Keeping Katie
"It was just a comment. It didn't mean anything."
"It didn't mean anything? So you think a womans biology is a joke? It's something that means she's less than a male?"
"No."
"That's what it sounds like to me."
"It's not. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?"
"Because it is a big deal, Laslo. What you said is demeaning to me and every other woman. Women are built differently than men for a reason. It takes both kinds of people to keep the species up."
"Karen, I know that. I'm not stupid."
"I know that. You can bake a cake, you can make a full meal if you want to, I know because I taught you myself. How would you feel if I said you're less than a man because you bake and cook and even sew? Those are things everyone needs to know. Those are things you can help. Biology isn't even something you can control. How big you grow, how tall you are, what color your hair is. To say someone is cranky and you don't understand them so they must be having a particular time of the month is the equivalent of saying he's too lazy to figure it out. You're smarter than that. Don't hide behind that excuse."
"I guess you're right."
"I know I am. If you don't believe me ask Don. In fact what was that comment about Charlene and school?"
"Nothing."
"I think that was another comment you need to explain."
"It's just that she always did this kind of thing."
"So?"
"I have schoolwork to do, and other chores…."
"And? Spit it out."
"It's her job."
"You mean it's womens work?"
"No."
"But that's what you implied."
"I did not."
"Laslo."
"Okay so I thought it okay. Are you happy now?"
"No. I'm confused. Where are you getting this stuff? None of the others have said anything like it before."
"There's this new coach at school. He's a nice guy and he's been helping some of the jocks get ready for the season. He says things like that."
"Ah. Well, then I guess I can understand where you got it from. Listen to the rest of the world, Laslo, and then decide if what you hear in school is something you want to be remembered for saying. Oh and just so you know, you're cooking dinner for the whole family for a week. Let's just see if this is womans work or if a man can handle it. Then we'll discuss again whether women or men are stronger."
"A week?"
"Yep, and by the way, BB did have something to be upset about. You should have found that out yourself."
"Man, that's not fair." Laslo said angrily.
"Next time, think before you open your mouth."
