Defense of Dowd

RE “Columnist Is Too Cute in Hardcover,” by Susan Salter Reynolds, Nov. 8: Most women will find lots to agree with in Maureen Dowd’s assessment of our second-tier status. Being “nice” is a cultural synonym for “lady.” Ladies don’t question male authority -- it isn’t nice. Ladies don’t make waves; ladies are team players.

It doesn’t take university professors to tell us that women are still stuffed in the guy genre’s ditty bag of Playmate Barbies with plastic breasts and over-the-top hormones. The proof is marketed everywhere in today’s media-driven culture, where truth is a 10-second sound bite/video.

Dowd is one more voice reminding us that women are not equal in the workplace, marketplace, politics or at home, and that unfortunately we may be our own worst enemy. Reynolds has given us a review that is so cute and catty, all the guys will love it.

LINDA SHAFFER

Moorpark