Show notes
Read about growing up within a patriarchal fundamentalist religion from a female perspective:
https://open.substack.com/pub/thebubbleverse/p/cant-keep-sweet?r=2xfl7u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
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Bill Maher recently took aim at Nike’s Super Bowl commercial, which celebrated the growth and resilience of female athletes despite constant adversity and culturally-imposed limitations.The ad was narrated by rapper Doechii and featured nine female athletes: Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, JuJu Watkins, Sabrina Ionescu, Alexia Putellas, Aryna Sabalenka, Sha’Carri Richardson and Sophia Smith. It ended with the powerful tagline: “Whatever you do, you can’t win — so win.”
The ad had it’s fair share of praise and critics, with TV host Bill Maher planting his flag in the latter camp.On a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, (airdate 2.14.25), called the message of the commercial a “zombie lie.”
“It means like something used to be true, and it stopped being true. And then people kept saying it. I feel like this is a giant zombie lie,” Maher argued. “I mean, when was the last time a woman was told, ‘You can’t do this? You can’t be confident?’ Who are these imaginary, mean old men of the patriarchy?”
Well, Bill, “the mean old men of the patriarchy” aren’t imaginary. In fact, they are all across America. In fact, many of them are pastors, Sunday school teachers, and some have even started Bible colleges.
When I was growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community, the idea that women could “do anything” was not just discouraged—it was actively opposed.
On my podcast, Preacher Boys, I’ve spent years exposing how religious institutions—particularly in Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) circles—perpetuate strict and archaic gender roles. These roles aren’t just suggestions in that world. They are codified into church doctrine, college curricula, and life expectations.
Take Hyles-Anderson College, one of the more well-known IFB institutions. While men at the school can pursue theological degrees, pastoral studies, and climb their way into powerful leadership roles, women are encouraged to enroll in programs like Marriage and Motherhood. (Yes, that’s an actual college course.)
The curriculum includes credits for “Canning and Freezing,” “How to Rear Infants,” “Scheduling Your Time,” and, my personal favorite, “Crock Pot Cooking.”Notably absent? Any track leading to ordination, church leadership, or even a career outside of traditional homemaking.
The highest aspiration for many young women at these colleges isn’t earning a degree but earning a husband. It’s become a regular joke in these circles that “instead of a BS or PHD, young women go to college for their “MRS” degree!” Hardy har har.
To claim that patriarchal control is a thing of the past is to ignore millions of women who are still being told exactly what they can’t do. It’s to dismiss the experiences of women who are not allowed to preach, lead, or even work outside the home without backlash. It’s to erase the reality of those raised in communities where obedience and submission aren’t just encouraged but mandated. It’s to ignore the fact that 83% of women in ministry positions are not paid.
It’s bizarre to see Bill Maher, who has made a point to criticize fundamentalist religion in his stand-up, talk show, and an entire documentary, fails to consider the ongoing struggles of women still trapped in these systems.
In churches across America, women being held down by the patriarchy isn’t a “zombie lie.” It’s a nightmarish reality.
Sorry, Bill—you missed the mark on this one.
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