The Trouble Between Women

She just couldn't let it go.

After 19 years, Virginia Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has placed a phone call to Anita Hill.  The transcript of a message left on voicemail was provided by ABC News:

"I just wanted to reach across the airwaves and the years and ask you to consider something...an apology, sometime...So give it some thought and certainly pray about this and come to understand why you did what you did."

I think we all know what this is really about.  It's about what it's always about when trouble arises between two females.

It's about Tupperware.

To understand the significance of Tupperware to women, we will look at a brief history of the product.

Earl Silas Tupper developed the plastic ware in 1946, creating containers that were used mainly to hold food and keep it airtight.

Earl was a man, mind you, which explains the patented "burping seal."

Tupperware became increasingly significant to women in the 1950's, with the advent of direct sales in the home.  Hosting Tupperware "parties" gave post-war wives a way to manage domestic life, while maintaining some of the financial independence they acquired when the boys were overseas, hence the expression, "have your cake and eat it too."

The housewives of the '50s and '60s became min-moguls, under the guise of gossip and dress-up.  They discovered a way to network and play their favorite games, like "Pin The Tail On My Husband," and "Twister In A Pinafore."

They found a way to back away from the kitchen sink, spend time with their friends and make money to boot.

That's right:  Tupperware empowered women.

Take this empowerment and add a half-cup of nostalgia.  Tupperware means Mom's apple pie and a wholesome way of life.  It's the salad spinner received as a wedding gift, and the sippy cup our toddlers threw on the floor 100 times.   

Blend in a great product that's long lasting, durable and easily cleaned, and you have created something worth fighting for.

This is why a mother-in-law wigs out when the leftover stroganoff goes home in her modular mates.

This is why women stand guard over potato salad at the pot luck, and deliver baked goods in shoe boxes.

This is why each and every piece of Tupperware is embossed with a woman's full name, address and Social Security number.

There is just too much invested.

Virginia Thomas probably feels she has an investment to protect.  I can understand that.  But, it's been 19 years.

Let it go, Virginia.  Have a party.  Burp some bowls.  You'll be a better woman for it.