As a huge fan of breaking down the societal standard for gender roles I found this article on LinkedIN this morning a great talking point.
I also think the article speaks to the rigidity of the American workforce mentality (which is often self-inflicted…but why?) that seems so ridiculous and trite when compared to other countries’ views on similar types of leave.
There is a much bigger picture here; life. You only get one.
On your deathbed what matters most…those overtime hours and forfeited vacation days or time spent with family and the slower moments you took for YOU?
Reminds me of being in a brand messaging workshop at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity last month…
Out of the approximate 100 people in the workshop I attended, the majority of folks were South American, European or Asian. The agency sponsoring the workshop, Golin Harris, showed us this Cheerios commercial to ignite a discussion. I, and a handful of our UGA students, being American, were seemingly the only ones who had prior exposure to this commercial. We had already endured its fodder in our own time prior to the Fest.
What was so amazing to me though was that, when asked, literally NONE of the people in the room had any idea what the controversy was in this particular Cheerios ad. It finally took the workshop moderator spelling it out for the room (which, I can assure you he had not anticipated on having to do).
The fellow ad-industry professionals surrounding me audibly groaned, rolled their eyes or verbally expressed their disbelief at the moderator’s explanation of the trivial biracial factor of this ad.
How eye-opening, it is, that something that wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar in so many other parts of the world was considered controversial in the U.S. To say the least, it restored faith in my fellow man, but also made me question the me wonder what the hell is wrong with people here at home.
I know racism is very much alive in many pockets of the world in various cultures and countries every day. However, it is without question, a ridiculous issue for America –a civilized, educated (more so than other places…), Western society– to still have such a vocal presence at this day and age.
Grow up. Move on. Evolve.
Dumbfounding how a nation of people who have SO MUCH can still possess hoards of bigots who think so small…
…to the man who taught me to travel, love, laugh, cry and passionately pursue the moments that make life worth living (be it halting your career to go to Cannes every year or wearing short shorts while biking).
The morning I flew out to France this year was a mere two weeks ago.
I had a few hours to kill before Dan picked me up during his lunch break to drive me from our apartment to Hartsfield Jackson.
During that time I zipped up my toiletries, made sure my carry-ons were in order and went outside on the deck with my D90 in tow.
I snapped some photos of our recently planted red geranium flower boxes which oddly turned into an unplanned mini-photo shoot with my shadow…aka, our sweet puggle, Charley.
Seriously. LOOK at that FACE. Ahhh! I miss that baby girl so much while I’m gone these two months each year.
I miss my husband a little too, I guess. 🙂
But, man oh man, that dog has my heart. (I’ve switched back to talking about Charley now for those of you who may be suddenly questioning my marriage…)
Sitting in my French Riviera apartment tonight I came across these pre-departure photos on my camera as I was transferring some program stuff to my laptop and teared up looking at them.
Those big eyes, little forehead scrunches, the head tilt – it’s all there. So perfect and attentive and loving. Just waiting on what I will say to her next.
All my love to my little family back home in Atlanta!
Off The Duff 