Small Town Therapist on True Women Heroes

Undoubtedly you have seen or become aware of the cover of Sports Illustrated which is so proud of itself!  It has 81 year old Martha Stewart on the cover of it's swimsuit issue. Copious magazines strutted proudly when they had Maye Musk in their Cover Girl ads. I'm somewhat amused by this, don't they realize how literally silly this is? What these two women have in common is: vast wealth, copious servants, daily spas, routine injections with all the trimmings from their personal dermatologists who they have on speed dial. Then they have fabulous trainers and of course, exquisite food delivered to them. Have I missed anything? These companies are believe they are honoring older women as heroes--- but  really they aren't. Martha and Maye represent only the minutest fraction of women in this country. Martha and Maye represent only the women of enormous privilege. 

I realize, this is nothing that new. Hollywood and television stars are constantly touted as fabulous in the looks department and sometimes for their charitable deeds. Is it foolish of me to ask this question: why don't these magazines write the checks to women who are great looking, in their upper seventies and eighties who actually need the money for the modeling job? That would exclude those that take draconian measures to insure they look fifteen years younger than their given age. These good women who I'm thinking of simply can't afford it and furthermore I doubt they'd sign up for voluntary pain. I personally have quite a few heroic women as candidates for modeling jobs in mind. You probably do too. Ordinary and beautiful women but they're not famous. Ah but does that sell magazines? Isn't money always the bottom line in magazines?

Mom at 87

This may shock you but I don't know Martha or Maye so I'm only hoping that with their fabulous wealth they accepted these modeling jobs and gave the money to charities. I had "contempt prior to investigation" for Maye Musk [because her son is mostly contemptable] but no surprise I was wrong. She has been a successful model since she was in her late twenties. Martha has also been a model in the past and from what I read is very charitable.

I have a humble suggestion that I'm sure the all the magazines of this country are eager to hear. Why not support the women of this country who are under siege? There are women heroes out there of a certain age who are vibrant, passionate and lovely. These are the good teachers defending their classroom from gun nuts and book banners. Put these brave women on the covers of The Atlantic, or the New Yorker! How about our dear trust worthy Librarians on the cover of Forbes or Business week? They are currently defending our right to read any book you choose. You get my drift. This county needs to celebrate our ordinary women heroes who are under attack.

As for Sport's Illustrated, there's an opportunity to promote several of the more youthful, very glamorous pregnant women who are literally in mortal danger with risky pregnancies. These beleaguered pregnant women live in one of the obtuse states that hates women enough to threaten their lives. No choice for any care from a Doctor or hospital if the pregnancy continues to go south.

Mom and I at the Art Museum

Sad to say most businesses are too cowardly to support these good women afraid--- of the very loud white men, and some white women who oppose our freedoms of speech [you're allowed to read only the books they approve of] and choice [you can't have privacy with your doctor to choose decisions about your own body]. 

Just as there has been an anti-women movement in this country [oh, Roe vs Wade where are you], there is also an anti teacher, anti children [except for your very own] and an anti age bias rearing it's ugly head. Enough! Aren't we all sick of the fear mongering?

Time to stop complaining and time to take action. Read banned books, love your teachers and librarians! While your at it, remember it's none of your business if a person believes they've been assigned the wrong body. It's also none of your business if a pregnant woman chooses a course of action about an unsuccessful pregnancy. Bless and honor these women.

susansmagicfeather 2023 Susan R. Grout