Imitation of Life, Conundrum, Popcorn and babies.

Yesterday I rented Imitation of Life,

a classic movie starring Lana Turner, Sandra Dee and some other back in the day actors I'm not too familiar with. Until recently, I haven't been a big fan of classic films.  I find the style of acting to be too... much.  In a way, it reminds me of how Japanese actors and actresses just try to overdo it, huge turn off.  But I digress... 

For those of you not familiar with storyline, it's about a "A struggling young actress with a six-year-old daughter sets up housekeeping with a homeless black widow and her light-skinned eight-year-old daughter who rejects her mother by trying to pass for white." (Taken from Here)  Imitation of Life also includes a great cameo of Mahalia Jackson.

I came across the movie while browsing iTunes Sunday night, the title seemed familiar.  So, yesterday after returning home from work (around 8PM, go me!!) I popped some popcorn, poured a little wine (I'm loving the Conundrum these days!) and pressed play.

It was a good movie, but I just couldn't help thinking about the future baby G&T (no we are not expecting) and how there was no way my children would be so horrible!  I have to hand it to the mom, she was very patient....  But, patient to the point of harming her child.  I think at some point, all children have some identity issues (they're children!) and I was terribly disappointed with how Annie (the black mother) responded to Sara Jane's (the black, but could pass for white daughter) identity crisis. 

G and I have discussed our future children and we are praying that when the time comes and God blesses us with children, with the help of God we are able guide them in the right direction- which includes their beliefs in God, their character and treatment of others, and their identity and self-esteem.

Growing up in Alabama back in the day, I would hear so many questionable comments about mixed black and white children.  I have several black/white cousins and friends and they are each so distinctly different in their thoughts and views related to their family, identity, their being "mixed, half, either/or". However, one main and very pronounced difference among them I have noticed is their parents.  Seriously, if the parents have serious issues with race (among other things), it reflects in the children. 

I think this was very apparent in Imitation of Life.  Annie, though a sweet woman, had a few issues herself.  Mainly, no family and no pride and confidence in her being a black woman.  You can't teach what you don't know, you have to get some in order to give.

Of course, I realize it was back in the day, but if there is one thing I learned growing up at home was, I am a black woman and I should not EVER be embarrassed or feel inferior to anyone because of the color of my skin.  I don't think Annie learned that as a little girl.  Thus, she ended up with a rotten little spoiled brat of a daughter.  Lord help me if my child is like that!

Have you seen Imitation of Life?  I recommend with Popcorn and Conundrum Wine! :).

SiT

Comments

[high school student]

U shouldn't worry about things like.
Every child goes through an identiy crisis when growing up. In this day and age people of mixed race are sought out for there beauty! my cousins r mixed and they are happy who they are! This generation is different from the others. There r many people who are mixed like amerie, ne-yo, alica keys, etc. happy in the entertainment industry. and when it comes to race issues i'm definitely sure that you well keep telling them how proud they should be of there hertitage! some people strive for that!

[mlm]

i feel ya. i love this movie. it is one of the most emotional films i have ever seen. when they have the funeral with the horse drawn carriage brings me to tears.

yea i believe you guys will do a good job at parenting. sara jane's situation was very different. of course she wanted to be white. there was a lack of people walking around giving it up for being african-american then. on top of that her resentment came from her peers. you can do all the good parenting you can but like the person above said they will go through an identity crisis and feel something from their peers. more than likely these days they will get worshiped and be popular. lol so, be the best you can be.