The Face Of Single Moms

When I read a recent article citing single mothers for the recent decline in newspaper sales I was appalled. I couldn't believe Chris Powell, the Managing Editor of the Journal Inquirer, actually blamed single moms for his not being able to sell more newspapers. What shocked me even more than his blame is his description of single moms... "who have several children by different fathers, survive on welfare stipends, can hardly speak or read English, move every few months to cheat their landlords, barely know what town they're living in, and couldn't afford a newspaper subscription even if they could read."

Initially I was mad. I was angry. How dare he think this of single mothers. How dare he think this of me! Then I was talking to a friend, and I said, "The thing is... he isn't the only one who thinks this. There are other people out there thinking the exact same thing." Right then and there, instead of being mad or angry, I decided to do something about it.

Does that type of single mothers exist? Of course, somewhere this extreme stereotype exists. But she is an outlier, so far from the norm. As a journalist, Mr. Powell (and everyone else) should know that. So for him and anyone else who doesn't know... It's 2014. Most single mothers: are because of divorce, hold a full-time job, have only one child, and don't receive public assistance (according to the US Census 2011).

The face of single moms is me. It's your sister, daughter, mom, or best friend. It's the person you least expected it to be, the funny girl, or the Master's graduate. It's everyone and anyone, because single motherhood doesn't discriminate. It can happen when you least expect it, as a result of a "perfect" marriage, or because you knew you deserved better.

Single mothers are capable of owning their own businesses, working 40 hours plus a week, running a household, getting their kids to activities, doing homework, among 50 other million things all while maintaining their humor. And if we really, really wanted a newspaper, we'd find a way to do that too. So, maybe it's not us, but you, your newspaper, or your false opinion.

But one thing is for sure, single moms are everywhere. Would we choose it that way? No, but when you know you are worth more and you deserve better, you will struggle, stand up, fight, struggle some more just to get back up for your kids and yourself. And no matter what Mr. Powell or anyone else says, that outdated description is inaccurate. I am the face of single moms. I will stand up for them, give them a voice, and make sure they are truly represented. Welcome to the new empowered single mom... welcome to The Single Mom Movement!