One of the last bound foot women in China. The article is
HERE. I've read about this many time and I'm sure you have too. But, I showed the photos to Alissa and her eyes got huge. She asked questions. I told her they thought it was beautiful. She said they were stupid. I said, they had no choice, it was done to them as children, babies really. She was shocked. I asked her if she understood that women in other countries don't have the rights we do here? No, she didn't. I asked her if she knew that in the past, American women could not own property or vote? No, she didn't.
I want her to know these things, but, I don't want to just harp about them and bore her. Any ideas about documentaries on women and history that a young girl would find interesting? I'd love to find a couple to watch with her, so she could start to understand what we've been through to get where we are today. How did you teach your daughters?
I've been though this once, you'd think I'd remember. But...I don't. There must be some really good stuff on the subject out there now.
11 comments:
I never saw it, but did know about it. Of course. I'm old. But that's awful. She's smiling, she's used to it. I don't get how they even walk. No wonder they all end up folded over to walk, they can't balance. Ballet dancers aren't quite as extreme, but they treat their feet badly, as well . Have Lissa watch 9-5. It's a good movie about women taking back their rights and it's , maybe 1980 or "81. So it's old, to her. And women today would never put up with that sh**! And it's got some animation in it, might hold her attention. It's funny as hell. Retribution!!! I love it. She will laugh at the TV remote and prob ask where their phones are. "They are in the wall, at their house!" Hahaha...
Several years ago, I volunteered in a nursing home and one of the patients was a Japanese woman who'd had bound feet. She was in her mid-80's and was completely wheelchair bound because her feet were too small to support her. They were the size of a toddler's feet. What a ridiculous custom.
Fried Green Tomatoes and the Secret Life of Bees. Two off the top of my head about women struggling against racism and sexism.
I'll think about it some more--it's a great idea to educate her through movies. I remember I learned what a period was from watching The Thornbirds! :)
Rox, 9-5! Yes! Thank you, she'd like that and so would I!
Briezy, I have never seen it in person. I think I'd cry. The thought of crippling toddlers on purpose..OMG. How could any mother do that?
Beth! Yes, I love both those. Thank you!! Actually, I just watched Thornbirds again. I wasn't going to tell anyone. LOl.
http://www.upworthy.com/
Daily uploaded videos that deal with gender, human and kid's rights. You could search for videos that are specific to what you are teaching Lis and best still, these are real life videos about real people. Some may bring you to tears. You can monitor the ones you want to share with her.
Oh, I love Fried Green Tomatoes!! What a great movie.
I have no idea...my oldest reads a ton and could tell me more about that stuff than I could ever tell her. She loves documentaries. I will ask her if she knows of something Lis might enjoy.
There is a movie called Iron Jawed Angels. Hilary Swank is the main actress but there is a stellar supporting cast. It is on you tube. I get skewed on the age appropriate stuff but I think if you explain it it is a good watch.
Thorn Birds! Love it. "Her dress was the color of Ashes of roses"... OMG. Richard Chamberlain was to lust for. Old Barbra wanted him. What a wonderful mini series that was. I remember it very well. Sex on the beach. Sheep shearing, wart hog killing Stewy. So sad. But Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown got together on that set. , my gawd. He was beautiful. I wonder if they are still married? Thx for the idea. Now I have something to try to find and watch again. Sooo good! :)
Thorn Birds, long time since i saw it! My parents let us watch it when we were kids. i wonder if Netflix has it.
Thanks so much Mary and Eriny. I will be checking those out.
Thornbirds was on You Tube last week in it's entirety. Full screen quality too. (As good as it got back then, anyhow.) You should check it out there, it probably hasn't been pulled yet.
This is a story the two of you could read together:
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/HooverCity/SimmonsMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Ribbons.pdf
If for some reason this doesn't work, search Ribbons Laurence Yep. It's a good story.
N.
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