Some background (which may or not be relevant) I am mid 40's, have a great job, and also been a SAHM in my time which was nice too First in my family to go to Uni, did lots of 'typically boy' things most of which just included getting very muddy growing up, was comfortable in my own skin on a male dominated course. Married to a lovely man, have a lovely dad and two lovely sons - men around me have always been life-affirming.
DD is 9, she is feisty and funny and has lovely friends and is as up for a whoop round the garden with plastic swords as her brothers.
Yes, I know its a difficult culture in which to bring up girls. I know the sexualisation and objectification of preteens and an obsession with 'image' is corrosive. But until recently I have felt that there was a critical mass of independant minded women on my side.
Then within the space of a week, Mary Beard is pulled to shreds, a chorus of 'Women's Hour' presenters and guests twitter "oooh, but it is, it is!" in response to Steve Biddulph saying that 'appearance isn't really that important in the grand scheme of things', and Heather McGregor aka 'Miss Moneypenny' whizz financial journalist breathily discloses her secret confession on 'Broadcasting House' that 'I always put my false eyelashes on to go to important meetings'
So in summary I am a well adjusted independant-minded middle aged woman who now despairs..where do I go from here?