Mayim Bialik

[narm]

I actually liked that silly commercial! Mayim can go kick rocks for her strident screaming about her way. Every time I see/read her yammer on, I think of my friend that desperately wanted to breastfeed, and couldn't. She got so much pushback from people that you would think would support her.

I'm actively angry about the anti-vax thing today, so I'm not even gonna touch that. I can't! I'm home with two sick kids and there is currently an outbreak here in my county- of the measles. Just taking of my pukey little babies on very little sleep has me emotional-I can't even imagine how scary it would be to be facing measles.

[smitten]

Feb 3, 2015 15:57:30 GMT -4 narm said:

I actually liked that silly commercial! Mayim can go kick rocks for her strident screaming about her way. Every time I see/read her yammer on, I think of my friend that desperately wanted to breastfeed, and couldn't. She got so much pushback from people that you would think would support her.

I'm actively angry about the anti-vax thing today, so I'm not even gonna touch that. I can't! I'm home with two sick kids and there is currently an outbreak here in my county- of the measles. Just taking of my pukey little babies on very little sleep has me emotional-I can't even imagine how scary it would be to be facing measles.

Now you can think of two friends, because the same thing happened to me. I don't know what would have happened to the smittenkittens if not for formula. Both were undernourished when I tried to exclusively BF and sk2 ended up in the hospital because I had no milk. I've never in my life felt more judged about anything than I did about not being able to Breastfeed.

ETA: I hope your little ones feel better soon!

[Ninja Bunny]

It think the whole breastfeeding cult is ridiculous. Certainly there are benefits to it but a kid isn't going to turn out a vegetable because he or she was raised on formula. A whole generation of kids were formula-fed and they turned out just fine. The pushy breastfeeders need to sit down and shut up.

It's especially hilarious coming from Mayim because she's beating the drum about formula and infant health but won't vaccinate her kids. She needs to sit down, shut up, and put a bag over her head.

[pachengala]

Feb 3, 2015 15:46:07 GMT -4 @highondegrassi said:

But I think that was the point. It's showing the various negative stereotypes that parents have about each other and how it shouldn't really matter. I saw it as comical exaggerations, not literal ones.

Definitely, definitely. Where I have a problem with it is in the "You silly little ladies, can't help being catty bitches no matter what. Let us, Formula Giant Similac, show you the err of your ways by depictions of a baby in danger; perhaps only THAT will get through to you morons." It's basically the commercial equivalent of Rand Paul shushing that female reporter. It hit me as gross, condescending, and basically reinforcing the stereotypes it pretends to mock.

Mileage obviously varies on this, and believe me, I'm not happy to be (sort of) in Bialik's camp on this one, but there it is. Again, eff you Similac.

[Deleted]

Feb 3, 2015 15:57:30 GMT -4 narm said:

Every time I see/read her yammer on, I think of my friend that desperately wanted to breastfeed, and couldn't.

Same thing happened to my sister. Her kid is 17yo now and it's still a very sensitive subject for her. There was SO much guilt.

[narm]

I can see your point, pachengala. I've been on almost sides of the mommy wars since I started birthin' babies, so I guess it just made me kinda laugh, then cry. I'm sleep deprived. That's probably the biggest reason.

Smitten, thanks! And I'm sorry you were judged. That is bullshit.

Mayim...I wanted to like her. I seriously doubt she'd like me, though.

Mulva...I'm sorry! That is just ridiculous. Like life isn't hard enough!

[Deleted]

Where I have a problem with it is in the "You silly little ladies, can't help being catty bitches no matter what. Let us, Formula Giant Similac, show you the err of your ways by depictions of a baby in danger; perhaps only THAT will get through to you morons." It's basically the commercial equivalent of Rand Paul shushing that female reporter.

But moms are the ones doing the "shushing" and that is the problem. The sad reality is that moms do act catty towards each other (just scroll down and read the comments under Mayim's post, or the comments on any mommy blog for that matter). This is a real issue that is perpetuated by women that should be brought out into the open and addressed by women. Blaming men or corporations or advertisements isn't going to make the problem go away. All that being said, I saw this commercial as comical. It was like an SNL skit, only funny.

[tanyak]

Feb 3, 2015 17:24:17 GMT -4 @highondegrassi said:

But moms are the ones doing the "shushing" and that is the problem. The sad reality is that moms do act catty towards each other (just scroll down and read the comments under Mayim's post, or the comments on any mommy blog for that matter). This is a real issue that is perpetuated by women that should be brought out into the open and addressed by women. Blaming men or corporations or advertisements isn't going to make the problem go away. All that being said, I saw this commercial as comical. It was like an SNL skit, only funny.

Exactly. DS turned 5 a couple of months ago, and I'm finally nearing the end of the mommy debates. Breast/formula, vax/don't vax (although, vax, people), introduce solids/don't introduce solids, stay at home/work, rear face/forward face. Ugh. My last hurdle seems to be another carseat issue - leave in harness/move to booster. And then I'm free, people. Free!

Despite her education and "I study science" stance, Mayim is saying nothing new or groundbreaking. She's just another commenter on a mommy blog. It's all been said again and again and again. From all sides.

[pachengala]

Feb 3, 2015 17:24:17 GMT -4 @highondegrassi said:

But moms are the ones doing the "shushing" and that is the problem. The sad reality is that moms do act catty towards each other (just scroll down and read the comments under Mayim's post, or the comments on any mommy blog for that matter). This is a real issue that is perpetuated by women that should be brought out into the open and addressed by women. Blaming men or corporations or advertisements isn't going to make the problem go away. All that being said, I saw this commercial as comical. It was like an SNL skit, only funny.

I guess I'm lucky that this isn't my reality, as I've mostly experienced positive, supporting relationships with other moms. And in general I'm reluctant to blame the "women are catty bitches" stereotype on women exclusively, since we live in a patriarchy that foments that kind of behavior. Just like racism is systemic and not something people of color can fight on their own just by "being better," so to is sexism a system that women can't overcome by "being better." So again, YMMV--we can agree to disagree. I think Similac (as I never tire of repeating) can eff themselves for pretending that women can't get along unless a baby's life is in danger, and others find the commercial harmless. Shrug.

ETA: Narm, I'm 35 weeks pregnant and totally sleep deprived too and admit to tearing up at the end, like holy pregnant lady emotions!

[Deleted]

I guess I'm lucky that this isn't my reality, as I've mostly experienced positive, supporting relationships with other moms. And in general I'm reluctant to blame the "women are catty bitches" stereotype on women exclusively, since we live in a patriarchy that foments that kind of behavior.

When it comes to moms criticizing other moms, it's exclusively women. There are issues to do with the patriarchy surrounding child care expenses and maternity leave, etc. that can create more stress and guilt and separate parents out based on financial needs. But when it comes to choices and circumstances like breastfeeding and when to start toilet training and what books to read your kids and so on and so on, issues that are very personal and emotional, that's where women really take the lead in creating needless schisms that can turn them against one another. Yes, there are patriarchal factors, but the overlying problem that causes the most heartache and pain and guilt stems from the criticism and judgment that comes from other women. That needs to stop, and women are the only ones who can stop it.