The following are some highlights from our discussion of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye:
Themes:
- The complexity of the role of black women in art, literature, Civil Rights, and continually evolving hierarchies (both in the family and society).
- The projection, condemnation, and internalization of anger as a result of feelings of unworthiness.
- The cyclical nature of such feelings.
- Morrison’s use of language in relation to her purpose — to highlight the depth and beauty of black culture while telling a story about the ugliness permeating the experience of a black female.
Questions:
- From what sources do children receive and interpret societal conceptions of beauty (and in turn, ugliness)?
- How does commercialism shape and reinforce cultural ideals of beauty?
- What does it take to expand cultural conceptions of beauty?
- What is the relationship between individuals and society in formulating and perpetuating value structures for human beings and children?
- What is your potential in the process of growing others (students, peers, family, friends, etc.)?
Here’s Brett’s viewing suggestion: A Girl Like Me.
The old sayings ” pretty is as pretty does” and beauty is in the eye of the beholder” are true enough but for peccola and many young women these words fall short. Media, culture, men and other women create in us a sense of beauty that is difficult if not impossible to attain.
I spent some time today thinking about if any of us are justified.. Or qualified to label another person as beautiful or anything else.