Here is when I feel my age, and the pull to despair: A young friend posted a cheery meme that said “I’m going to teach my sons how to cook and clean; it’s not just a lady’s job.” Wait, we were saying that – and much more – back in the 1970s! Are there really people for whom this is news? But really, now that I think about it, why am I surprised? Haven’t I noticed over the decades that the gendering of toys and games has never stopped? and that the sexualizing of girls’ appearance, at younger and younger ages, is more pervasive? and that the culture of toxic masculinity has gotten more toxic? and that sexuality and violence have been irreparably bound together by the white male dominated entertainment and pornography industries? And then I hear the voice of hope, not wanting despair to have the only say this morning. But today, I think I will just let it be.