A classic put-down is that women should be "barefoot and pregnant." Pregnancy is not a disability and nothing to be ashamed of, yet many seem to think it is something to be embarrassed about and needs a cure...
2006-12-28 05:31:20 · 9 answers · asked by kingstubborn 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
It's because of all the bra-burning feminazis. They turned a beautiful, natural thing into something we should be embarrased and ashamed of. I loved being pregnant with both my kids. I'm old fashioned in that respect I guess--If I could afford to stay home with my kids and be pregnant once or twice more, I'd be on cloud nine. As it is, I'm the breadwinner in the family, and my husband is a stay at home dad, so it's working out OK. :)
2006-12-28 07:12:07 · answer #1 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the phrase 'barefoot and pregnant' is supposed to be referring to pregnancy as a disability itself. I think what it is implying is that women aren't good at doing anything other than being mothers and cleaning up the house. I think this phrase is a lot more insulting to women's intelligence, and not so much a claim about pregnancy being a disability.
However, I do agree that some people do discriminate against pregnant women--especially in the workforce. I don't know how many women I've heard say that they missed out on promotions at work or were forced out of newly acquired positions because they were pregnant. The thought sickens me!
2006-12-28 13:36:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back in the days, they used to say a woman to be barefoot and in the kitchen meant that she was readily available for #1 when her man is ready for a snack and
# 2 when her man is ready for hancky shpanky
Now in 2006, women are considered equal to men in the coorporate world, we can do basically anything men do.
I am woman hear me ROARRR!! So we get offended when the issue of being available for snack and hanky shpanky time comes around.
Being pregnant is a gift, having the ability as a woman to carry a life is an honor. But women have come a long way from just being housewives. I think that's where your confusion may be. Glad I could clear that up for ya!
2006-12-28 13:40:57 · answer #3 · answered by V 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The phrase is to expound on the idea that if she's "barefoot and pregnant" she's stuck in the home / marriage, and he's making sure she's in such a position that he can do what he wants without worry of her leaving, or discovering his shenanigans. It is not to imply there is anything wrong with pregnancy or of the woman in question for that matter! It's a slight to the man for not doing right by his lady!
2006-12-28 13:37:52 · answer #4 · answered by sunkissed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The insult is not the pregnancy, its the inferrence that women are only good for cooking/cleaning and making babies. That's why its a put down. I think you misunderstood the reason why women are insulted when someone says that. Not pregnancy, its the idea that we cannot do anything but make babies. That's what is insulting.
2006-12-28 13:35:15 · answer #5 · answered by babygyrl_nyc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When people talk about women being "barefoot and pregnant" it's not saying pregnancy is a disease, it's saying the woman has no greater worth than to create babies.
2006-12-28 13:34:31 · answer #6 · answered by leaptad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you've misunderstood the meaning of "barefoot and pregnant". It's not the pregnant part that's the insult; it's the implication that she's poor.
2006-12-28 13:36:11 · answer #7 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What needs a cure is women who feel the world revolves around them and think that they are above all others just because they are pregnant.
Shauna - the reason alot of women are passed up for things when they are pregnant is simple. Many women do not return to work right away after having a child. Now that leaves a manager needing to fill that persons spot. Why promote someone who you knwo is going to be leaving?
2006-12-28 13:33:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
Probably because they aint got no husband
2006-12-28 13:41:05 · answer #9 · answered by Simple1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