JER: “Plain Jane and the Mermaid” by Vera Brosgol

 

JER: “Plain Jane and the Mermaid” by Vera Brosgol was a bit uncomfortable to read.  Jane is quickly confronted with the possibility of being homeless after her parents die and a cousin is set to inherit her home in a week. 

Jane has a low estimation of her worth, having been convinced that she is, indeed, “plain,” fat, and ugly. 

I was uncomfortable with the emphasis on looks, size, and desirability.  I suspected that the story would eventually confront these stereotypes and social constructs, but I was uncomfortable with discussing size and appearance for fear that the discussion itself would reinforce the beauty and size-ist standards I was trying to avoid or overcome with my children. 

However, my wife correctly surmised that although it is easier to ignore these topics and pretend they don’t exist, size and beauty standards nevertheless exist because societies inevitably and perpetually create them. 

Unfortunately, as a parent, you can’t simply ignore the reality of beauty, health, and size standards.  We don’t have that luxury. 

The best you can do is to help prepare your children to understand that social constructs change and evolve with time, and all you can do is focus on your own health and improvement, as admirably demonstrated in “Plain Jane and the Mermaid.”