Why Do We Buy Into The Superwoman Myth?

The Superwoman Myth

Years after that exchange with my son, I found myself wondering why our children are able to let go of myths and legends but we are not. For far too many of us, deep inside, we think we are supposed to be Superwoman—specifically, Supermom—even though we know there is no such thing.

I regularly see articles, blogs and books that construct or celebrate the myth that we can have it all, do it all and be all things to all people—all at the same time. We hold our mythical Superwoman superhero up as the ideal on radio and television.  

I’m a fan of the main Christian radio station in our city, and remember listening to one of the main morning radio programs during my 20-minute trip to drop my kids off at school one day. They asked for callers on the question of whether we can “have it all.” I was surprised and a bit saddened to hear every single caller (all women) exulting in the fact that of course we should expect to have it all, all at the same time: a demanding full-time job, two kids, a great marriage, fulfilling activities and friends. . . . In other words: we should expect to be Superwoman.