the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Thursday. Another gloomy day in NYC. Might we look forward to some sun soon? 

So it was with sadness I heard of Mary Tyler Moore's passing. She was in many ways America's sweetheart and an amazing role model to women both on and off of television. It goes without saying how influential the Mary Tyler Moore Show was for women coming of age in the 70s- a single woman on television managing a career and on birth control was a revelation at the time. I love the NY Times recap on Mary's sense of style- it was very feminine and cool and relatable- the predecessor to female workwear before the 80s came along and put a big shoulder pad on everything so women could power dress and feel more closely akin to the men when it came to dressing for the office. I love the liberated looks of Mary's wardrobe- comfortable in her own skin and nary a shoulder pad in sight. Easy breezy. And fabulous.

I will always love Mary- an amazing humanitarian and champion of causes like diabetes and animal rights. And though I admired Mary's style, I somehow knew her style would never be mine, because I was way more a Rhoda.  Boho, off kilter, a free spirit with an urban sensibility. According to Wikipedia, Rhoda Morgenstern was  "a spunky, weight-conscious, flamboyantly fashioned Jewish neighbor" who got her own spin off after appearing on Mary Tyler Moore.  Kind of reminds me of someone. ;)

I love love love Rhoda and always have. I could so relate to her Jewish New York thing,  even before I had a Jewish New York thing (I had a Jewish Philadelphia thing). From her relationship with her doorman to her relationship with her mother to her bestie friendship with Mary, I just adored Rhoda. And that's another amazing thing the Mary Tyler Moore Show explored- the importance of female friendship. And long before Carrie Bradshaw. I wonder if it's a coincidence that Carrie was a journalist too? Surely all female roles on television owe a debt to MTM. And at a time in our culture when women's rights are front and center, I can't help but think about Mary, and how important her contribution was and is to conversations about women, work, life/sex/dreams. Because I will never forget the feeling of moving to New York on my birthday at the tender age of 23, one of the first images I saw in my imagination was Mary, throwing her hat in the air.  I too was going to make it after all, and as I explored my new city, there were many moments where I felt like tossing my hat in the air, even when I often felt like throwing in the towel.

So as the gloom of this Presidency continues to overshadow my mind and mood, I'm grateful to Mary for giving me hope and empowering women everywhere to follow their dreams. Even though I've always been more of a Rhoda, I just love that MTM. Rest in peace, sweet lady.

Cause that's what's up this who can turn the world on with a smile kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in hat tosses and hopefulness. And to all the Rhodas and Marys out there. Cheers to female friendship in a crazy world- love is all around you. XO

PS- love this cover by Husker Du of the theme song. Thanks to my friend Katie Miller Lyman for sharing. (we're both Rhodas by the way).