The Misogyny of Mother’s Day—and How to Resist it

Misogyny neglects and punishes “bad” women and puts “good” women on a pedestal. So does Mother’s Day.

There’s a common perception among my crowd that Mother’s Day is sort of irritating, but ultimately benign. There’s an indulgent way we laugh at the burnt French Toast served way too late in bed, leaving behind a messy kitchen. There’s a certain looking the other way at much of the messaging: that mothers are to be celebrated, albeit only once per annum, for being giving, self-sacrificing, and caring only about their families.

I am here to tell you that none of this is benign. It is the rosy face of a misogyny that punishes women who are wayward and disobedient—and will ultimately punish any woman for not being everything, everywhere, all at once, for everyone.