1 minute read
Mommy Issues
I’m currently writing my master’s thesis on the relationship between mothers and sons (strictly platonic) in two works of literature from the 1880s. Why did I choose this topic? Well, because there’s a lot to write about, and I think it’s fun. When you look at motherhood representations in literature or film or other media forms, there’s nothing but mommy issues Who wouldn’t want to write a master’s thesis on mommy issues?
I had a conversation with a friend about how she kept dating guys with mommy issues the day before I decided to write this article, but what the fuck does that even mean, to have mommy issues? (Why she keeps dating guys with these issues is a whole other question that I won’t be addressing here.) Having mommy issues can mean having a too close relationship with your mom but it can also mean having no relationship at all for one reason or another
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Nowadays, when we talk about mommy issues, we mean men who expe h i partner to majority o chores an support, b met a fair women w these rath problema
I think the issue here is the word expect–I think everyone appreciates when someone does the dishes or comforts them after a bad day (though reducing the complexity of mommy issues down to some dishes and a hug presents its own issues) But where does this expectation come from? Childhood, if we listen to Freud. Do I even dare turn to his Oedipus theory? Yes, I dare
Who came up with this whole idea of toddlers having a rivalry with the parent of the same gender? Oh yeah, Freud And fear of castration? Freud. And what does he say the solution is? Turning on one parent and embracing either toxic masculinity or being a girly girl (more or less, read my master’s thesis for a more detailed analysis). When I was a kid, I don’t remember ever having a rivalry with my mom or having those kinds of thoughts for my dad. Heck, all I wanted to do was drive my kid’s-sized race car around the neighborhood like a badass and go pick up the neighbors’ girl
But I’ve always been more of a daddy’s girl anyway.
Kendall Allen
