South Holland Star
October 24, 1996
To the Editor:
I don’t often write letters to editors.
However, my motivation for writing this one was peaked by two events.
First, Don Snider couldn’t have been “Snider” when he wrote his review of the movie, “The First Wives Club:”
“There were times when I wondered not why the men dumped their wives, but, why they waited so long to do it.”
I don’t believe a critic could have made a more uninsightful, inciting, comment. Evidently, if wives are not “good,” their husband’s
are justified in dumping them for younger models. Secondly, after seeing the movie myself, it became obvious to me that the sexist, chauvinist, comment was the product of sheer intimidation.
As I sat cheering the powerful female force exhibited by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton, I heard one man who was sitting in back of me make the comment: “I should have listened to myself and left at the beginning. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse movie.”
I couldn’t help but comment: “That’s because it was womanoriented.”
His wife said: “They’re men, they don’t understand.” I heard comments all around me reflecting a definite gender tension.
After calming my first impulse to start a riot, I realized it must have taken a strong emotion to cause a man to react to a movie
about women in such a negative manner – then I understood the emotion – terror! Men are terrified of women bonding with each other, forming empowering groups. They’re afraid of women’s power!
Men are intimidated by “The First Wives Club,” 1. Because they’re guilty of supporting the philandering behaviors depicted in the movie. 2. Because they fear women’s wrath and power. 3. Because they’re terrified that women can actually get along without them.
Shame on you Don Snider. You have revealed your bias. You don’t understand women. Congratulations! You deserve the award for “Male Chauvinist Pig of the Year!”
Paula Morris, Park Forest
Critic’s response; “Ouch” and “oink.”
