I don't understand why more Americans aren't displeased with the characterizations "Joe Six-pack" and "Hockey Mom." They're both rather demeaning, really. As if every American male lives for the six-pack of beer. Or every American woman centers her self-concept on her children's athletic endeavors. It's stereotypical rhetoric right up there with saying blacks can't be trusted, Mexicans are lazy, gays are promiscuous and straights are prude. It's the same slander as saying no woman can drive well and all men cheat on their wives.
Yet many Americans, male and female, just eat this stuff up. They identify with the label, see themselves when they hear the words.
And they should be offended.
Why aren't they?
My wife and I are not Joe Six-pack and Hockey Mom. We are Barry and Susan, two people leading one conjoined life of blissful, harmonious union interspersed with moments of chaos and strife.
Just like everyone else.
Joe Six-pack and Hockey Mom don't even exist. They're figments of someone's imagination, someone who craves power, and seeks to acquire it by capturing your vote. Don't give it to this person. Reject the labels of Joe Six-pack and Hockey Mom.
Be who you are.
You deserve better than this person will give you.
You are better.
