The Struggles of Femininity & Our Current Climate

    One of the most prominent underlying themes of Fun Home is how each character perceives and embodies femininity. The juxtaposition between Alison and Bruce stems from similar experiences, yet ultimately molds into two separate fates– life and death. Throughout her childhood, Alison struggles with her gender and sexuality. While Alison finds a connection between her and masculinity, Bruce pushes his own internalized femininity onto Alison. Bruce attempts to mask his own sexuality and gender by presenting himself as conservative. By taking obsessive pride in restoring his gothic mansion, and pressuring Alison to be the most ladylike version of herself. Bruce sees Alison as an outlet for his own identity struggles, as he knows his sexuality goes against the status quo. 

    One of the most interesting instances in the novel is when Alison hides her first period. By hiding her period, Alison tries to disassociate herself from her given gender. She is uncomfortable with femininity, and finds more comfort in masculinity. A girl's first period is a personal and special experience as it is a symbol of womanhood and growth. Yet, for Alison it is crushing her ability to stray away from femininity. If Alison refuses to recognize her period and opt to ignore it, she can buy some time and push away her bodily changes. In chapter six Alison says, "I had recently discovered some of Dad’s old clothes. Putting on the formal shirt with its studs and cufflinks was a nearly mystical pleasure, like finding myself fluent in a language I’d never been taught. It felt too good to actually be good,". This quote alludes to Alison finding comfort in her dad's gender identity which is ironic since Bruce depends on Alison as an outlet for his own true identity. 

    Unfortunately, I wish I could continue writing about Fun Home as I really enjoyed this novel and its uniqueness, but as I'm writing this I am also watching the election so I can simply not concentrate. It's ironic how the themes of Fun Home discuss sexuality and gender, while our country may or may not be facing the rights of women and the LGBQT+ community being taken away. Fun Home serves as a reminder as to how important it is for us to uplift others and let them be their most authentic selves. It doesn't matter who someone chooses to love,  how they identity, or what they wear. Caring about these things is frivolous and ignorant. Take Bruce for example, he knew his true self would be ostracized, which led him to live a short life full of anger, guilt, and secrets. What happened to Bruce will continue to happen if we keep electing hateful leaders, and giving intolerant individuals a platform. But, if we decide to elect the candidate who will protect those who are most vulnerable, then all individuals will have the chance to discover and love themselves, just like Alison did during college. All I can say is that I'm very anxious, and if this lack of compassion among a certain group of voters doesn't make you upset or want to push for change... well then you are missing the point. 


P.S... Tutoring under Bridges has been such a rewarding experience. I am so honored to be working with these kids and helping them become better students by teaching them essential study habits and tricks that will prepare them for the rest of their academic careers. As I said previously, this service is so rewarding because we are giving these students a safe place to learn, ask questions and thrive. I am so happy I'm taking a course with Dr. Ellis again, and now I can continue my service at Bridges!

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