Look Who it Was Random video

Being the Man of the House | Cynthia Sanders | TEDxHampdenWomen

983 views · Published 9 June 2015 · 12:36 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2015 · Nonprofits & Activism

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In 2000, my family was on the cover of Md Family Mag under the title “Multiple Choices, a look at the way families balance family and careers,” my husband wielding a wooden spoon while I grip a briefcase.  We were an oddity then. I was in my first year as an attorney. David, an artist, worked part time to be at home with the kids. From a young age I wanted to be the husband not the wife, and I built on my relationship with my brother and volunteered for roles customarily reserved for boys. Like Little League. And I had to drop domestic expectations. Like housekeeping.
 
When I first started being the bread winner, I didn't know any other women doing this, but now it seems common. Male characters tote tots to work on TV. In reality it leads to funny situations because expectations have not changed.
 
David and I had zero role models.We discovered a lot of invisible boundaries that are scary to cross. 

My Dad told me not to take a job better than my husband's. I'd embarrass him. Huh?

Cynthia Sanders is an art-school-trained lawyer with Ober|Kaler who assists content creators to clear, protect and exploit their intellectual property and a community activist who works with arts organizations to help Baltimore.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

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