"The Mummies on the Bus go chatter, chatter chatter" Really?

[BespokeStereophonicVinyl]

So, I attend a regular nursery rhyme session at my local library and 'The Wheels on the Bus' now seems to comprise the above delight, together with the equally offensive "The Daddies on the bus go shush, shush, shush"

I'm really bristling at this example of everyday sexism. Yes, I am a mother, but I am also educated to Post Grad level and have a bunch of fairly heavyweight professional qualifications too. Prior to having DD, I held a senior position in a very male dominated field and really resent the implication that when a woman (who may or may not have children) speaks, it should be assumed that it is mere 'chatter'. I'm also really unhappy with the idea that a big manly man has to step in to shut up all these hysterically chattering women, otherwise where would the world be, eh?

AIBU to take this up with the library/council? I just don't want DD to face the same constant battle that I did, to be taken seriously in life just because she's a woman. I think we owe it to the next generation to challenge this trivialisation of women's opinions.

*Today 15:50 liquidrevolution

The Brides on the bus go Maui Maui Maui

ooh just think of the fancy hula arm movements we could do to this!*

I found myself doing the moves :)

I wish things like this were all I had to bother me

Maybe the mummies are chattering about their post grad qualifications and world politics

Seriously

Greys suppose some of use may have been subjected to the end result of deep seated 'women are different' beliefs. Grown ups with these beliefs can be really damaging and something to worry about. I am really happy for you if you have not encountered this.

Daddies went "don't bother me now I'm reading my paper" when we went to a group. All the little ones saying this all seriously always made us laugh.

Oh and that "little" star is a celestial body of hot gases radiating energy. It does a little more than twinkle!!

Thanks OP for this thread. It has given me a right giggle this afternoon and it'll give me something to chatter about later on.

For goodness sake, Its a nursery rhyme
Have a and let it go

I go on buses a lot I can't say I've had many deep and meaningful conversations on them - it is just idle chat mostly.

On trains it's easier to work or read and actually have had some more than polite chit chat on planes and trains but not really buses. Even walking is easier to have deep conversions than on buses and certainly more private.

I'm not sure why maybe its because you have to keep a look out for your stops that the driver doesn't suddenly decide to miss out part of the route you need - that actually happens - maybe as you been waiting forever often less than ideal as buses are often bad for keeping to timetables.

All the chattering is to do more with the mode of transport than any judgement about the designated group of people engaged in it though I suspect vast majority of the people on this thread drive and haven't been on buses in years and this passes them by.

Oh my goodness what world are we bringing our children up in! Mothers actually speaking to each other on public transport?! Shocked to my core! Whilst there please bring it to light that children should no longer be singing about the actual wheels on the bus at all! They should be taught about the wheels on the bicycle go round and round or the feet in your shoes go walk walk walk !! How will we tackle obesity or global warming if we teach our children from a very young age to ride buses!!!!

Seriously OP how do you find time to come up with this crap???

Well actually yes I have teatime. But no, still can't bring myself to be so absolutely ridiculous about a nursery rhyme.

And what's wrong with chattering anyway? Why is it being seen as a negative . Or are women only worthy when discussing their work in male dominated fields and their post grad.

It's akin to the false outrage at 'baa baa black sheep'.

Maybe because I don't have a PG degree but I don't quite get what the issue is. I'm educated and a mum and do quite like a chatter! How else could you describe it? Talk, talk, talk?

It must be great to have so few real problems in life to worry about

I have only read the op but have to say this used to annoy me too. It still annoys me even though I've returned to my postgraduate-type job now! Everyday sexism, innit.

U2 I was under the impression pre-verbal children cried as an effective way to communicate their needs. Do you see it as whinging?

I was being sarcastic.

It annoys me very (very very very) slightly.

Have to say I think the Daddies come off worse - "the Daddies on the bus say 'stop that noise'" how joyless and grumpy do they sound?

Yup, everyday sexism.

Must take note that songs about mums must only involve how absolutely intelligent and fabulous they are otherwise it's everyday sexism. Singing about mums doing perfectly normal things is sexist.

Just proved my point right there Rhombus
You are doing feminism properly. Those who don't agree are not 'fully woken up'

Yes and I realised that would be your reaction, though I it stress that it was my opinion, just as you have yours.

But if you don't think it matters, where do you think all the sexism we are surrounded by, and its really major ramifications (women regularly being killed, trapped in abusive relationships, getting paid less, being left with most of the housework and childcare and held back by that) actually comes from, and how it gets passed on down the generations?

Stuff like this, is how. If you don't think it's that, what do you think causes it?

If you want your dd to be taken seriously then don't fill her head full of this shit for a start.

Because you are well qualified and had a senior position before you had a child, does this mean you have to be an anti social stuck up mare and not talk to people on a bus, or should you not be travelling by bus, rather than limo.
I've never heard such drivel being spouted.

Ah yes female children not receiving an education in some countries is completely down to kids singing about mums chattering.

I'm being facetious, but seriously there's recognising attitudes that contribute to sexism and then there's looking into everything trying to find reasons to be offended.

Yes totally irritates me too so I avoid using it. Unfortunately complaining probably won't get you anywhere.

I don't think your being unreasonable. I went to one once where the mummies went "nag nag nag"

Do people really not get the difference between "chatter" and talk?

how nice for all these women that havent experienced the damage that years and years of casual sexism does. I have lived through it for the past 20 years and seen the discrimination and belittling first hand (and second hand, and third hand) . Interesting that those that haven't felt it personally choose to mock and scoff. I've never experienced domestic violence or being left in a mess when the sole earner husband does the younger model trade in but I don't go on the relationship boards and tell them they're being ridiculous.

*you're (stupid phone)