But wait....there's more!

[draggonlaady]

So by signing up for Ann Coulter's email thingo, I also apparently signed myself up as a member of the "Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy." No, really, they call themselves that. And the VRWC sends out MANY adverts about books they think you should be reading. The following is one of the emails I got today, and the thoughts I had on it...because, you know, I had a strong father and I'd like to think I'm a strong daughter. My comments are indented.



by Dr. Meg Meeker

That's right - and teen health expert Dr. Meg Meeker has the data and clinical experience to prove the most important person in a young girl's life is her father. After more than twenty years of counseling girls, Dr. Meeker knows that fathers, more than anyone else, set the course for their daughters' lives.

I'm not exactly sure what happened with the grammer there. "That's right" I mean. What's right? There was nothing above this in the email.

Now, Dr. Meeker shows you how to strengthen -- or rebuild -- your bond with your daughter, and use it to shape her life, and yours, for the better. Directly challenging the feminist attack on traditional masculinity, Dr. Meeker demonstrates that the most important factor for confident, well-adjusted women is a strong father with conservative values. To have one, she shows, is the best protection against eating disorders, failure in school, STD's, unwed pregnancy, and drug or alcohol abuse -- and the best predictor of academic achievement, successful marriage, and a satisfying emotional life.

Well, I can't say my dad's very conservative. I can say that I didn't fall prey to "eating disorders, failure in school, STD's, unwed pregnancy, and drug or alcohol abuse". I will give her this point though; I don't have a successful marriage, or any marriage at all for that matter. But it would probably shock the good Dr. Meeker to know that lack of marriage isn't impinging on my ability to have a "satisfying emotional life."

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters reveals:

* The essential virtues and characteristics of strong fathers -- and how to develop them

* How daughters take cues from their fathers on everything from drug use, drinking, smoking, and having sex, to self-esteem, moodiness, and seeking attention from boys

Oh, we do? So I should drink LOTS more Budweiser, that being what my dad drank with almost every dinner when I was growing up. Instead, I don't drink beer at all. Can't stand the taste. Nor do I drink wine (mom's drink of choice).

* How to "be the man you want her to marry"

Hmm. Yeah--I really don't think I want to marry someone like Dad.

* Why girls want you to place restrictions on them (even though they'll complain when you do)

Holy shit that's sexist! I think that should be why children need restrictions, not just girls.

* How to become a "hero" to your daughter -- and why she needs that more than anything

Hmm. yeah, not buying it. My dad's great, and he can fix anything, but he's not my hero. If I had to pick someone as my hero, it'd be my mom--after all, I'm basically a younger version of her.

* The one mistake fathers make that is the primary cause of girls "hooking up"

Now this would be really interesting to find out about--Almost worth buying the book just for this point. Because for the life of me, I can't think of a single thing my dad did or didn't do that led to my past or current "hooking up" habits. Many things in my life have influenced that, and blaming (or crediting) a single "mistake" my dad made is patently ridiculous.

* How fathers act as a check on female emotions -- which can lead to trouble

Nope. Just nope.

* Why girls depend on the guidance of fathers through, and even beyond, their colleges years

Because otherwise I wouldn't know how to fix my car. Or replace the flooring in my house. Or ride a horse. Or build a fence. On these things, I definitely rely on my father's guidance. On things like where to move, who to date, what to do with my life...those things I go to my mother about.

* Debunked: the dangerous notion that girls "need to make their own decisions and mistakes"

What? EVERYONE needs to make their own decisions and mistakes. That's commonly called "growing up" and has nothing to do with being female or male, it has to do with being young. Kids that don't get to make their own decisions about things don't do so well in the real world, at least in my experience. And I LIKE being part of the real world--no urge here to be a housewife, thanks.

* Why girls need God -- and how your faith (or lack of it) will influence her deeply

Actually, I got my dose of God from my dad's mother--dad didn't actively influence my religion or lackthereof until I was at least 11.

* Contraceptives and depression: the alarming links

If your contraceptives are depressing you, you're on the wrong pill. Talk to your doctor and switch medications.

* Communicating with your daughter: do's and don'ts

Yeah, ok. Dad could use some communication pointers. Not just for me though--he doesn't communicate with anyone.

* True stories of "prodigal daughters" -- and how their fathers helped bring them back

Any other daughters out there got comments on the influence their fathers had? Hell, let's not be sexist...sons, you can comment too!

Comments

[draggonlaady.livejournal.com]

well, on the "unwed" vs "unwanted" pregnancy thing--pretty sure that in the mind of the people sending this email out, EVERY unwed pregnancy is unwanted, by the very virtue of being unwed. Because you and me, we're going to HELL for having sex with someone other than our husband... But at least I'll be in good company; I'll save you a seat at the bar if I get there first :)

Good to know, by the way, that I'm not the only one out here that thinks their dad did alright by them despite not meeting Dr. Meekers standards.

[jacksontwobears.livejournal.com]

I think waiting for marriage is a wonderful idea in theory. The purity and novelty is such a fairy tale. In practice ... well, it's just more fun to practice!

And I think your dad did alright by you. Probably your mom, too. I think you turned out alright.

And if I get to Hell first, you can sit at my table. With all the rest of the cool people. ^^

[draggonlaady.livejournal.com]

Well, since I'm very much like my mom, chances are if you think I turned out alright, you'll think she's alright too :)

Yay! we'll have a grand ole' party in the hot spot!