-
This is from the Opinion page of The Massachusetts Daily Collegian.
"A modern 'American Girl?'
By Erin McNamee, Collegian columnist
May 06, 2005
I tend to revert to childish behavior when I'm stressed out. I'm not talking about passing notes in class, playing dodge ball or making fart noises with my armpits. I'm talking about trying to feel like a child again in terms of being completely oblivious to the world around you. You know, that overrated state-of-being us graduating seniors wistfully refer to as "innocence."
I went home earlier this week for my first big job interview. After the interview, I was emotionally exhausted and cursing myself for being so stupid. Seriously, who/what convinced me to sign my soul over to the devil that is corporate America at the tender age of 22? Needless to say, I was a wreck, so I sought in vain for solitude in my childhood bedroom.
But my childhood bedroom isn't so childish anymore thanks to the "big girl" makeover it underwent a couple years ago. Gone are the pink walls, flowered stencil design and pinned-up pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. Taking their places are classy black and white photographs of Paris, elegant white bedding and the open suitcase on the floor. Unfortunately, most of my childhood toys, dolls and books were banished to the attic, lovingly packed in air-tight containers in hopes that someday I'll have a daughter who will appreciate the My Little Ponies and Ken doll sans left leg (he lost it in "the war").
Knowing my nostalgic side, I kept some of my beloved books in my room. The other night I decided to stop dissecting the interview over and over in my head and instead dig out some of those books to see if they still hold the same power over me now as they did when I was 6, 10 or 14.
I started and ended with the "American Girl" books. Surely most of us females fondly remember the many adventures of Molly, Samantha, Kirsten and Felicity (sadly, I never received one of the dolls). These characters, while admittedly idealistic, provide an inspiration to any girl who reads their stories. "The American Girls" are at once educational and inspirational, designed to be strong, intelligent, independent females who care about the world they live in during their respective time periods.
Molly is the character that many young girls today can probably relate to the most. With her father fighting in Europe during World War II, Molly and her family live in constant fear for his life and for the looming threat of air raids. Molly is inspiring because she doesn't just sit at home and feel sorry for herself - she goes out and tries to help her country. At school, she organizes a quilting club that makes blankets for soldiers; she participates in a drive to collect tin foil and bottle caps; and she helps her mother tend to a "victory garden."
What all the American Girls have in common is a great amount of spirit, compassion and an awareness of society; they are not content to just sit back and watch. This may sound clich鬠but they actively try to make the world a better place.
This makes me wonder what an "American Girl" of the 1980s, 1990s or 2000s would be like. What would her passions, social causes and concerns be? Would a 1980s doll have an over-processed perm and wear a "Material Girl" t-shirt? Would a 90s doll adopt a starving child for 10 cents a week during a "Beverly Hills 90210" commercial break? Would a doll from today be a supporter or detractor of the war in Iraq? Would she have voted for Bush or Kerry?
Reading through some of the "American Girl" books the other night made me realize that the stresses surrounding graduation and job interviews are rather trivial in the grand scheme of things. Before reading the books again, I had longed for that elusive feeling of childhood innocence, but now I realize that being oblivious to the ups and downs of the world is not a good way to be. Being in your own little bubble isn't going to help anyone, yourself included.
Unfortunately, younger generations of Americans are increasingly isolating themselves from the world. With the multitude of entertainment options at our fingertips and the various pressures of young adulthood, who has the time or energy to meaningfully contribute to society? Honestly, not many people, and this is a sad but undeniable fact.
So no, I wouldn't trade childhood innocence for my life experiences if you paid me a million dollars. On those days where I just want to pull the covers over my head and block out the world, I'll simply think, "What would Molly, Samantha, Kirsten and Felicity do right now?" Most likely they would put their game faces on and take whatever blows are dealt them with the utmost grace and dignity."
-
What a beautifully written and perfect article! (and I can sooo relate to it right now.) Thanks so much for posting it!
-
The article reminded me of how much I love the books, and that the books are what made the dolls so special to my girls.
-
Thank you so much for sharing that Tracy. I can defiantly relaate to this 22 years old young woman I 23 and relate to her very well. She is right. I love the books to teh read them it makes me happy and I love my dolls to cuddle up with them.
Nikki [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
-
Thanks so much for sharing this well written article. I enjoyed it so much.
<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ May 08, 2005 09:22 AM: Message edited by: ninasmom ]</font>
-
Too bad she never got a doll...It makes me so sad to think that people who enjoyed the books so much never got a doll-like my sister!
-
Tracy, that was a beautiful article, thanks for sharing it with us. I guarantee if the author had gotten herself an AG doll as a child she would've been upstairs at the time digging out one of her dollies, for sure!
Boy, her description of her "big girl" bedroom makes me really re-think some things too. Diana currently has the smallest bedroom in our house and it was beautifully hand painted with scenes from Winnie the Pooh by our good friend who introduced my DH and I on a blind date. Anyway, I've always known that I wouldn't repaint over her beautiful artwork but just turn that room into our guest room and move Diana into one of the larger rooms and decorate it sort of bright or funky. I thought I would do so before she started kindergarten in the fall. When I mentioned it to her a few months ago, she said No, she wasn't ready to leave Pooh just yet. I think now I'll just let her tell me when she is ready!
Laurie
-
Someone who loves this young lady needs to purchase Molly for her.
-
That was a really well written article. I'm glad you shared, Tracy!
-
That was a great article. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
- Becca
