The Jackie O Baby Hosing
We are carnivores when it comes to devouring our public women. Witches, Bitches and Romantic Glitches are the favorites. Yum. And the latest on the menu, Jackie O, is getting roasted on the most tender issues– whether or not she’s a good Mum. This feels a day late after the outcry against Pru Goward, NSW MP yesterday for her judging of Jackie’s mothering style and decisions. Jackie feeding the baby as she crosses the road. Guilty. Grasping the baby uncomfortably as she leans to chose a bunch of flowers. Guilty. But the momentum of the commentary – it has a lascivious viciousness about it, an element of bullying that is just so uncomfortable for anyone who’s had to shelter behind a shopping trolley at K mart to feed a screaming 12 week old whilst the 4 year old executes a song and dance to distract the security cameras. Guilty. As Charged. But that was me.
Maybe the heat in the meat stems from all the celebrity bashing Jackie’s been privy to in her own work life over the years. What you dish out – either actively or by passively accessorizing on air partner Kyle Sandiland’s steel capped booted views– you must be able to take, Jackie. Or should you? Is this kind of attack on the most vulnerable part of your being – your learning curve at mothering,’ off limits, despite your past indiscretions? I reckon so. It’ s cruel when Jackie probably hasn’t even worked it out herself how she feels, except that she’s chosen to incorporate this precious time of her life with the reality radio show that is her livelihood, and she is being pilloried for it. For emotional ballast, Jackie, see The A-Z of Mummy Manners – An Etiquette Guide for dealing with Other Children’s Mothers, page 61, under the entry:
Dumb, F&%#ers
You will come across many of this species in the course of your Mummy hood. Unable to detect at face value, these folk are determined by actions and words. (See Elevators, Conception). Of course, your first diagnosis may be prejudiced by other factors (Sleep, Deprived). But repeated offences or correspondence, which clearly indicates no comprehension of what is involved with your world, nor an intention to understand either, deserves this title to be awarded. At all times, resist the urge to tell said Person of your analysis of their character and conclusions you have drawn for such action will not endear you to them at all, and may make further negotiations testy. If of course you are past the point of caring, go right ahead.
Go for it, Jackie. You may have been thrown into the pond, but float, honey, Despite them.