Anne-Marie Slaughter’s article in the Atlantic, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” has set off dozens of
debates. (For example, see here and here and here and here.) Slaughter, who is the former director of policy
planning at the State Department, makes many interesting points.
But what is all? Does it have to be complete and total
success in every aspect of life? Is perfection the only possible goal? Do many
of us compare ourselves to some nonexistent “Goddess of Having It All”? Do we
see ourselves as solo performers with way too many things to juggle?
What about this? What about all being doing the best you
can—and being willing to accept help?
Accepting help doesn’t make us less perfect. It doesn’t
mean that we’re failing. It just means that we’re accepting help. At HRI, we’re
particularly aware of the importance of help because we provide Work/Life
services for millions of people. We have seen—over and over—how receiving
assistance finding child care or a geriatric care manager or even tickets to a
ballgame can take a little bit of the pressure off. And, sometimes, off-loading
that little bit of pressure can make all the difference.
Did you read Slaughter’s article? Did you agree with her
points? Were you annoyed? Is this a setback for feminism? We’d love to hear
from you.
--by Yael Schneiderman
Yael Schneiderman is HRI’s Director of Marketing and
Communications. She’s also a full-time mother.
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