The Moth The Moth Podcast: Hoses and Home Ec
Jun 6, 2025
Suzanne Ketchum Adams, a Massachusetts storyteller, shares her empowering journey of standing up for herself in a challenging Home Ec class, critiquing gender inequality in education. Jeff Rose, a NYC writer and performer, humorously recounts his childhood struggle to avoid church in a snazzy suit while navigating sibling antics. Their stories highlight the intersection of personal identity, family dynamics, and the transformative power of storytelling.
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Girl's Petition Changes School Rules
- Suzanne Ketchum Adams fought the unfair requirement for girls to take home economics while boys could choose electives.
- Her petition led to the removal of the mandated home ec class for future ninth-grade girls.
Gender Inequality in School Curriculum
- Boys were exempt from home economics while girls were required to take it to graduate.
- This highlighted deep gender inequality in school curriculum during that period.
Personal Fight Creates Wider Change
- Suzanne realized her petition wasn't just about her but benefited future ninth-grade girls by removing a mandatory class.
- Sometimes, efforts to solve personal problems create wider positive impacts.