9-5 v 24/7

We all do it: say something one way that comes out another and often not the way we intended. However, when one misspeaks on an international stage, especially in the midst of a hotly-contested election year, the gaffe goes viral and the ramifications become earth-shaking. Thus, the “she’s never worked a day in her life” comment that sent women’s liberation back a century, as well as provided an unexpected new platform for a Republican candidate. A job is lost, a lesson is learned, and, perhaps, an election is won by the slip of the tongue.

As the commercial touts, some things are priceless, such as the free publicity garnered from a media interview that went sideways. A cottage industry erupted over night, featuring mugs and political products that proudly proclaim, “I’m a mother and I do work!” Ouch; isn’t that a point made long ago and reinforced by passage of Title 9 legislation? Women can both work outside the home and raise children, and women can raise children and work hard at that job, especially, perhaps, a political candidate’s wife who not only has to deal with her husband’s very public career, but her passel of sons and her own battles with MS. Somehow, in the media's spinning of the slip of the commentator's tongue, life for a mother with money became much easier, less stressful, and not really as much work as life for any other mother. As one commentator responded over the weekend, Michelle Obama is not “working outside the (White) House,” but no one could possibly accuse her of “not working” because she’s at home with her children, has help with childcare and household chores, and is much wealthier than many mothers.

The moment the ill-conceived words were out of the original speaker’s mouth, she knew it was going to get ugly, and it has. Is what she said worthy of her losing her job? Probably not, but in today’s media madness, there is no “oops.” If there is no news, make some; if there is no issue, create one. People thrive on discord, disharmony, and going viral in the most egregious way they can find to do so.

Some old school words of wisdom may put things into perspective: there, but for the grace of God, go I. It may not be me this time, but it may be me the next time, so treat everyone every time as you would like to be treated when it’s your time.