Happy (*Belated) Women's Equality Day by Karen Rock

Happy (*Belated) Women’s Equality Day by Karen Rock

There are several misconceptions about romance authors. Besides the rampant rumors about us penning bodice-ripping novels whilst wearing satin pajamas and feather boas (okay- the PJ thing might be true if we substitute flannel for satin), the other false impression is that we somehow demean women or marginalize them in our stories.

Hello? The protagonists in all of our stories are women. Front and center. Spotlight on. And they are strong, determined, and fighters who strive for something they strongly believe in. In the case of romance, most times that is love. It’s a fact that two thirds of all wage earners in the world are women yet we only claim one tenth of its wealth. There is much to be done on that front.


 
However, I don’t subscribe to the money = power philosophy. Maybe because I’ve never had much? Probably… still, to me, love is the most powerful force in the universe and women have long known that truth and pursued it. Love keeps families and friends together. Love helps us get through the most trying times. Love motivates us to work harder and be a better person for those in our lives. Love makes us a kinder and more caring society.

When my daughter was very young, I told her that the only thing I hoped she’d be when she grew up was a kind person. Now, some might think that’s weak. Maybe I should have told her that I expected her to become CEO of a big company or a doctor or lawyer… but to me, kindness is more powerful than any title or position. She starts her second year of college this week, not because I forced her, but for the love of learning and because, as she said, she wants a career that will allow her to make a positive difference in the world. Whether that earns her money and prestige is irrelevant. Most fulfilling of all, is the chance to help others. I couldn’t be prouder.

A force capable of creating a better world isn’t green; it’s red (or pink :). Love alone is the most powerful factor in humanity and my hat is off to all women who spread it through their words and deeds, whether you’re an author, a mother, a sister, daughter or friend. Maybe we should consider equality in another way. Perhaps men need to become equals to women in our ability to nurture, love and connect. They’ve definitely come a long way baby, but they have a way to go to catch up to us :) What’s the most loving thing you’ve ever done or someone has done for you that's made a powerful difference? And yes, please include men in your comments because we love them and greatly appreciate all the loving things they do!

Comments

  1. It was a small thing, maybe, but I still remember when Duane and I were at a dealership scoping out new cars for for me. The salesman hustled out, did everything but call me "the little woman," and addressed all questions and comments to Duane, who said, "You need to talk to her--it's her car."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol- applause applause to Duane! Yes. We need those strong men in our lives who aren't afraid of a strong woman :)

      Delete
  2. My husband had flown out of Calgary, Canada to get back to work, and I was driving home to New Jersey after a long vacation. We camped on the north side of Lake Superior, my daughter and I in one tent and my son and his friend in another when I got sick. I was totally incapacitated and the three took care of me and each other. What could have been a tragedy turned into a very loving experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw! That's so sweet and why we work so hard as moms... to make our kids the kinds of people who'd do such lovely things as that :)

      Delete
  3. Karen! Brava! Beautiful post. The most loving thing done for me - where do I begin?! Most significant because it started what's been a wonderful life - when my aunt had the Red Cross find her husband in Italy during WWII so that she could adopt my sister and me after our mother died. My husband does countless little loving things every day. You haven't had tea until it's brought to you in the storage seat of a walker.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness! Both of your examples just melted my heart, Muriel :) Your aunt did such a brave and beautiful thing in working hard to ensue you had the loving home you deserved and your husband bringing tea on his walker?! A roomful of roses can't even come close to how loving a gesture that is. Thank you for sharing it!!

      Delete
  4. Lovely post, Karen! I'll never forget, many years ago, I ruptured my disc in my back. Following surgery, I was laid up in bed. I was single at the time, living along. My recently retired father, who could hardly boil an egg, came over every day and made me a grilled cheese sandwich, for my lunch, as we watched the OJ Simpson trial. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love my dad and your comment brought home to me how lucky we are, as women, to have been raised by such loving, committed and caring men. Your dad sounds like a gem and he's certainly raised a beautiful daughter :)

      Delete
  5. Karen, what a wonderful, inspiring post! Like others mentioned above, I am blessed to have a husband, family and friends who do nice things for me often. I think the way you've raised your daughter is right on. With any luck she will be as kind as her mother(:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw! Thank you so much, Carol :) You know just what to say to melt this mom's heart. We are blessed by the people around us and fortunate to be able to give to them, too. xo

      Delete
  6. I'm so glad you encouraged her to be kind. It's what the world needs more of. And I'll bet you she never lacks for what she needs! It will be provided for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Patricia :) I agree. Kindness makes this world a better place and people who've been raised to see its value will ensure acceptance and consideration for all.

      Delete
  7. Such a beautiful post, Karen. I always tell people my husband demonstrated true love when he converted an entire wall of our living room into a bookcase and window seat for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WOW! Okay- that is some serious love there, Amie :) What a beautiful gift. He's a man who shows his love through his deeds and that is the biggest I love you anyone could give. You are a blessed woman :)

      Delete
  8. Beautiful post, Karen, and so true! I've had so many generous and wonderful things done for me that I can't narrow it down to one! I'm blessed and grateful. And I strive to give back by doing kind things for others too. If my kids grow up to have giving and generous spirits (so far so good ;), then I'll feel like I've succeeded as a parent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are succeeding as a parent, Rula because you set such a wonderful example. You are one of the kindest, most gracious people I've been blessed to meet and call friend. <3

      Delete

Post a Comment