As we head into the long weekend that unofficially kicks off summer, I’m taking several days off. Before I do, I want to share this fun little clip from Leave It to Beaver, which went on the air 52 years ago. I mention its age because this definitely reflects the attitudes of half a century ago.
I’ve never understood why grilling and guys go together, even when the guys are men who can’t or won’t cook a single thing any other time. Wally Cleaver didn’t understand it either, but we learn from his dad it’s the natural order of things and we women belong in the kitchen. Silly me!
I admit when Ward mentioned cave men I said, “Yeah, you,” then reminded myself how old this is. And I still don’t know why, to this day, guys commandeer the grills. Even without Ward’s asbestos gloves.
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But traditionally, aren’t all chefs male. Women are just cooks. Even Julia Child (Elizabeth David, Erma Bombeck, etc.) wrote about “cooking” and not about being a chef.
And Ha! did you notice that Ward was putting pre-shaped burgers on to that grill? Who do you think put them together, along with arranging all the drinks and condiments, being the hostess, plates, linens, invites to the shindig…? Those and hot dogs, or even steaks: what skill do you need to cook ‘em!
But apparently it’s impressive; and the ladies like it because they are out of the kitchen after slapping a few burgers patties together…
Maybe I’m crazy, but that does not work in this house!
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Well, Julia was a trained chef and before her, Dione Lucas, but cheffery is still dominated by men despite great inroads made by women. I always get a kick out of this apparent guy-gene that imparts instant grilling skill and knowledge to those who can barely manage to microwave a pot pie indoors.
I like to think June Cleaver was relaxing in the house with a cocktail or two, leafing through a catalog from Tiffany and deciding what her cave man would buy her for their anniversary!
Well, when we were first married, my mother-in-law gave me a string of pearls, and I used to wear them around the house pretending I was June Cleaver. I did not wear heels even in those days, but it’s the thought that counts. She made all the housework, cooking, mom stuff look so easy.
I know, that was all the result of the great special effects they had for television production in the 50’s.
So apparently I can comment on your blog. Don’t know what’s wrong?
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Maybe she was having those cocktails after all.
Beaver was enough to drive anybody to drink. Happy Memorial Day!
(I’m sorry, but I don’t understand your reference to commenting here.)