I chose the essay, Reflection in a Plastic Mirror, by Valerie Estelle Franken. The entire essay was of interest, but the part that struck me, made me think, was the description of trying to find Katniss a talent. Not just any talent, because as we know, Katniss had talent: archery and singing; one she wouldn't share with others, the other wasn't suitable. No, they needed a suitable talent for Katniss. For a woman. They wanted her to have a talent that added to her femininity. Even though she had accomplished surviving in the Games, proven herself to be capable of much, she was being pigeon holed into what they, the Capitol and the leaders, thought would be appropriate for a woman. Frankel says that these acceptable talents that the leaders had in mind were to keep Katniss 'useless and decorative'(Frankel 55). That any real effort to expand her mind with education or to earn money with a job was not in the interest of the government, as people with minds, with knowledge, with self sufficiency, question things, and the government didn't want that.
I could not agree more. Katniss was a threat. She wasn't a feeble minded person and they knew this. Keeping her subdued and pretty was in their best interest. They saw what she was capable of, that her mind was not simple and that she understood things needed to change and that she was not in any way in agreement with the government. This isn't new to Katniss, however. Women today, unfortunately, are subjected to the same ideas. We are led to believe that there are talents for men and talents for women. Why can't we wear pearls and pink and also maneuver a table saw like nobodies business? We are led to believe that there are things that should concern us and not concern us. Why should I only be concerned about what laundry soap to use and not whether or not legislation is being made about my rights? Our roles are defined by society and when we want to 'step out' of them, we upset the cart. I love that Katniss doesn't stay satisfied with what people expect from her. She knows she is much more than what they would have her boxed into, she knows that being a woman does not negate her as a useful, intelligent human being, and she doesn't give up and back down to expectation. Talents should come from individual natural strengths and not be defined by what is on your birth certificate under 'sex'. I've upset carts in my life and my hope is that my daughter and granddaughter will continue upsetting carts and being who they were created to be and not 'defined' to be.
Frankel, Valerie Estelle. "Reflection in a Plastic Mirror." Of Bread, Blood and The Hunger Games: Critical Essays on the Suzanne Collins Trilogy. Eds. Mary F. Pharr and Leisa A. Clark. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2012. Pages 49 through 58. 2012.
I could not agree more. Katniss was a threat. She wasn't a feeble minded person and they knew this. Keeping her subdued and pretty was in their best interest. They saw what she was capable of, that her mind was not simple and that she understood things needed to change and that she was not in any way in agreement with the government. This isn't new to Katniss, however. Women today, unfortunately, are subjected to the same ideas. We are led to believe that there are talents for men and talents for women. Why can't we wear pearls and pink and also maneuver a table saw like nobodies business? We are led to believe that there are things that should concern us and not concern us. Why should I only be concerned about what laundry soap to use and not whether or not legislation is being made about my rights? Our roles are defined by society and when we want to 'step out' of them, we upset the cart. I love that Katniss doesn't stay satisfied with what people expect from her. She knows she is much more than what they would have her boxed into, she knows that being a woman does not negate her as a useful, intelligent human being, and she doesn't give up and back down to expectation. Talents should come from individual natural strengths and not be defined by what is on your birth certificate under 'sex'. I've upset carts in my life and my hope is that my daughter and granddaughter will continue upsetting carts and being who they were created to be and not 'defined' to be.
Frankel, Valerie Estelle. "Reflection in a Plastic Mirror." Of Bread, Blood and The Hunger Games: Critical Essays on the Suzanne Collins Trilogy. Eds. Mary F. Pharr and Leisa A. Clark. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2012. Pages 49 through 58. 2012.
I really like the way you talked about how some people only think women should only be concerned about frivolous things like laundry detergent and clothing. That is so wrong! As you also pointed out government legislation effects women too. We are half of the population. Should we let important decisions about our own bodies be made by men without a say? No, that is completely ridicules. If the shoe were on the other foot I can’t imagine telling a man that I am going to be the one deciding if he should be allowed to have children or not. That would never fly. You definitely tied in Katniss’ issues with the Capitol and the resistance in The Hunger Games to real life issues.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment... I've never understood the whole men deciding what will and will not happen regarding women and their bodies. I don't see where government has any right deciding personal choices for the people. Yes, make legislation that protects us as far as safety and equality, etc. But, stepping into my home and my personal choices? No.
ReplyDeleteYes, I totally agree! I don't understand why people feel entitled to tell others how to live their lives. I think people should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies, as long as it isn't hurting anyone else.
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