Why Mojo Is The Way She Is, Part 47.

(THE SCENE: Second grade, so circa 1970-71. This is the height of what they now call second-wave feminism--first wave being general sufferage around the turn of the century--when women really began to make inroads in employment opportunities and the full social-political spectrum. Along with this came the well-intentioned need to TEACH OUR YOUNG GIRLS about reaching for their dreams and not to let the evil patriarchy dog ya down too much.)

(Mojo's second grade teacher, Mrs. Allen, is asking the children in class one by one what they would like to be when they grew up.)

MRS. ALLEN: And what would YOU like to be when YOU grow up, Baby Mojo?

BABY MOJO: I wanna be a writer. And a veterinarian.

MRS. ALLEN: That's great, Baby Mojo! Of course, you can be WHATEVER YOU WANT TO BE!!!

BABY MOJO: Yeah, I wanna be a writer and a veterinarian.

MRS. ALLEN: Why, you could be PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES if you wanted to!!!

BABY MOJO: But.... but--

MRS. ALLEN: Wouldn't that be something? A girl in this class becoming the first woman President of the United States!

BABY MOJO (Near tears): But I don't WANT to be President!

MRS. ALLEN: My point is, Baby Mojo, you DON'T have to limit yourself! You can be WHATEVER YOU SET YOUR MIND TO!!!

BABY MOJO: I want to be a writer! And a veterinarian!

MRS. ALLEN: Yes, class, a GIRL can be PRESIDENT!!!

BABY MOJO (snivelling): BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE PRESIDENT!!! I WANT TO PLAY WITH PUPPIES AND KITTENS!!!

MORAL: Never use Baby Mojo as an Exemplar of the Possibility of Human Achievement. It will not go well for you.

Mojo