Alyssa and I watched Little Miss Sunshine. She really enjoyed it. I cringed, remembering just how many adult themes there are in that movie. But I enjoyed it anyway. We talked about those themes throughout the movie, i.e. “I really like the grandfather’s character. Too bad he chose to do drugs.” During the actual beauty pageant at the end of the movie, she looked at the contestants (other than Olive) and was saying things like “They look so fake!”
During our Friday lunch the next day, I asked Alyssa if the movie made her want to be in a beauty pageant more, less, or about the same. “Less.” Body language indicated that was about all she wanted to talk about it. Good enough for me. I think a bullet has been sufficiently dodged. None too soon, either. My friend Liz pointed out to me that many of these things are pyramid schemes that play heavily on kids’ and parents’ insecurities.
By the way, she said her favorite character in the movie was Dwayne (the brother). How he held to his convictions via a vow of silence. How he set a goal and didn’t let anything get in his way. That’s my Alyssa, for sure. I think she wants to read Nietzsche now.
heidi
| 09-Apr-07 at 7:06 am | Permalink
I LOVE that you watched/discussed that movie with her. Brilliant parent you are. And how cool is it she liked Dwayne? That kicks ass.
thordora
| 09-Apr-07 at 1:11 pm | Permalink
That’s good.
I haven’t watched that movie yet, but I want to.
What I find hard is countering some of the imagery in the comics Kevin reads, and allows Vivian near. And trying to explain body image to guys? Jebbus….. It’s a constant bloody battle.
jase
| 09-Apr-07 at 8:42 pm | Permalink
Thor - I do have to wonder about comics. They’re really stuck in the dark ages, body-image-wise. Which is too bad, because it’s a good medium otherwise. I guess there are plenty of underground comics. Perhaps some of them are a bit more understanding of people’s bodies.
karrie
| 10-Apr-07 at 9:18 am | Permalink
Eeeek! Comic chat….one of these days I am blogging a picture of James’ collection.
Ps–fun nomination for you at the Blogger’s Choice site.
jase
| 10-Apr-07 at 9:34 am | Permalink
Karrie - you are too much! Thanks for that. Flattery will get you everywhere.
Jen
| 10-Apr-07 at 11:59 am | Permalink
Ok, I’m going to have to break down and throw Little Miss Sunshine in the Netflix queue
bine
| 10-Apr-07 at 12:28 pm | Permalink
wow, congrats! sounds like that movie was a very good idea.
yes, comic images are very unrealistic, but i don’t think they influence a kids ideals as much as, say, tv commercials and ads where all women including teenagers are skinny and flawless, because the drawn images are clearly exaggerated in every aspect, mostly going along with other “supernatural powers”. i think those images that are presented to us as “real life” (which they clearly aren’t) are much more dangerous to a girls self-esteem.
Mel Murphy
| 10-Apr-07 at 2:33 pm | Permalink
Like your blog. Glad your kid isn’t going to fall
into the creepy beauty pageant world. Now I
must go rent the movie.
Fuzzy
| 10-Apr-07 at 2:54 pm | Permalink
I’d recommend “Nietzsche for Beginners” over some straight-up Nietzsche.
venessa
| 10-Apr-07 at 8:18 pm | Permalink
Phew!
There was an article in Bitch magazine about women and comics. Apparently there is a movement of feminists advocating for better treatment of female comic characters. Who knew?
I too need to rent the movie.
Missy
| 11-Apr-07 at 9:40 am | Permalink
I haven’t seen that movie, but for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing great.
Sam
| 11-Apr-07 at 9:29 pm | Permalink
My sisters are 12 and 9. They don’t want to see every movie I see (I’m 15) but I let them see whichever ones they want to if we have money for tickets for everyone. I figure the sex stuff goes over their heads or they ask about it. We liked the mom best because she tried to make everyone happy and be a good sport.
jase
| 11-Apr-07 at 9:50 pm | Permalink
Sam - thanks for de-lurking. I couldn’t figure out why it was that you “let” your sisters see movies. Until I read your blog. Wow. I’m pretty honored that you’re reading my posts. I guess you’re in a similar boat with my kids. Thanks for stopping by. I’m definitely adding you to my blogroll.