I really like empowered woman. I like the whole independence and electricity that comes when a women finds who she is without a man. I like careers. I like working moms. I like people who work.
That aside, I feel like we've been bombarded with movies and literature lately that shows things similar to the woman described in the above paragraph.
Katniss-she's strong, finds food for herself, volunteers as tribute, fights mean guys and is the rock of the revolution.
Brave-(uh, sorry I don't remember her name). She has fiery red hair, (Which is amazing!!!!) finds her own voice and adventure, and doesn't need a man to complete her. Awesome-what a great new disney princess. I didn't LOVE the movie but we can save that for another day.
Thursday Next-I recently read The Eyre Affair (thanks Megan!) and really loved it. Thursday is the best. Served in the army, gives everything to her career and fights the bad guys. She's the ultimate heroine. I loved her.
See the common thread? Now I'm not saying that the lack of a man is what we're missing....but maybe I am. Yes, Katniss ends up married with a family (spoiler) and Thursday does as well but it showcases that all these woman are great and happy being the provider. I liked the books and I liked the movies. But then I thought about all the books and movies that have been made recently about woman who raise children and a family. They cook and clean and they're happy. Wait, have you not seen/read those either?
HUH. Hollywood doesn't make movies about that? Women never leave their families wishing and hoping for something better? They hire nannies and go shopping? They never sit around and talk about how great and complete they feel when raising a family?
I read a book that did. Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielsen (son?). She gushes about her family and her husband and how happy she is. And I couldn't help but feel more complete after reading it. It touched my soul. So maybe I am a sap. I'm someone who believes that you really can't be complete without a husband and a family. I believe that woman are nurturing by nature.
I'm done rambling now. Post your opposing views or validating comments below.
Hahaha. Did you write this after reading Kiersten White's blog post? I just read it then moved on to this one. I agree to a lot of extent. It's not that there's anything WRONG with independent movie, but the fact that the family-driven mom is shown as a "weak" alternative or an unhappy lifestyle is not okay.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you! I think that there is a discouragement in our society on being a mother and wife.
ReplyDeleteAnd what message does it send to our wonderful boys?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure glad I wasn't raised on stories about strong, independent men that didn't need a woman to complete them. I don't see how I could have thrived.