Recently I read 2 articles that really got me thinking. One was about Yummies--that is Young, Urban, Mormons. The other was about black women's marriage rates rapid decline. The marriage article talked about how black women far outnumber black men who have gone to college. It talked about how their marriage partner choices were more limited because men in their demographic didn't meet their standards and though many of them wanted to be married, they are beginning to believe that marriage is only for white people.
I can't help but relate to how this is happening to Mormon women everywhere and that I believe there is a growing chasm between young women in the religion and other members. It seems that more and more young women in the future will be looking for relationships outside of it due to a lack of place for them within. I'm not talking just about marriage prospects or saying any of these women are clamoring for certain authority within the religion, I just don't think they have people to relate to or men their equals to partner with. (Please insert all disclaimers you can possibly imagine here--i.e. fulfilling marriages don't have to be between totally equal partners or matching demographics, etc. etc.--I recognize and value differences).
I was going off on this idea because I consider myself quite modern and extremely independent and because I see a need for change. However, it was when I shut my mouth and looked at my husband that I realized how ridiculous it must all seem when I'm sitting with him at the table, 9 months pregnant, barefoot, with salsa spattered all over my shirt. I am not Young, Urban, Mormon. I am a defender of individuality and independence, but in truth, I am traditional--I want to stay home with my children, I expect my husband to be a leader and role model for my family. But overall, I hope that together we can encourage our children to think for themselves and expect of themselves what they expect of others to have fulfilling and rewarding relationships.
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"Let's reborn. I love Vivre!" A billboard for the mall called Vivre in Takamatsu Japan where I used to live.
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5 comments:
amen, Alene! I try to teach my daughters that they can do anything, be anyone, that education, travel, a career are most certainly in their future, and here I am: staying at home, fulfilling a very traditional role, and loving every minute of it:) I cringe when they innocently say something along the lines of "only daddies go to work" or "only mommies cook," and am quick to set them straight, but how much will they learn from listening to my speil on femenism when I am not necessarily prcticing what I preach lol. I guess we will see when they are older and making these decisions for themselves!
- Sara xx
here's a great blog you might enjoy: http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/
William Ross Wallace wrote a poem in 1865.The Hand that Rocks the Cradle is the hand that rules the world. It was as true back then as it is now. Most women I know have lost sight of this. My generation has not been the best examples to yours. Encourage your children to gain their own testimonies,challenge them to be independent. Stay close to them, help them with love when they make mistakes. You and Ty are wonderful parents, we love you!
Mom
I have decided to be as open minded with my kids as possible. If they ask questions about other religions I will take them. I wont be angry with them if they choose to take a different path than I have. It's about trusting your kids to make the right decision when they are ready. I don't think many parents trust their kids now days. That's why this next generation hates their parents.
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