‘Tradition’ and the Working Woman

Nothing I’ve read in The Times has made me angrier than “Return to Tradition?” (Dec. 26 by Connie Koenenn), particularly the clear inference that women who stay home to raise their children do not make a meaningful contribution to society. Only the most hard-core feminists or the uninformed would argue that 10 hours a day at a day care center is better than being at home with Mom or a close and caring relative.

Having at different stages in my life been both a traditional homemaker and a successful manager in a traditionally male business, I think I can speak with some authority on this subject. Yes, there are differences in the two life styles, but there need be no “loss of identity” in staying at home. The experts quoted would like to rob me of my choice and have me be bound to the life of their choosing.

Besides, let’s keep this in perspective. We’re only talking about a magazine ad campaign. I don’t personally go in for Sports Illustrated, but I certainly don’t feel it is my place, as a non-fan, to castigate publicly either sports fans or their press just because they have different values than I.

ROBBIE E. MONSMA

La Canada Flintridge