I read this fascinating article the other day about blogs--Mormon women's blogs to be more specific. I'll give you a few minutes to read it.
http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs
At first I felt an interesting mix of emotions.
I like this new-found respect for the thriftiness, happiness, and creativity of stay-at-home Mormon mommy bloggers, even if only for a momentary fantasy from a hectic work schedule. Even if some non-Mormon women only envy the happy family life portrayed in Mormon mommy blogs during what they consider stressful, "the grass is always greener" moments, at least others can recognize that family life can be happy. I believe that family is not the only way to feeling fulfillment, but I feel that it can be the most fulfilling endeavor in life through effort, love, communication, and compromise.
I also felt awkward that strangers would read the blogs of people they don't know and look at photos of kids they don't know. That's kinda . . . weird and creepy! I don't read strangers' blogs unless they have a legit business of some sort.
I'm sure that some of the Mormon mommies read this author's article and momentarily wished they had a career, a quiet and clean house, and no obligations once they got home, but then they, too, would realize that they just like daydreaming about it, that they love their lives, that they wouldn't trade what they have for anything.
To each her own.
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Couldn't have said it better myself.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting, Lacy! I'm one of those people that reads other people's (strangers) blogs and look at pictures of their kids...haha. My feeling is, if they post it online, they don't mind, and actually want, people to read it! In fact, just like in the article, reading "mommy" blogs (not just Mormon mommies, lol) has given me a whole new appreciation and view on motherhood. For some reason, I was always under the impression that once you became a mom, you were no longer "Paige" or "Lacy", but Mom. It's so encouraging and comforting to know that behind their vocation of a mother, they're still themselves!
ReplyDeleteI found it really interesting too. I thought it almost laughable though, that they seem to think staying at home is easy, simple and all we do is bake and craft. If only, haha. But I think it's neat that people are realizing that family life can be good and enjoyable!
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