The Main Course

• Take Action on the Issue Now
• Synopsis
• Discussion Topics
• Other Resources

Take Action on the Issue Now:
Stop the “Mommy Wars” and Report on Real Issues

Sign the Ceasefire Petition. Let the heads of CBS, NBC, and ABC know it’s time to move beyond the false rhetoric of the ‘Mommy Wars,’ because all moms are in the same boat. Sign our petition today.

Demand a ceasefire in the so-called “Mommy Wars.” Help send a strong message to the media that uses this headline grabbing fiction to divide women.

We all need better family-friendly policies. It’s time to focus on real problems in need of real solutions.

The signed petition, with your comments, will be delivered at a media event in New York City by Mothers Ought to Have Equal Rights (MOTHERS) as we call on NBC, CBS, and ABC to call a ceasefire in the Mommy Wars!

*Thanks to Mothers Ought to Have Equal Rights (MOTHERS) for partnering with us on this timely issue.

Synopsis

The Mommy Wars are a media concoction designed to sell magazines and to increase ratings. This distracts us from the real issues and unnecessarily divides mothers. Mothers in the paid labor force and mothers who are not have vastly more in common than what separates them. In fact, a majority of mothers who are out of the labor force ultimately go back to paid work.

Simplistic “us versus them” rhetoric does not reflect our experience and needs. This isn’t a playground and we don’t have to choose sides. The Mommy Wars promote ill will where we should be fostering connections. The truth is there are no sides.

Let the media show us programming that reflects our true needs. It’s time to focus on the real problems that average Americans face every day. A quarter of American families with children under six years old live in poverty. How about some in-depth feature coverage that explores solutions which benefit us all? Solutions such as quality universal pre-K and paid family leave for all workers who need time to care need more coverage. We spend more per person for health care than any other nation yet rank a low 37th for our mortality rate of children under five years old, and are the only Western nation without a national health program. These are just a few of the issues that impact all families and should be broadcast nationwide.

As a country we give lip service to family values, yet we fail to recognize the value of family care giving, and give only nominal social support.

It’s time to get the media’s attention and tell them they are missing the real story.

Discussion Topics

• What are some real trends you see happening among mothers that should be covered by the media?
• What irritates you most about the media’s current coverage of mothers?
• If we want to influence the media’s coverage of mothers and families, what is the best way to grab its attention and influence it?
• Does the same apply to getting the attention of policymakers so they work toward supporting mothers and families?
• What state or local policy changes would help you most in your role as a parent? (ie: after-school programs, paid family leave, uniform health care, free preschool programs, a ban on having to work overtime, right to paid sick leave, etc.). Dare to Dream and Think Big! Other important members of society don’t hesitate to ask for what they need!
• Why do you think that up to now mothers have been reluctant to demand public policies that would make their lives and the lives of their children easier?

Other Resources

Thanks to Mothers Ought to Have Equal Rights (MOTHERS) for partnering with us on this timely issue.