It's an American habit to scrub clean the ones we love. In Betsy Ross's case, however, there's plenty to admire in the scruffier original. In fact, that pragmatic capitalist mom is more authentically American than any character a storybook writer could dream up. So says this article from Slate about Betsy Ross, famous for sewing America's first flag. Though her myth has made her seem like a delicate, shy seamstress, the truth is much cooler. The real Mama Ross was a tough, three-times-widowed businesswoman with guts and spunk. Happy fourth of July to the real Betsy Ross, and to all of the tough mamas we know!
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