Oh, Shaye

At the Democratic National Convention last week, President Obama gave Hillary Clinton props for being a super tough rival during the 2008 Democratic primary. “She was doing everything I was doing,” he said, “but just like Ginger Rogers, it was backwards in heels.”

Now, it’s always great to hear the leader of the free world acknowledge the unlevel playing field … but I have one quibble: I think it’s time we stopped talking about women doing things “backwards and in high heels.” (And not just because it’s no fun to wear heels on a playing field, and an unlevel one, at that.)

So if not “backwards and in heels,” then what? Perhaps we just need to adapt the phrase for 21st century concerns. How about:

“She did everything he did, but she did it …

… concurrently, and with inadequate parental leave”

… competently, but still making $0.79 cents to the dollar"

… apologetically, lest she otherwise be labeled a ‘bitch’ “

… nervously, while trolled on social media”

Are you thinking of me when you’re putting on your makeup, darling, and dyeing your hair like you do?

Well you’re wasting your time if you’re trying to impress me,  

OMMMMMGGGGGGGG