Simone de Beauvoir

Friday, September 21, 2012

More About The Bridge

The Simone de Beauvoir pedestrian bridge is therefore anything but a mundane structure,
as is amply illustrated by its winning the 2007 European Steel Design Award.

Red Dresses

I think of my blog often, but not often enough to do something about its continuity, probably because it requires time and thought. And research. I am in constant pursuit of information regarding Simone. There are times when I regret this blog. It’s dependent upon me for its survival and there are days when I just don’t have any more resources to give to it. If only it could whine, my maternal instincts would respond in a nano-second.


So, today, many months since my last post, I write with motives that are not exactly honorable:  I am avoiding the completion of an on-line a test with a deadline of seven hours from now. I’m at work—where the noisy atmosphere isn’t conducive to studying for the exam, let alone taking it—where I’m encouraged to attend to academics when time allows. So I turn to Simone.

Simone, who had numerous published books through-out her lifetime, has a bridge in her honor, and has been deemed a feminist icon, empowers me to take on the world and leave my mark. Simone’s first book was published when she was 35. I’m officially behind schedule. Moving on.

I also feel some sort of weird expectation to live up to an award I received as an undergraduate which bears her name. She haunts me. Her books line my shelves. I read her work and want to write. And empower other women. And inspire them.

deBeauvoir's The Second Sex, Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter  and several other works, live happily on the same shelf as Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress, and Confessions of a Little Black Gown, romance novels by another favorite author of mine, Elizabeth Boyle, who creates heroines which are strong, smart, determined, and beautiful. They also attract men based on these formidable characteristics.

Boyle inspires me, too. Author. Wife. Mother. Friend. She has written numerous books—seventeen earning their spot on The NY Times Best Seller List. Not bad for a woman who started out as a paralegal. Today, Boyle tweets about her personal adventures in everyday life—pie-baking, kid toting, book-promoting, knitting wife. Boyle inspired me because she’s genuine. Life is filled with opportunities when it’s a full as hers. But when I visit Boyle’s website, I want to become a Boyle heroine. I want to take my own personal adventure.

Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress was one of the first Boyle historical romances I ever read. It invoked the idea of a party where all the attending women wore red dresses (as scandalous or ‘non-scandalous’ as they want. Why a red dress? Wear one and you’ll understand.

Don’t believe me? Check out the “Red Dress” episode on the Katie Couric Show and “The Traveling Red Dress Revisited”.

My red dress was donated to a local thrift store benefitting a women’s shelter. It will live on and change the life of another woman. In the meantime, I am going in search of a new one. Probably not scandalous. Certainly empowering. I hope it will make Boyle and deBeauvoir proud.

I'd be willing to bet Simone had a red dress, too.

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Next Chapter

Most don't know of Simone, let alone know that there's a bridge named after her in Paris, France.  I'd like to think Parisians and feminists are proud to know of her.  I recall the first time I saw her portrait and, honestly, my reaction was that she bore an uncanny resemblance to Wallis Simpson.
Wallis Simpson

Simone de Beauvoir
Maybe it's their center-parted, pulled-back, tightly twisted and wind-defying secured hairstyles. Or hair color. Maybe it's the look of certainty they have in their eyes and the determination with which they lived. 

Both ladies have had an impact on women today. 

Simpson may be for some a dramatic, romantic figure for it was because of her a king gave up his throne.  Ironically, the king's niece became queen of that country and continues to celebrate her 60th year as HRH Queen Elizabeth II.  How many women long for the kind of love that King Edward VIII felt for Mrs. Simpson?  He gave up E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.  Kingdom, wealth, respect of the royal family and court.  For a twiced-divorced woman, who was also, perish the thought, an AMERICAN!  In the end, she lived life as she wanted and with whom she wanted.  I'm sure the extensive collection of jewelry softened the blow of knowing she'd never be Queen of England. There isn't a bridge that honors Simpson that I know of.  There are numerous gossipy writings and scathing accounts of her partying ways, though.

Simone de Beauvoir, on the other hand, philosophized the world that a woman and a man should be treated equally.  According to Biography.com, "Simone de Beauvoir revealed herself as a woman of formidable courage and integrity, whose life supported her thesis: the basic options of an individual must be made on the premises of an equal vocation for man and woman founded on a common structure of their being, independent of their sexuality." 

Simpson, it is said, used her feminine wiles to get what she wanted; de Beauvoir used her mind and her pen.

