What's your number?

           Reading “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid instantly reminded me of a movie called “What’s Your Number?” In the short story, the mother gives a strong lecture to her daughter about fitting into social norms. She does not give her any advice or encouragement about being her own person. Instead she is told how to dress, act, cook, etc. She basically banished – in my perspective – any form of rebellion for her daughter to partake in. In the movie, the main character, Ally, is a recently unemployed, single and over thirty. She feels like her mother, an over bearing woman, thinks of her as a failure because of these developments. When Ally brings an old, successful flame from her past to her sister’s wedding, her mother is elated because she believes this man is her ticket to success for herself. While watching the movie and reading the book, at first I felt that both mothers were over bearing to their children to ensure that they were the shining example of what society expects.

            However, after further evaluation, it occurred to me that maybe, these mothers did not think of themselves as being over bearing. In fact, maybe what they were thinking is that they were trying to advise and guide their daughters for their best interests. Both women want what is best for their daughters in term of social status, form, and availability. Although from very different time eras, the idea of woman fitting a social idea has yet to dissipate. In fact, now more than ever, the idea of women fitting into society’s perfect image has been a war against woman. Feminism is at all time high now. It is shown through movies such as “What’s Your Number?” It shows a woman who breaks through the idea that a woman can be sexually active but still find a man who will be with her despite her past infidelities.  Merely a decade or so ago, the idea of a woman who engaged in pre-marital sex was about as sinful as a murderer. However, with these new books and films about woman taking control and making an identity of themselves, such ideas and conservative beliefs will be less overwhelming to women.