When Everything Changed

When Everything Changed

Adult Herstory
"On a steamy morning in the summer of 1960, Lois Rabinowitz, a
28-year-old secretary for an oil-company executive, unwittingly became
the feature story of the day in New York City when she went down to
traffic court to pay her boss's speeding ticket. Wearing neatly
pressed slacks and a blouse, Lois hitched a ride to the courthouse
with her husband of two weeks, Irving. In traffic court Magistrate
Edward D. Caiazzo was presiding.
When Lois approached the bench, the magistrate exploded in
outrage. "Do you appreciate you're in a courtroom in slacks?" he
demanded and sent her home to put on more appropriate clothes..."
Fortunately Irving (whose attire was not described) was able to
handle the transaction for Lois. The judge warned him to "stomp down
a little or it will be too late." From his reaction you'd think Lois
was strutting a g string. My very conservative, sedate widowed
housewife septegenarian mother-in-law wears slacks and blouses
everywhere she goes. Gail Collins, author of When Everything Changed
(the above quote leads off the introduction) comments that men wearing
sweatshirts and overalls weren't considered to be disrespecting the
judicial system through improper attire.
When Everything Changed is an excellent book for feminists and
allies. In a lively blend of scholarship and narrative, it provides a
difinitive herstory of five decades. Readers will explore facets such
as:
*the shift from the post war glorification of the wife/mother in
suburbia to women's participation in the workforce, including in
professions formerly reserved for men;
*legislative struggles to create more equality;
*changing sexual behavior and how contraceptives (including the pill)
and legalized abortion facilitated this;
*changes in child care and education;
and so much more.
I was taken aback by much of what I read and I lived through
those years. I believe When Everything Changed is an even more
crucial read for my daughters' generation. It can leave them with
renewed respect for the progress that has been made and inspiration to
keep participating in the struggle that's far from over.
On a personal note, this past week there was a tragedy at UMaine. A
freshperson athlete who had worked very hard to get where he was
collapsed and died during a practice. I feel very badly for the boy
who had so much to look forward and to his parents. Can you imagine
sending your child off for what should have been a wonderful life
chapter only to get that phone call? If you are a parent show your
child(ren) in some way how much you love him/her/them and be grateful
that you can.
My thoughts and prayers go out to that poor family.
jules hathaway


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