Themes · 1983
Motherhood is the second oldest profession in the world. It never questions age, height, religious preference, health, political affiliation, citizenship, morality, ethnic background, marital status, economic level, convenience, or previous experience.
— Erma Bombeck • Motherhood, the Second Oldest Profession, introduction
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Bombeck calls motherhood the second oldest profession and then lists everything it never asks about. Age, health, morality, money and experience are all ignored. Her humour is that this job takes anyone, ready or not.
Context reviewed