So I suggest that we try and follow in the footsteps of deBeauvoir. 

Why?  I'm not going to get into the history of feminism, but suffice it to say that because of Simone, I, as a women, can share my thoughts on this blog and it should be treated the same as that of any man. We are all equals, despite physical abilities.  Sure men can do one thing standing up.  Big deal.  Personally I enjoy taking a few minutes to sit.  Maybe because I've been on my feet doing nine other things in the last ten minutes and a chance to sit is welcomed.  Woman can give birth; I don't think that makes us 'better'.  It makes us incredible.  Talk about a miracle!  Carry a living being around, nurture it and bring it into the world.  Not 'better' but different.   Men and women are created differently and together, they work well.  So why must we designate one better than the other?  Why pay one more than the other?  Why subject one to ridicule, abuse, and even death, at the hands of the other?

Follow in the footsteps of Simpson, and where does it get you?  Ostracized, banished, and the subject of books.  Be inspired by de Beauvoir and you write your own books! 

And then there's the whole bridge thing to consider.....

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Simone and Arnold Schwenegger

The world is abuzz with news of former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's love child. He admitted to fathering a child about ten years ago. He just now told his wife, Maria Shriver, and their children. His declaration is apparently what sent her out of their marital home.


When I read this news earlier today, I had a gazillion thought racing through my mind. First was initial shock. Then it was sadness for Maria and the young people who call Arnold 'Dad'. My heart goes out to them. Having to deal with personal issues is one thing; doing it with the world watching is quite another, I imagine.

I read somewhere that Arnold had pulled a "John Edwards". Now we're naming bastardizing children after politicians? Seriously? Arnold is apologetic and explanatory. I just don't buy it. Sorry. Is he sorry now? As in now that he was "caught"?

For years the secret was easily hidden. The mother of the child said that her husband was the baby's father. OK, so the affair is relatively easy to hide and the pregnancy is explained. Now what?

The Schwarzenegger marriage may be over. What about the mother's marriage? Will it survive? Was the husband blindsided by the news? Did he read about in on TMZ.com? In the Washington Post? Or did she, his wife of however many years, fess up?

Schwarzenegger has issued statements including public apologies and has asked that the press leave Maria and their children alone. In addition, he has stated that he has been financially supporting the child. Why confess now? Who 'wins' with this confession? Arnold. Just Arnold. His conscience is clear, but he's also left a path of mega destruction.

And then there are the children whose parents engaged in sex outside their marriages.

What in the world will the 'love child' be told? Granted the Schwarzenegger family is comprised of young adults. They may be able to grasp the behavior. I'm fairly certain they won't like it or approve of it. However, there is a child whose world is about to be turned upside down. The man thought to be "Daddy" really isn't.

Why has such behavior become acceptable? Look at John Edwards. He eventually fessed up. What ramifications has he endured? His wife left him. Now he's entangled in a coverup scheme over a film proving the infidelity.

Can a lesson be learned here? Yes. Here's a very blunt one: affairs ruin lives. Guys-- keep it in your pants. Ladies--if he cheats WITH you, he'll cheat ON you. No exceptions! None. Not even Prince Charles. His infidelity is probably going to cost him the crown. There are high costs when a couple has an affair. The biggie is a loss of respect. Any respect anyone had for you is gone. Even those who may consider you a "big stud" or pat you on the back for bedding another woman, deep down they think a whole lot less of you.


 
In case you aren't aware of the irony in this, let me share it with you. Simone-Ernestine-Lucie-Marie Bertrand de Beauvoir,or as I call her, Simone de Beauvoir--the woman whose name appears in the title of this blog--was involved in a relationship with Jean-Paul Sartre. He asked her to marry and she declined. They never married nor did they live together; however it has been noted that they shared lovers. Apparently Simone and Jean-Paul preferred “mén•age à trois” to “monogamy”.

So now we have a distinct difference between Simone and me. One of which I am most proud.

As for Maria, I think she'll survive.  I believe she will even come out stronger when this all calms down.  She is part of America's dynasty and deeply respected by Democrats and Republicans alike.  Most of all she is loved.   


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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Untitled and unemployed

Hello, Dear Readers,

It's been way too long since I last blogged. Why? To quote one of my favorite movies, Top Gun, "the list is long but distinguished."

