Just Asking

I normally wouldn't do this but here's a 45-second video of a little girl (4 or 5) explaining what she does and doesn't want out of life. I saw this at The Slog.

I'm asking what you think because of the mixed reactions it got from their readers. Is it charming? Alarming? Does she have parents who care or parents with issues?

I'll hold my thoughts back until I hear from our readers so just asking...what do you think?

Comments

Sharmour said…
I just watched a little girl who listens to her parents (probably mom) and thinks deeply about relationships. I know my 6 year old has already formed profound opinions about her future life, I am glad for it, because even if she does not follow these early goals, they will have a lasting impression on her future life.

I didn't read the responses to the video, but why not strive for career before marriage. It would be a safety net for so many different life circumstances.
2/22/11, 4:26 PM
SolvayGirl said…
Who knows how the idea got put in her head, or why she felt compelled to state it so emphatically on camera. It could be anything from, as Sachi said, listening to her parents discuss financial issues or her own intelligence making a wise assumption after watching any of the Real Housewives shows (kidding).

But I agree with Sachi. I think it would be wise for BOTH parties to "have a job" and try to "do something special" before contemplating marriage.

I also did not read the Slog comments...
2/22/11, 4:31 PM
seattle citizen said…
hmm...I admire her emphatic belief. I wonder if it's a bit exclusive: I WON'T marry (fall in love, cohabitate, partner...the varying degrees of "marry") until I have a job (and a special one, at that). Admirable and wise, but is there room for "wuv, twoo wuv," to quote Princess Bride)if the focus is ONLY on "job first"?

Strangely, and call me on it if this is abstract, it reminds me somewhat of "everybody ready for college and work." Where's the LOVE?

That said, this girl's adamant insistence to have a special job before marrying does remind us of the perils of the not-so-distant past, where, in many if not most instances, a woman's economic life was tied somehow to a man's.

I just hope this girl (and likewise little boys) stay open to love, too. Maybe it'll hit the second year of college...
2/22/11, 4:49 PM
anonymous said…
I think this is a 5 year olds take on what her mother and father probably told her about the importance of being independent and the being able to support and take care of herself. The importance of finishing school and establishing herself in the world before getting settling down and getting married.
2/22/11, 5:04 PM
seattle citizen said…
Yep, Guppy, mainly I agree. Pretty positive! And I'm sure if love strikes somewhere along the way, being independentely minded she'll do well in that department, too, regardless if she's got a job by then or not! "Yes, I'll marry you, but I might end up in Rio for work when I graduate, so keep your bags packed to come with me!"
2/22/11, 5:21 PM
Chris S. said…
I noticed the comment underneath the video which implies the video was the creation of an older sibling. Never underestimate the influence of an older sibling...(Here's hoping a viral video never comes out of my family!)

I'm having the interesting thought that we often feel like we can take a more active role in choosing a career than in choosing a relationship. Is this just women? Or just pre-puberty? Even when I was five, back in the dark ages, I never said "I want to get married" when someone said what did I want to be when I grew up.

Now I'll have to go see what the sloggers said...
2/22/11, 7:27 PM
Melissa Westbrook said…
I thought she was charming. Maybe she has a single mom who has told her to believe in herself first.

Several commenters at the Slog seemed to think she was a little piece of work. My comment was would it have been better if she was in a princess costume saying she was waiting for Prince Charming?
2/22/11, 7:48 PM
SC Parent said…
I'd be curious what the kids are talking about at her school/day care. I wonder if some enterprising boy has been bugging her to marry him :)
2/26/11, 3:19 PM
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