What is the media saying about Mormon Women?
Mormon Women are praised for their goodness.
Mormon Women (of all ages) love to quilt.
Mormon Women are great homemakers and love to do canning.
Mormon Women are put together and are always smiling.
http://ldsliving.com/story/73895-moral-stength-of-women-praised-in-conference
http://beatencopperlamp.blogspot.com/2011/11/mormonpalooza-part-2-housewife-blogs.html
So what is the single story of the modern Mormon woman? After looking through photos, websites, and articles on the internet as well as on the Church's website www.lds.org I seemed to find a trend. According to the above pictures and articles, Mormon women are service minded individuals, accomplished mothers, great homemakers, virtuous, lovely, of good-report, and praiseworthy. It might also need saying that Mormon women portrayed in the media are also predominantly white, middle to upper class Americans.
These messages that are being sent are very important. For one, I think this single story is extremely intimidating. Other women look at these Mormon women as "supermoms" who seem to have it all under control and who also look great while doing it. I think this stereotype can be dangerous as others think being a "good Mormon women" is virtually impossible. There seems to be a very high standard of excellence among Mormon women in the media. This is limiting to Mormon women who struggle with these expectations. Many women in the church have to or choose to work, and have less time for activities such as canning, quilting, or blogging. I think it is difficult for these hard working women to come to terms with what they think they are supposed to be like.
In conclusion, although some aspects of this single story are true, it can be damaging to those who do not fit within it perfectly. Our church is made up of many talented women, many are different nationalities, have blossoming careers, and have many diverse talents. Not all women of the church like to do canning or quilt. This single story can be damaging to those who are overwhelmed by it and to those who feel like they don't fit in.
I completely agree with your analysis. Not everything I'm life is sunshine and butterflies and I think while the church has done much to dispel this stereotype, some bad semiotic messages are still being portrayed. All is not well in Zion though. I heard recently that someone in relief society was once again given the withered flower/ chewing gum analogy. That needs to end.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I'm really not good with Mormon Women activities (knitting, cooking, singing) and it is very intimidating to be part of a group that, for the most part, demands me to be good at them. It can be degrading to many women's self-esteem as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is intimidating and puts pressure on LDS women to feel like they have to fit into a certain stereotype. I've even seen this stereotype drive some women away from the church because they don't feel like it's "their personality" or that they are not meant to be a "homemaker." So it's definitely true. But a lot of great things can be taken from the expectations of LDS women, the overall idea is that women should do their best and strive to be strong and faithful. So it can be taken many different ways...it all depends on your perspective and what your priorities are.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your accurate analysis and concern. I would agree with you 100%.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Mormon Woman I totally agree. There is a lot of pressure to be "perfect" in our culture.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the Church has the ideal portrayal of every member of the family. The mom, dad, the son and the daughter. Not everyone fits into that stereotypical mode but that doesn't not mean that these members of the family are not successful people and close to God.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great insight. It is completely unfair to stereotype Mormon women like this. We all strive for perfection, but this isn't necessarily what it is. You can still be just as amazing, or even more, if you go into a career or don't pick up all the home making activities that are portrayed in the media.
ReplyDeleteI understand that women can feel depressed and hurt when they don't fit in with the mormon stereotype for women. But I believe that can easily be avoided by listening to the spirit and resisting the temptation to compare ourselves to one another.
ReplyDeleteI agree with analysis. It's important to remind LDS women of their powerful potential, but it can be harmful when we uphold unrealistic expectations for them. Every LDS woman has something unique and essential to contribute, but that thing doesn't have to necessarily be sewing or canning or smiling without ceasing.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. So many women don't feel comfortable fitting into this mold, and it creates a feeling that we are not living up to what we are supposed to be as women in the church. Every woman adds her own skills to the kingdom of God, and they don't all need to be the same.
ReplyDeleteThis is a huge topic today and a sad one. There just isn't a love and unity for individual LDS women to identify with while also expressing themselves. Now women are going almost anti- man in trying to break this, while others desperately try to be that woman.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun issue to tackle! The narrative for mormon women is very defined, to a fault. My wife is a graphic designer and doesn't necessarily fit all of the stereotypes, but I absolutely love her for it. I see differences as refreshing and special. Very insightful remarks.
ReplyDeleteI love that you chose this topic. I think the analysis of Mormon women is so interesting. We are expected to be perfect, feel crappy about ourselves all the time cause we think we're the only one who isn't perfect, yet are told we are doing everything right at every relief society session. Makes me laugh and cry all at once.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. It isn't something that I consciously think about all the time so it was interesting to read about it! I felt myself nod in agreement throughout the whole thing.
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