"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" Lisa Lee. During 19th Century China, two young Chinese girls are best friend's at a young age, as their families unite and their mother's are adamant at keeping their young girls in good health and high statues. 

 

 

 Their mothers will do anything to procure their families status and they agree to bind their daughters feet.  The literal meaning of foot binding is to keep one's feet in tight bandages to ensure one's feet will no longer grow to their average lengths and keep them small and dainty.  This was Chinese tradition.

 

  It was thought that their tiny feed would attract a male suitor who likewise respects Chinese traditions and values, and the so-called strength of a woman's character in keeping up with the feed binding.  A Chinese husband would ensure a daughter's well-being and by being married, it would take up the amount of dept incurred upon a household for having a Chinese daughter in the first place.  

 

Some of us may shirk at the though of foot binding and societal lengths at keeping a woman beautiful, but how is this any different than the lengths we go to, even in America to progress the heights of our daughters status?

 

Take the reality show "Dance Mom's".  The instructor is supposed to bring these young girls into limelight and make them tough, but instead she belittles and humiliates these girls.