"This morning I sat down to breakfast at Betty's with my youngest daughter, Daisy. We had a copy of the Chronicle to share between us, and I opened to the page with the story highlighting the “Historic Men” of Shepherdstown calendar fundraiser. I looked at the list of names, and agreed that those featured were all noteworthy individuals. With that said, I am appalled that any group would create a list without any women in this day and age. Maybe we’re saving “Historic Women” for another year… swimsuit calendar anyone?
"Such gaffes, intentional or not, reflect a deep-seated history of discrimination and misogyny in our country. While I hope that Historic Shepherdstown has no conscious desire to slight women’s contributions, its actions are sustaining a culture that inevitably teaches our girls that men are the leaders. Women, at best, can only hope to photograph the achievements of their male counterparts.
"I ask the members of Historic Shepherdstown to rethink their approach. Create a "Historic Citizens" calendar. (After all, just because you are a historical group you needn't remain mired in 1950s thinking.) Our future leaders, like Daisy, need to be given examples of the people that make this town a wonderful place to live."
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