Jobnik!

I really am sorry I missed the discussions for Jobnik! this week. I have to say it was probably the most unusual of our writings to date. Miriam Libicki never really went into details about her psychological profile and what it is that keeps her from having a more "important" role in the IDF but it seems clear from her flashbacks, actions and thoughts that her insecurities and desire for approval that comes out in her poor choice in men that is the problem.

It is interesting that her progressive and tolerant upbringing is what she looks at as having caused her so much trouble as a child. The fact that she did not look like the other children since she was allowed to dress herself at an early age is given as her reason for doubting her own worth, even her reason to claim she was destined to be a slut, even if she still clings to her virginity.

There are a few children at my son's elementary school I can see having the same issues some day. There is a boy in his Kindergarten class with a small ear plug and shaved head for instance. I personally don't have an issue with body art but this child who has been given free reign to mimic his parents has already been forced into the role of an outsider from his peers and rarely smiles. I know another boy whose parent doesn't believe in discipline, they want their child to be a free spirit. Now at age 7 or 8 he still uses his closet as a toilet and a range of other "naughty" behaviors. It's a strange balancing act to encourage individuality and yet help a child see what social pressures they may face for their choices even at a young age.

Miriam doesn't go into her relationship with her parents in Jobnik much which is such a shift after Maus and I think it would be interesting to learn more about this part of her life! She certain has been fearless and daring enough to reveal the dark parts of her life and to put her failings out there for others to judge or be amused by and while I found her writing style to be without a clear linear purpose it was unique and fascinating and I enjoyed it very much.