Once upon a time, there was a billion-dollar entertainment industry that didn’t take too kindly to expectant mothers. Its distaste for pregnant performers was so strong, in fact, that many careers came to a swift end after a bundle of joy was discovered growing within their belly. The expectant mothers would be forced to quietly depart the industry and raise their children, never fully able to reach their full potential as a performer. In many ways, a small part of them was forced to live unhappily ever after in the aftermath of their unofficial banishment. Pretty sad stuff, right?
Unfortunately, that was no tall tale, and it speaks to a point in history that multiplatinum recording artist Toni Braxton remembers quite vividly. As a proud mother of two, Braxton reflected on the changes in an industry whose mind-set toward expectant mothers was starkly different at the onset of her musical journey.
“I remember a time when it was frowned upon to be a mother and a singer,” Braxton shares. “There was widespread doubt that a woman was capable of doing both. For many women, they had to wait until their career was completely solidified before they could think about starting a family. It’s different today though, as people are much more receptive to a woman being an entertainer and a mother. There are now so many great examples of women doing both, and it’s just great to see that shift from where it was.”
Well, it certainly is refreshing to see a growing acceptance of women having children while still being able to passionately pursue a career in entertainment. That shows real growth among the powers that be. Now if only we could get them to turn their nose up at the growing numbers of men flaunting multiple kids out of wedlock (we see you Diddy and T.I.). Oh, to dream the impossible dream. –dewayne rogers
**Be on the lookout for more from our exclusive interview with Toni Braxton.
