Roseanne Barr Calls for End to Mommy Wars
Image by Getty Images
The last time The Shmooze noticed what the outspoken Roseanne Barr was up to, she had just announced that she was running for the Green Party’s presidential nomination. Now, we’ve taken note that she has inserted herself into the recent debate ignited by Hilary Rosen’s comments about Ann Romney’s “never having worked a day in her life.”
“I almost got sick to my stomach when I heard Hilary Rosen’s unfortunate words regarding Mrs. Mitt Romney,” Barr wrote in an April 16 piece for the Daily Beast. “It’s a shame that Rosen lobbed the Romney campaign a fat political softball they could smack over the gender fence. It’s especially unfortunate because Romney was on the ropes with American women, at least the ones with an IQ higher than Ramblin’ Rick Santorum’s. After the Republicans had alienated at least half the voting public by all but condemning birth control, suddenly Rosen’s remark enabled them to self-righteously assume the role of defenders of American motherhood,” she continued without mincing words.
Then she went on to rant specifically against the Romneys, and in general against “Women of the Right” and the GOP. But she concluded with a rebuke to both the Republicans and the Democrats, accusing them of diverting the conversation from things that really matter with regard to women’s reproductive rights and economic policies affecting the distribution of wealth.
Calling the mommy wars a “fake issue,” she wrote: “Let us not be dragged back into the ‘working mom versus stay-at-home mom’ dialogue. Let us stay on topic, working to create new solutions that work for the majority of all people in the U.S. instead of getting caught up in these silly, divisive audibles both parties employ as their Hail Mary attempts to throw us off task.”
It’s really no surprise that presidential candidate Barr, who used to like to be (ironically) referred to as “The Domestic Goddess” would want to weigh in on this matter. What remains to be seen, however, is whether her stand on the issue will affect how people vote.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
