Mothers

Women were once defined by their ability to produce and nourish children. Children were once defined by what wealth they could bring to a family or tribe. So women were a vehicle for the accumulation of wealth by and for men.

 

I have used the past tense. This is inaccurate in today's world, where women and children are still chattel in some societies. This is changing, but all too slowly due to the violent resistance of men and women who enslave. Think Taliban.

 

While I admire women who are talented at nourishing the minds and bodies of their children, I am also stunned by the rarity of good mothering in the world. In many cases, supporting good mothering would entail the decision to not be a mother. This makes the star-mom shine more brightly.

 

The single woman who decides not to have children faces many challenges, some subtle and some not so subtle, to her integrity under the oppression of conformity. This is a weakness in our species. The childless woman should be appreciated for her contribution to the possibilities for women of the future. The childless woman should be appreciated for her liberation and courage. Finally, the childless woman should be seen as contributing to the survival of the species and the planet by helping to diminish overpopulation.

 

I firmly believe in a woman's right to choose. Especially the right to choose not to have children. Today I celebrate that choice in this society. Today I also consider my appreciation of those women who are not mothers.