When I unwrapped the small box, I thought the birthday gift was perfume. Instead, I opened a package of business cards from my husband. One side has colorful graphics and the words, “Peace, Love, Women’s Studies” and the other had my contact information (including, this blog, LDS WAVE, and our family blog) with the tagline, “Advancing the Cause of Gender Equality.”
When I saw the card, I laughed. I realized that was not the reaction my husband was looking for. I recovered quickly with, “Thank you! How thoughtful.” But I was uncomfortable with a card that so clearly announced my hobby. It seemed pretentious and silly for me to have business cards about blogging and feminist activism. As I thought more about why my initial reaction was to laugh (some friends had similar reactions), I decided that it was because I just don’t think people value what I do as much as they value other types of work and employment.
Then the light bulb went off. This is what feminists have been fighting for for decades. In addition to allowing women to participate in traditionally male-dominated jobs, we want society to value “women’s work” as well. These cards showed that Mark values what I’m doing and thinks that others should as well.
Including me. I should be proud of what I do as an advocate for gender equality both in and out of the LDS church.
18 Responses
I love this! I think your job is so important Jess, and it’s great that you have something to tell others about it with. Truly a thoughtful gift.
Excellent.
and BTW, Happy Birthday!
Hand them out every time you introduce yourself, including to ward members. How great is Mark!
That. Is the very cutest thing. Wow. Truly, excellent work Mr. Jessawhy.
Way to go, Markawhy!
Mark created the perfect gift for you, how thoughtful. I am smiling, no grinning.
You are a hero for women and children, nothing you ever do will be as important.
Suzann
Thanks everyone!
Next time I see you, remind me to give you a card.
Wow that’s awesome! Now…. where can I find a shirt with that tagline?
That’s lovely of Mark. I do hope you hand those out, Jess!
It reminds me of Mike’s best present to me ever: a license plate frame with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s statement, “Well behaved women rarely make history” inscribed on it.
Love the card, and love your thoughts on it. Great post!
Awesome. Carry them with pride.
It drives me absolutely batty how people don’t value blogging much and consider it to be “women’s work” (even though there are lots of men who do it that are not just tech-ies or gay). Business cards make me feel a bit silly, but not because of that. I don’t like when I get them from people either.
Nice work, Markawhy! Jess, you know that your granddaughters will treasure these cards as family heirlooms, perhaps passing them from mother to daughter when the daughter is ordained.
Don’t ever take for granted that you have a husband that supports you. I love the card!
I absolutely love that! Nicely done Mr. Jessawhy.
Will you send me one?
And, I definitely want the T-shirt. Can we print them for the retreat? :)
Oh Happy Belated birthday. Those are great and thoughtful. Yes I guess that is what Feminism is, to not only be allowed to do a traditional “mans” job, but also to be able to be valued for being a woman and doing traditional womens jobs.
And that is why Mark is SO great for you. I love the business card. Truly perfect.