Jeff Ullrich
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

Thanks for your comment, it’s obviously genuine. You are right. It sucks that it took me having a daughter before my perspective significantly changed. And I know that isn’t uncommon, though I’d prefer not to speak for anyone else. Historically, I have been the “progressive” one, standing up for the women I knew when they were not treated properly. I’m embarrassed to say now, I thought I was part of the solution, not the problem, for a long time. Which is the problem. By simply not being a jerk to women, I was considered (and considered myself) some sort of a prince. The standard is screwed up, or at least it was in my life. I can’t tell you why that is true. Maybe it was growing up in the 80’s/90’s. Maybe it’s because my mom didn’t work until I was getting older and we had what you most would call a traditional household. Maybe it’s because I’m from the Midwest. Most likely it’s because of the gross and broad misogyny that has and does exist to various degrees in all decades, in all families and in all towns. I can only say that I hear you and I’m sorry this has been the reality for so long. And while I wish it wasn’t necessary, I’m grateful for my daughter and the perspective having her has brought me. I am bummed out that there are many men who have daughters and STILL don’t have a different perspective. I can say that I’m very cautiously optimistic that things will be better for my daughter than for my wife and my mother. More and more women are speaking out and that does help those of us who were more ignorant/delusional/passively misogynistic than actively working against women better understand what’s wrong and how we can participate in advancing gender equality.

    Jeff Ullrich

    Written by

    Co-Founder Earwolf, Founder Midroll Media