Learning from Blue Jasmine

Watching Blue Jasmine confirmed my beliefs about having your own life first before pledging your allegieance anybody else. Before her husband dies, she had everything. Money, a busy social life, fantastic outfits ( She still has that throughout the entire film though ) and a family. Upon discovering her husband's many scattered affairs throughout the years and involvement in white collar crime, it all goes to pieces bit by bit. He dies in the end leaving her with absolutely nothing. If you haven't seen this film, i suggest you do. It's great. It's entertaining and easy to understand. 

There's something that's a bit enjoyable in seeing individuals who have everything fall from grace. We relish in it. Why the hell should they get everything in the first place anyway? But for real women in the world like Jasmine French, a disaster could be avoided simply by having ones own finances, ones own assets and ones own independence in case something as tragic and unexpected as a death occurs. It's been a longstanding tradition to ' marry into ' wealth especially for women who seek promise of security and comfort. Whilst there's nothing inherently wrong with doing this, especially if the marriage is legitimate, it's problematic for the women because they are wholly dependent.

When has it ever been guaranteed that marrying into wealth and security meant a life time of wealth and security? Seeing Jasmine French go from Park Avenue Society Queen to a down town San Francisco flat with her adopted sister made me realize how quickly things can change. For her, it was pretty much in an instant.
 

We are so good at adapting to positive change. It seems as if life is inherently difficult and as soon as refuge is offered, our roots sink deep and take hold with fierce tenacity. As soon as her comforts are taken away, she – like anyone would be – is stranded, lost and completely on her own.
Women are more independent now than ever before and this is a great thing. But especially when marriage is in the picture, i feel like they need to uphold a certain level of financial and emotional independence in regardless of how well their marriage is going. All women need to have a life beyond their marriage where they control, direct and seize reigns of where they want to go. There is no authorial voice but theirs and when they are living that life separate from their home one, they can’t imagine needing anybody else when they are in control and independent. 


PS. My latest peice for Crisp is up here. 
The theme is, " Hiding Places " and five artists have been assigned to illustrate a different part of my essay.