I was, in reality, bred by my parents as my father's concubine... What we take for granted as the stability of family life may well depend on the sexual slavery of our children. What's more, this is a cynical arrangement our institutions have colluded to conceal.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the hidden complexities and sacrifices within family structures, suggesting a critique of societal norms regarding family dynamics.
Sylvia Fraser's quote challenges the conventional perception of family stability by revealing that it may often be built upon uncomfortable truths, such as the exploitation and oppression of individuals within familial relationships. It underscores the often unseen realities that can underpin family life, illustrating how societal institutions might contribute to the normalization of such arrangements, ultimately calling for a critical reflection on familial and social structures.
In practice
During a lecture on family dynamics, one could use this quote to illustrate the hidden sacrifices that families may endure.
My mother's rules had to do with feminine deportment, so I never played hard enough to break a toy or muddy my dress. My father's rules had to do with never shaming the family by even a hint of scandal, and not providing business rivals with an opportunity to kidnap me or throw acid in my face.
If you are too busy in your church activities to take care of your family, then perhaps we had better find something else for you to do.
Love the family! Defend and promote it as the basic cell of human_x000D_ _x000D_ society; nurture it as the prime sanctuary of life. Give great care to the_x000D_ _x000D_ preparation of engaged couples and be close to young married couples, so_x000D_ _x000D_ that they will be for their children and the whole community an eloquent_x000D_ _x000D_ testimony of God's love.
As I entered this world, I would leave behind the nurturing of my family and my home, but in another sense I would take their protection with me. The lessons I had learned, the feelings of groundedness and belonging that have been woven into my character there, would be my companions on the journey.
One Time, One Day between Davie and Roberta , I asked my mom why she persisted, kept on having baby after baby, She looked at me, at a spot between my eyes, blinking like I had suddenly fallen crazy. She paused before answering as if to confide would legitimize my fears. She drew a deep breath, leaned against the chair. I touched her hand and I thought she might cry. Instead she put baby Davie in my arms Pattyn, she said, it's a woman's role. I decided if it was my role, I'd rather disappear.
The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family.
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