6 Things to NEVER Say to Your Daughter-In-Law: Stereotypes of Our Society
The so-called hatred between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law has been the bases of numerous jokes, stories, songs and movies. This is one of the stereotypes which is a global one. However, every one of these jokes and stories only feeds the relationship between these relatives. Perhaps if they didn’t know they are supposed to be on tight ends with each other they wouldn’t be. This article has a goal of keeping these two women friends or at least maintaining a good relationship.
This piece provides advice for the mothers. At the same times it touches the stereotypes connected with the role of women in society. It states that the most vulnerable points to a woman: her home, her cooking, he looks and her children. Together with the positive, this article also carries a negative meaning. In a way it points the criteria to judge a wife. It basically states that how good a wife is depends on the way her home looks, the way her dishes taste, the way her beauty shows and the way her kids behave. These four values make up the traditional housewife. So many women are trying to get away from this stereotype these days. In the modern era girls no longer dream of becoming the perfect wife at home but dream of climbing to the peak of the career ladder and becoming a true business woman.
The writer believes that it is important to keep peace within the family. He understand that each man is loved by two women and that these two women like to stand their ground and have the son or husband all to themselves. However, the article in a way teaches how to share. It teaches the importance of keeping a good relation the the person so close to your loved one. In this way, the piece definitely promotes positive communication.
These “tips” are made for a specific audience. But it should be noted that this audience is a large one. Although the piece is made mostly for mothers-in-law, women in their 50s-60s it can also interest women who are younger or even men. The article has a simple layout and is easily read. This makes is open to a larger audience. And even if the man who reads the article is not a mother –in-law, you can rely on the fact that he has a mom. The word of mouth is a powerful media and it all starts with a simple article.
Although this article does not break down any stereotypes it does try to fight them. It affects first of all the way people think. It may make them realize something they have been doing or even thinking. It may help people understand the true motive behind their actions. Second of all, it tries to change the way people act and treat each other. Speaking for myself, I can definitely agree that it affected me and the way others judge me. In the end, not only does a mother-in-law judge a wife. This article can also show women what they need to avoid and what they need to pay close attention to.
Works cited
Thinkstock. “In-Law Faux-Pas: 6 Things to NEVER Say to Your Daughter-In-Law.” http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/in-law-faux-pas-6-things-to-never-say-to-your-daughter-in-law-2520525/#photoViewer=2. 4 Aug. 2011. Web 15 Aug. 2011
