Some People I Know

[poliphilo]

When she was only a baby they decided that their daughter would be a tribulation to them. It's how they accounted for her to themselves. And it was the script they handed her- both a license and a condemnation.

Half a century later they still adhere to the script. They like it so much, they have passed over every opportunity to know her better, to find out who she really is. Even though she's now their chief support, they enjoy telling friends and strangers- yes, even strangers- what a tribulation she is.

And they run her down to her face.

They are not otherwise bad people. They have virtues.

But all of that is none of my business. My business is to hate them. 

Comments

Re: My parents did that.

[ibid.livejournal.com]

I've been reading Wollstonecraft and she notes how many women are jealous of their daughters.

How would she feel to know such behaviour were still current?

(Glad Aliz has had the sense to leave them behind)

Re: My parents did that.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It's strange, isn't it? I suppose human nature remains a constant. Did Wollstonecraft link this intergenerational jealousy to female oppression?

Re: My parents did that.

[ibid.livejournal.com]

Yes, and the belief that women only have sexual power over men - when a woman loses that then she is powerless and is consequently jealous - which is still true to an extent.

Re: My parents did that.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Deep waters.

Scary stuff.