Barefoot and Pregnant

When did this phrase become a motto for the left against conservatives? Pro-life supporters - all they want is for women to be barefoot and pregnant? Back in June 2011, Rep Bob Hagen, a Democrat from Youngstown, said: “You should feel uncomfortable about this vote. This is about the rights of women to make a decision about what their life will be. … Barefoot and pregnant, that’s where they want you.” In response to an Ohio law that would make abortion illegal after detecting a fetal heartbeat (which can be seen early in the 1^st trimester).

And now conservatives are against strong women and they just want women to get in the kitchen and get pregnant? ...and he accuses Michele Bachmann of being against strong women? She has a quite successful life: law degree, career as a tax lawyer, raised 28 children, and now congresswoman and presidential hopeful. Ummm...WHAT?!?

When I hear the phrase "barefoot and pregnant" an image appears in my head - One of a poor uneducated woman dependent upon others.  As a woman who chooses to become pregnant and chooses to stay home and raise those children, I am offended at the negative connotation given to such a job. I have educated myself (Bachelors in Nursing) and I would consider myself strong and independent.  Yet I maintain and standup for traditional values of home and family. I think staying at home full-time with my children is the best thing for them and me (as I learn and grow while teaching them). I have not been able to find the whole speech given by Rep. Ellison but it would be interesting to see if he mentions which views or causes Michele Bachmann supports that make her “anti-women”, if he gives any examples at all. It would seem that some people are content to attack without feeling the need to give evidence to support their beliefs.

(Apparently the phrase been used since the 1940s – but I still am offended by the use of this phrase to attack conservatives. Not only am I a conservative but I don’t think we need to continue the negative attitudes towards women and mothers who really do believe that the best work we can do is at home.)