An Open Letter to Women

Hello. My name is Todd. I’m a man. A human male. In the 21^st century.

I have watched you for many years. When I was a boy, I was fascinated by Gloria Steinem and the whole “Women’s Lib” movement. I remember hearing the men in our family dismiss the movement saying things like, “We let them vote…what else do they need?”

I have watched you graduate college and take on the 80-hour workweek while getting your kids to school and soccer practice while wearing heals. You know, that 80 hour week created by men that pays you significantly less than you deserve…?

I have watched the religious system dismiss and belittle you. Women must submit to their husbands. A woman’s place is in the home. They can bake the pies and casseroles. They can keep the nursery. They can look pretty, if they don’t cause the men to stumble in their thoughts. They can have Bible studies if they don’t teach any men. They can decorate the church at Christmas and Easter. They can cook Sunday dinner and watch the kids while we men take naps during NASCAR. Men will allow you to do all of that, but for the love of God and Saint Peter’s dog, you can never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever ,ever, ever, ever, ever preach and God would never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever call you to become pastors! I actually heard that, verbatim, in a sermon once.

I have watched you excel in sports. Not as cheerleaders. As soccer players, boxers, MMA fighters, race car drivers, basketball, volleyball, pro-wrestling, and other hard sports like that which men have dominated for years. You all are kicking our butts!

I have watched you distinguish yourself in the all boy’s club of politics. We even elected you President in 2016 (although the electoral college said otherwise). You have proven yourself time and again as policy makers.

I have watched you rally together and encourage one another to keep pushing while the men pushed back again and again.

In the last few years, I have noticed something else. Something new. That’s why I’m writing.

I have also recently noticed that you have stopped waiting for men to give you your due. No more rallies. You are just stepping up and taking what has always been yours. Men are noticing. They are powerless to stop you. They know this, and they are telling you to “Go home.”

That’s all they have left to say. Go home. 

It’s a new world, ladies! You did it, and I want you to know I am proud of you.

All of you.