The “Reverse the Roles” cartoon in the April 11 edition of The Yuma Sun perpetuates a pernicious myth.  In the first place, it is a misleading, false factoid; and it’s embarrassing when our President and leaders in congress perpetuate it.  The 23-cent gender pay gap only reflects the difference in earnings among all men and women working full-time. It does not account for differences in occupations, positions, education, job tenure, or hours worked per week. When all these relevant factors are taken into consideration, the wage gap narrows to less than five cents. That’s a pretty narrow difference when you consider that women take more sick days in deference to family and children.

               The myth the cartoon perpetuates is especially pernicious because it attempts to make victims of women.  We are not victims.  We make choices, and for the most part, we celebrate those choices.  “I am woman, Proud and free, More to me, Than what you see.  I stand alone, A world apart, Just holding fast, To wayward heart. I am healer, Poet too, I see colour, Rainbow hue. I am fire, Burning gold, Cold as ice, If truth be told.  I am spirit, Pure and bright, Rising up, To meet the light, I enter there, The realms of love, It’s all around, Below, above. My kindred souls, Enfold me there, Full of joy, Bright and free, For I am woman, I am me.”  (Linda Harnett)