, and when I see myself or a representation of my type of job (of which there are plenty) on the tube i personally don't find them offensive.
Now, granted I can't watch the ad at work here. But from how you describe it, I honestly don't see anything wrong with it. For some women that is there life. My mom was one of them. She took care of us, did all the household chores and my dad worked two jobs.
This is what I don't get. Women, and no offense, but it's mainly women get offended by being reminded that a part of the population of there gender are stay at home moms. I'm sure the commercial wasn't saying that all women can amount too is being a stay at home mom and that's it. That just happens to be what this woman did with her life. Also, it's a commercial! It's trying to sell you something, it's not exactly based in reality.
The other thing people get upset about is the "message" it sends to kids. Why would you be upset if your daughter grew up to be a great mom like her mother. Another thing is that last i checked, life goals were not decided over commercials.
Lastly, you know it might be old fashioned, and I know women should and are just as effective in the work place. My thinking is though, since the women have had to go to work, either due to rising careers, or rising prices in the cost of living, I personally have noticed a very noticeable trend. The higher percentage of a generation where both parents work...the worse that generation turns out.
Whether it be mom or dad, I really wish we lived in a more affordable time where we didn't have to decide on whether to make ends meat or raise our children responsibly.
10 April 2009 at 19:17
i don't think i find it offensive, but i think that as a modern ad, it should depict a wider section of society, i know dads that are full time carers, single dads and also just some who help out with the laundry, but if you have the dad at home and the mum working, should a modern ad show this...surely it would be better if it had both parents depicted as the times change.
i know many mums who work and feel guilt about not being a stay at home mum...this advert wont help.
me, i do all that indoors, but i teach the children to be fairly independant...
the truth is, more and more women work, and more households share the chores, the ad was just very old fashioned i thought!!!
i'm glad to see the mixed reactions though!
10 April 2009 at 21:38
Great post! I want a Stay at Home dad! Things would go such much better in our home if my DH would stay and tackle the duties and allow me to work!
11 April 2009 at 01:07
Stopping by to deliver your dessert platter!! You might have enough to share with your readers.
TGIF! Enjoy your weekend!
11 April 2009 at 09:14
thanks JAM...but gasp...i don't share dessert!!!LOL!
11 April 2009 at 11:53
the add made me smile. True there are lots of different rols out there, but I find something comforting in the fact that 1000's of mums have been doing the SAME THING forever what seems like ever :)
Thanks for the sweet comments on my blog btw!
11 April 2009 at 15:33
First time reader and this definately won't be the last....fantastic!!
I feel ya honey and this is your forum to speak your own mind and put your feelings into words that probably help you to understand life. I know that writing my feelings out is very therapeutic to me and I hope that it is for you as well. Write as you please and don't worry what other's think or say....it's your blog afterall.
My Prince is from South London and we still have one daughter there and one in Barry, Wales. As a matter of fact.....London girly is bringing......drum roll......plenty of Cadbury's with her. All of our friend's here request it. That and Branston pickle and custard powder.
Again, great blog.
Take good care and....
Steady On
Reggie Girl