Discretion, anyone?

The professor was leading a discussion on the Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. We were discussing Rousseau and Dr. Whatshisname’s belief that women should be educated in cunning, beautifying themselves, and something else. That these were essential to gaining power in their lives, love and marriage. The “playthings of men,” etc, etc.
The Professor asked something like, “Is this true for women today? Do women still behave this way?” And, if I recall correctly, a few people politely said no.

I was apparently wearing my thoughts on my face (as I do) and the professor noticed and asked, “Antoinette, do you think so?”
To which I replied, in an outburst, “I watch The Real Housewives of Orange County!”
(This, in a sentence, was my very educated rebuttal. Meaning, yes. women do still act this way to gain power.)

A sinner’s confession.
I got a few laughs and a couple of people just shook their heads in disgust.

What is it that we are learning in this class? Saying a lot without revealing, in a sense, our deepest, darkest secret. Yeah—haven’t really caught on.

(P.S.  I am rooting for Gretchen)