I thought the corn scene was pretty comical. Not only does she get enough money to pay for two school terms, she doesn’t have to fork over her corn. Also, she has succeeded in proving her father wrong, which makes him angry. The only reason he gives her the seed is because he thinks she will fail.
Current Event
Interestingly, this book takes place a decade before the second Feminist movement in the 70’s. I used to think that the “bra burning femmies” were missing the point. Like Tsitsi in Nervous Conditons, the focus is on earning the rights of men, while downgrading the beautiful things that women do. I mean, I love voting as much as the next female political science major, and I debated choosing engineering for awhile; but, at the same time, I love baking and knitting. I also happen to think that being a stay at home mom is a noble, selfless, and difficult job. Much more than we give them credit for. I had this idea in my head that feminists were pro-women in their intent but anti-women in their execution.
After reading Nervous Conditions, I’ve come to the conclusion that this was ignorance on my part. Why? Because I’ve always had the choice. Growing up, I wasn’t told that I could go to school, or wouldn’t be able to vote because I was a girl. I was involved in science programs geared towards girls, so not being able to do those things wasn’t an issue. I took the hard work of suffragettes for granted because it was such a part of my life already. Now I have a new respect for the second wave feminism movement, because, in part, my success is due to their dedication.
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No Doubt- Just a Girl
As much as I love No Doubt, this video is a little nuts. At the same time, it showcases (and mocks) the stereotype that girls are “pretty and petite” and therefore shouldn’t “have any rights”.
It seemed like Nyasha and her mother were representatives for the feminist movement in the book. They went against the norm of being subservient to the father, and argued with him on more than one occasion. It shows how the times were changing, and how higher education led to more power for women.
I agree with Jesse, this book showed how women gained power. Tambu’s father, who was supposed to be man -of-the-house, looks like a complete buffoon as his 8 year old daughter climbs up the ladder, essentially by her own self- determination…and we later see how foolish Babamukuru is…even though he has a masters degree..
“I also happen to think that being a stay at home mom is a noble, selfless, and difficult job.” There would be a number of people that would disagree with you. However, I wonder how many of them have actually been in the position of being a mother that really nurtures and connects with her kids. To be sure it’s a full time job, and the most important. Parents in general have an amazing calling. Unfortunately, not too many people take it seriously. Parenting is hard work and few people are willing to do it right. Then again, those activities where committed hard work is a requirement, there you will find few people succeeding.
I finally was able to get in:)
I liked your observation of choice. I think we often forget that in other countries the freedom to choose to get an education or a job for a women is not available. It isn’t a choice in a lot of families here either but that is more of an economic issue rather than society dictating that, as a women, you are not permitted to learn or earn a wage.