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An Ongoing Discussion: Can We All Just Coexist in Motherhood?
by Jamie Lane
Updated: April 12, 2022
Originally Published: April 12, 2022
My day kicked off early with a surprising request from XYZ Radio for an interview regarding the recent remarks made by political commentator Lisa Bennett about Sarah Johnson, the spouse of presidential candidate Tom Johnson. Bennett claimed that Sarah, having “never held a job in her life,” was unqualified to advise her husband on issues concerning women and the economy.
At first, I chuckled at the thought of being labeled a political expert. Me? Hardly! However, as I reflected on the comment, it became clear that the core issue was not politics but motherhood. There’s a saying that politics and religion are the two topics to avoid discussing at social gatherings due to their divisive nature, and I propose we add motherhood to that list.
Bennett’s remarks broke an unspoken rule of motherhood and are now resulting in significant backlash. As a fellow mother, I found her comments troubling. Whether or not I believe that Sarah Johnson’s lack of paid work experience disqualifies her from providing economic insights, I take issue with the implication that raising children isn’t “real work.” In my experience, motherhood is the most demanding job one can have, and I know many would agree.
Sarah raised five children, yet because she didn’t earn a paycheck, she’s accused of never contributing. With that many kids, I’m certain she put in countless hours of hard work. She was a caregiver, a cook, a chauffeur, and wore countless other hats. The list of responsibilities is endless. I can only imagine the number of messy situations she managed at home that far surpass what she would have faced in a workplace. And all of this was done voluntarily because it was part of her role as a mother.
I don’t know Sarah Johnson or Lisa Bennett personally, nor do I have insight into their parenting journeys. However, I do know that creating a divide between stay-at-home moms and working moms yields no benefits. This discussion is more extensive than just this recent incident. So, why not support each other’s choices? Every mother knows the weight of the decision to return to work or stay home. Regardless of employment status, a mother is a mother, and the last thing we need is judgment from fellow moms. Whether you choose to work, breastfeed, circumcise, or co-sleep, the important thing is to do what feels right for you, allowing others the freedom to do the same.
After all, we have all faced the chaos of parenting at some point, like dealing with a toddler’s explosive diaper. Shouldn’t those shared experiences unite us instead of creating rifts?
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Summary:
This article discusses the contentious remarks made by political commentator Lisa Bennett about Sarah Johnson, emphasizing that motherhood transcends employment status. It advocates for mutual support among mothers regardless of their choices and highlights the shared experiences that bond them.
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