"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.

No we do see it, but not in this song.

Chattering is not a bad thing. Mummies chattering is not a bad thing. Mummies chattering is not sexist.

Has anybody in their whole life heard the word "chattering used to describe men talking? Ever^?

For those who don't like the chattering, what should mummies on the bus be doing then?

I agree that chatting is stereotypically assigned to women - and it's talking without any real intelligence or purpose unlike important manly ways of speech. It's like when people describe a group of people chatting as a 'mothers' meeting'.
Yes it sounds petty and ridiculous in isolation but when you look at all children's books/songs/TV programmes it all adds up to a rather ugly picture.

I am not sure I have heard 'chattering' or chatter much at all in relation to anyone. Just 'chatting' mainly.

Good question Grays. I tend to say the parents on the bus chatter, that makes it a lot easier!

Can you honestly not think of another suitable verb? "OMG- the song is ruined! Chattering is the only possible word!^ We'mnever be able to sing The Wheels on the Bus again! And it's all because of those pesky feminists!"

My Dad used to sing the women on the bus go nag nag nag!

DH will often come back from somewhere and say he's 'had a chat' with someone. Or he will 'have a chat' with DS. hope that's ok.

When I sing it, the mummies on the bus go read read read

It's the daddies who chatter chatter chatter

And the children who go text text text

And you see no difference between "having a chat" and "chattering"?

Nothing on Matthew Wright just yet.....

Bert why would I need to think of one when I think the chatter one is perfectly adequate. If people don't like it the onus is on them to find something they do. Again, what would be suitable?

Women are not insecure creatures that can't possibly be seen to chatter lest people think it's all they do

No we do see it, but not in this song.

^^ THIS.

I'm well educated and worked in male dominated field - I don't make this assumption in the OP.

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'

It's not saying women only chatter or what they say can be dismissed and I don't see that implication.

I've sung versions where Dad's and GM chatter is it still dismissive when sung about groups that are male?

Chatter doesn't seem a bad description but would using natter help - " talk casually, especially on unimportant matters; chat. as in they nattered away for hours" - my DH is always having a natter at work.

Having a chat is to chattering as having a drink is to drinking unless you've for some strange reason attached a negative connatation to it. Chatting/chattering are the same.

Oh is 'nattering' allowed or not?

The problem here I think is a woman's insecurity. We seem to think that we have to uphold ourselves to a different standard and that simple things such as having a chatter are negative because they're not showing us to be some academic, high flying stick it to the man type person. When that shouldn't be the case. I'm a woman and I chatter. I am not ashamed of that.

In ours, the daddies say 'stop that noise' to the mummies 'chatter, chatter, chatter'. So the next verse should be, 'the mumsnetters on the bus shout LTB, LTB....'

Grays drink isn't a great example for you argument- we all drink but if I described you as a drinker people would infer something else. Men chat, describing women (specifically mummies providing childcare) as chattering implies its all they do because of the cultural associations (see Vashta 's mothers' meeting comment).

'mothers' meeting'* Never liked that term - as that is dismissive of mothers.

I think natter is used instead of chatter where DH hails from - but men apply it to themselves as in just off to have a quick natter with x as do women we just has a natter.

I use natter - though I think we just chat where I grew up. I'd be annoyed if DH can use the word about himself but I can't.

Chattering classes is dismissive term - but chattering itself isn't.

I think the class usage one refers to other definition of chattering as in a series of short, quick high-pitched sounds.like the starlings constant chatter - rather than the informal chat definition.

I'll just be over here, don't mind me.

TWSResearcher don't even think of covering this 'story' unless there's at least a member of Blue and one of the cast on Neighbours on the panel.