infantilization

Have you ever noticed that:
(a) we expect the wives of politicians (as well as, these days, Miss America) to pick a cause to promote
(b) when the wives pick causes that deal with grownup issues, they're booed and trashed in the press, and
(c) it all works when the wives pick something having to do with children?

Exhibit A: Hilary Clinton and health care (evil spawn of Satan)
Exhibit B: Laura Bush and children's libraries (nice, funny, kind, and gentle)
Exhibit C: Anne Romney (Mrs. Mitt) and children's literacy (sweet, admirable)

Excuse me while I stick my finger down my throat and gag. Now that we know that women are incapable of thinking alongside the menfolk, and that they're much better suited to tending to the needs of children, can I complain about one more thing? Maternity dresses with ruffles, more suitable for five-year olds than for grown women.

OK, so when do we get to grow up? Perhaps if we asked nicely, the men would let us sit at the grownup table. Naahhhh...