Job hunting would be the first reason, if I start to list them all. Gone are the 'good old days' when one applied for a position by mail and received a phone call to set up an interview. Lately, I apply online and receive an automatically generated "do not reply to this email" message that basically says 'don't call us, we'll call you'. While I can certainly understand how this arrangement works for productivity and such by eliminating personalized letters and other things requiring individualized attention, the silent treatment doesn't fly with me.

First of all, if I'm taking the time and considerable effort to apply for a position within your company, I'd like to be acknowledged. To that end, you've generated your auto-acknowledge email. I can't begin to tell you how my heart races when I see a (1) in my Inbox becaues I think it's a request for more information or an interview.

Secondly, since I took the time to handcraft a cover letter and resume, please extend to me the courtesy of an individualized reply. I don't send a "one letter says it all" to you and all the other corporations, organizations, and institutions. No, I don't even use a mail merge function in MS Word. I painstakingly re-write each letter to reflect the position and its requirements.

Next, I'd like you to send me a message saying that the position is closed. Otherwise, how do I know that I'm still being considered? Remember, you've stealthfully hidden all forms of possible human contact for follow up.

When you decide to extend the offer and the lucky candidate accepts your offer, please do me the kindness of sending me a message indicating that the position has been filled. It's disconcerting to sit and wonder if you're still searching or not. Honestly, I'd rather receive an email of rejection than not know. While that may sound odd, it provides closure. I realize this might require effort on your part because you would have to generate another "do not reply to this email" message, but I'm worth your effort. Really.

Having been at this job hunting 'business' for some time now, I wonder if there really are jobs out there or if job postings are just a way to see who's interested in your company. I only apply for those jobs for which I qualify. I don't pad my resume to give myself more experience. I won't waste your time reading an application of someone who clearly isn't qualified.

Thanks for letting me vent. I must return now to applying for jobs. Hope to hear something...anything...OK, anything but crickets... soon.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Confession is good for the soul and for conversation

Hello, dear readers and let me begin with a heartfelt apology for my lack of posts.  It would be so easy to tell you that I've been on a whirl-wind adventure or stricken with some horrible affliction that prohibits me from writing.

The truth is that what has prevented me from writing is a sheer lack of desire.  As I've sat around trying to formulate the start of a post, I would be paralyzed by the idea that off the top of my head I had nothing in common with Simone.  The panic could only be alleviated by research and, honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was read something philosophical.  I've been doing a lot of scholarly reading lately and wanted a change.

My semester break reading list includes light-hearted, you-know-how-it-will-end, fun books.  Yes, some have smutty sections.  I will state loud and proud that not only do I enjoy "bodice-rippers"--I also have a select view in my library and they are inscribed, too--but one day I hope to write one. 

There.  I've said it. 

Back to Simone and Me. 

Then it hit me.  A commonality.

Simone and Sartre and their intellectual peers would sit around for hours and talk.  About what exactly I don't know, because I've been working on my "Semester Break Reading List" and making serious headway.

The point is that Simone and her peeps were found talking, socializing, and smoking in public places.  Surely the size of the gathering would grow as other friends stopped by to share their thoughts.

I went to the local Wal-Mart recently to grab a few things and spotted some great folks who I hadn't seen in a while.  In fact the last time we visited was in Wal-Mart.  Marge and I chatted about everything from what's been going on lately in our respective lives--she was quick to point out that I hadn't posted anything here--to what we'd be doing in the near future. 

No, we didn't get involved in serious, philosophical discussions.  Nor did we smoke (it's prohibited and not a habit of either conversationalist).  We stood, shared, and enjoyed our conversation.

Marge's husband joined in and the discussion flowed to his passion, fishing.  I have been three times, so I couldn't relate much, if at all, to his stories, but enjoyed them none the less.

My point? 

I don't know.  You see, I started this post months ago.  I had forgotten about it until I found it whatever it is that Blogger.com calls the place where my posts, both published and saved, are stored. 

As I re-read it, I changed "Summer Break Reading List" to "Semester Break Reading List" along with a few other editorial corrections.  I thought I could use this saved draft as my latest blog.  I can't because I haven't a clue as to where I was going with it.

Now, I have chosen to post it and publish it for all to see.  I started it with a confession and will end it similarly. 

I'm fairly certainly Simone is rolling in her grave, shocked at my audacity to 're-blog'. 

Hopefully, she's also grateful that I've given her something new to discuss with Sartre, et. al.  where ever they are.