OT/OOC/RANT MODE

I am unconventional. I am this way by choice and not just having it thrust on me by the name Georg and the presence of boobies, plus the "wonderful" handicap of multiple chemical sensitivity. I am probably one of the most liberal minded people that I know. And the more I think about this bear, the more furious I can become. It's not something I *want* to get worked up about, but it is certainly a symptoms of one of the multitude of things I see wrong in our society, and perhaps it reminds me a lot of what's wrong -or could be perceived as being wrong- with me. I like the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. I've toured the factory. I like how they use recycled plastic for the joints and eyes- the plastic comes direct from the Ben & Jerry's factory and they get their supplies in 5-gallon buckets, so those buckets are melted down and remade into something the VTBC can use. Very environmentally friendly- and the bears are made in Vermont with no illegal immigrants or exploited workers in sight. It's a good company.

But I admit, the thought of a gestating stuffed animal is just creepy. I remember the first pregnant Barbie that came out- she had a plastic piece that popped off so you could take the baby out of her belly. That was very controversial at the time (late 70s if I remember right). I thought it was creepy then, and I was a kid. Most of the objections were however that children should not learn these things in this manner and certainly not from Barbie. In retrospect, Barbie was such a tramp between her lavish lifestyle with GIJoe and Ken, it's a wonder they never had STD Barbie or Addict Barbie.

This bear is an idealized picture of modern happy baby bulshit. "Bearfoot" is a cute pun for something intended to be cloying, but I don't get a "kick" out of it. This bear obviously has someone besides Uncle Sam taking care of the rent and the cost of fuzzy ice cream and pickles that still look like rotted meat to me. This bear isn't worried about making ends meet or little bear's college tuition in the future- and certainly the price tag is a serious dent in anyone's funds- well okay, it's cheaper than Beautician Bear, and that's just disturbing to me. The other disturbing bears are Bingo Bear and Casino Mom Bear (complete with pink track suit). This bear is so republican family values that I find it nauseating.

But I'm not going to be one to revel in being pregnant or dependant on someone else for my pickles and ice cream. I don't do a tremendous amount of "cute." I don't buy into marriage as the only way procreation happens, nor did I marry for the joy of same. I don't view my marriage as being dependant on my spouse, I'd be insulted if anyone hinted at that. I am a partner. I have a partner. We share in our duties, trials, and our joys. I did not marry to waddle around eating bon-bons. Nor did I marry to be a subservient to my master.

I don't hate kids or babies. Or pregnant women. I just choose not to be pregnant nor have babies or kids. and this rubs my nose in it, making me feel like society wants me to want those things, and that I ought to feel guilty for not trying harder to make them happen. Maybe I do feel a little guilty. But truly, if I wanted it, I'd have had it. And if that means I am walking an unusual path, then so be it. I'd just like a little less guff and pressure to conform sometimes.  ¶ 1:34 PM