IN WHICH I TAKE ISSUE WITH SOCIETY’S ISSUE WITH OLDER WOMEN DATING YOUNGER MEN.
In this time of hyper political correctness, and at the same time, an explosion of growth in tolerance and rights for all, how archaic is it that older women who date younger men are pejoratively referred to as “Cougars?” This not only implies them to be craven predators, with their “cubs” as victims, but pretends they are a twisted subset of females as a whole — sexual perverts.
Indeed, “Cougars” have been maligned to the point where some sensitivity would actually be refreshing. But I know the prejudice would simply continue behind the mask of “age-impaired,” “estrogen-challenged,” or “growth hormone-challenged;” as such the perceived handicap of preferring young men would inevitably spawn support groups: a Cougar Anti-Defamation League, an Association For the Advancement of Cougars, a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Cougars. Naturally, telathons and walks to raise money for researching a cure for the Cougar disease would be ongoing.
But in my opinion, however, there are, in fact, just two types of women: “Cougars” and Liars. What red-blooded girl of any age doesn’t respond to the vision of a hot stud on the cover of a romance novel? What female with a pulse would repulse the thrilling advances of such a vision, in the flesh and hitting on her with all his powers of persuasion? Are we not, in all honesty, helplessly wired to see beauty in — and be attracted to — youth, as the perpetuation of the species is dependent on that fresh DNA?
I believe the state of “Cougardom,” then, is one of just plain normalcy. In that regard, I’m replacing the label “Cougar” with the more appropriate, “Woman.” The capitalization is deliberate, distinguishing Her as evolved and self-possessed — she has accessed and celebrates her Inner Goddess. A Woman not only insists on her right to Life à la Hot, but exercises that right.
Many Women have sauntered confidently and blissfully down this path, among them Joan Collins, Cher, Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, Denise Richards, Salma Hayek, Naomi Watts, Susan Sarandon, Gwen Stefani, Kate Beckinsale, Jada Pinkett, Elle MacPherson and Madonna.
But if you must insist on writing me a check for my “disease,” well, far be it for me, Mrs. Hot, to stop you — New York cocktails have gotten so expensive.
Yours truly,
