Replies

Jessica (formerly David) and her (formerly his) mother having a conversation when she (formerly he) was 8 years old: Mom: So, David, what do you want to be when you grow up?

David: I want to be a policewoman.

Mom: Don't you mean policeman?

David: No. I mean policewoman. I mean, haven't you seen those absolutely fabulous skirts they get to wear?

Mom: We'll discuss this with your father when he gets home. Meanwhile, why don't you go out back and play football or some other rough all-male type sports. Alternative reply by Mom, assuming she and father (if he was around during David's childhood) Mom: Oh, that's just wonderful that you want to express your true self David. You're father will be so proud when he gets home from today's protest against capitalism, racism, sexism, republicans, nukes, guns and the war in vietnam. Meanwhile, why don't you finish that macrame project, you know, the one where you're making your own clothes for non-gender specific Barbie.

Ooops. note correction in bold Jessica (formerly David) and her (formerly his) mother having a conversation when she (formerly he) was 8 years old: Mom: So, David, what do you want to be when you grow up? David: I want to be a policewoman. Mom: Don't you mean policeman? David: No. I mean policewoman. I mean, haven't you seen those absolutely fabulous skirts they get to wear? Mom: We'll discuss this with your father when he gets home. Meanwhile, why don't you go out back and play football or some other rough all-male type sports.

Alternative reply by Mom, assuming she and father (if he was around during David's childhood) are 60's liberals (pretty safe assumption, no?): Mom: Oh, that's just wonderful that you want to express your true self David. You're father will be so proud when he gets home from today's protest against capitalism, racism, sexism, republicans, nukes, guns and the war in vietnam. Meanwhile, why don't you finish that macrame project, you know, the one where you're making your own clothes for non-gender specific Barbie.