Girl Blog Post 1

Society creates stereotypes in which we are all forced to live. They create labels and fit people into specific boxes in an attempt to better understand the world we live in. In the story Girl by Jamaica Kincaid it is a mother telling the daughter how she should live her life to be in societies eyes "a good woman". Women should not have to be told what to do and when to do it to be seen as a good woman. A woman should do what they want, and if they have goals they should be able to chase their goals and not be trapped in societies boxes. If the woman wants to go out, and make money to support her and her family there should be nothing wrong with that, or if she wants to go out and go to school to chase her dream to be successful and do what she wants to do she should be able to do that and be known as a good women because she is chasing her dreams.
It says on lines 23-25

"...and this way they won't recognize immediately the slut i have warned against becoming; be sure to wash everyday, even if it is with your own spit, don't squat down to play marbles..."

This quote shows that the mother is telling the daughter what to do because she does not want the daughter to turn out like a "slut". She is also trying to make sure the daughter does not do what she wants with her life. It shows that by telling her to not play marbles.
Men also have to keep this image of being "the great guy". Men are supposed to go out and make all of the money to support the family with. If something is bothering them they are frowned apon by trying to share their feelings and are told to "man up".  A man or woman should not have to be criticized by society, and should not have to worry what others think about them and what they should do and act. How did the story girl make you guys feel after you read it?