Of all people, you know who I am… who the world needs me to be. I’m Wonder Woman.

I was talking to my mom yesterday about some stuff that's been going on.

"I will survive this," I said, "and I will thrive."

"Yep, because you're Wonder Woman."

"The problem is that I forgot I'm Wonder Woman.  For a very long time."

"Yep."

Physically, yes, I'm an Amazon.  It's never been more obvious than it is now, after abandoning all of this weight.  I'm strong and smart and resourceful and resilient.

I also like boots and bracelets. 

When William Moulton Marston (a psychologist who was instrumental in the development of the polygraph machine) created Wonder Woman in 1941, he intended to create a new comic book hero who forged victory through love, rather than fisticuffs. 

Marston's wife Elizabeth said, "Fine, but make her a woman."

Based on findings during his years of psychological research, Marston believed women to be more honest and reliable than men, as well being able to work more efficiently.  While Wonder Woman is iconically feminist, some have suggested that Marston's model of ideal femininity—a 6-foot-tall beauty with the ability to lasso men into obedience—is actually the representation of his belief that women weren't really equal to men: they were better.

"Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world," Marston said.

Interestingly, Wonder Woman was modeled after two women—Marston's unconventional, liberated wife, Elizabeth, and Olive Byrne, the Marstons' live-in polyamorous partner.

I'm a tad shorter than Wonder Woman, a little weaker, totally not brunette.  I do not look good in spandex—though honestly, who the hell does?!?  I wasn't formed from clay and blessed by a goddess (at least not that I know of, though I am pretty damn lucky, in general).  I can't fly, and I'm neither especially fast nor freakishly strong.  I wouldn't know what do with a lasso, and I'd probably just lose the Crown of Antiope if anyone let me borrow it for the day.

Like Diana of Themyscira, I will continue to fight for what I believe to be right, no matter what.  There are those who will attest to my telepathic powers, and I'm pretty damn flexible.  I've been known to give up all my power for the sake of a man I loved.  And I will open the proverbial can of Diet Whoopass on anyone who threatens those I hold close to my heart. 

So thanks, Mom, for noticing what I've only recently remembered to notice in myself.  I would tell you to poke me if it slips my mind again, but I'd probably just try to kick you.  But I would have damn good hair while I did it.

Comments

[Becky]

Aren't moms the greatest? Thank you for sharing, Stephanie. I think that we all have a little Wonder Woman in us. Thanks for the reminder.

[Randy Roddam]

This is you, "Wonder Women"
, as you see yourself : ) I just know you would be there when someones in need! That magic lasso can do you wonders, even when all else fails, especially in Photoshop : ) ! I think this super hero also fits well with your two boys, as I see them fighting against the dark side of the forces! I have a few nicknames I call my self too: 1. Birdman-as I keep two tropical male parrots, from two separate continents (Kiwi-A Meyer's Parrot, from Africa, and Lane-A Blue Crown Conure, from South America) 2. Dogcatcher- a 11 meter (CB) tag, which your father's wife's daughter's husbands/boyfriends knew me as in the late 80's. (Nora/Michelle's men) Last, but not least, the end of my Ham call "ERY". Not disclosing my whole call, to keep my sence of privacy too! Love Don's "MO"! Keep being the wonderful women you are to your family, friends! We all appreciate you, wonder woman : )