Marilee answers “This book is disgusting to me. I do not...”

Patricia Barry asked this question about Educated:

This book is disgusting to me. I do not understand why an educated and worldly individual would have difficulty understanding the horrible and violent upbringing that she experienced. It is unbelievable to me that she could not understand the violent situation, yet uneducated upbringing she endured. I have completely misunderstood her manner of education in a life in our country, in this country, how is this possible?

Marilee Fealty to family is understandable to most of us. Even when dysfunctional, the ties formed in childhood abide even into adulthood. I was raised in wha…moreFealty to family is understandable to most of us. Even when dysfunctional, the ties formed in childhood abide even into adulthood. I was raised in what most would say was an enlightened family, educated, traveled and experienced of the greater world. However, certain familial psychological ties bind me and linger into my adulthood and independent life. Sometimes, in the midst of making decisions and thinking through situations, I find I'm hearing my mother's judgmental voice in my head. Her flaw was that she worried a great deal about what "others" would think, as if there were some immutable standard to meet. She expected me to care how I would be perceived, more so than whether I'm being true to myself. I do not want to think like that, yet like Tara, I am always a daughter. So, don't be disgusted by Tara, rather, try to understand the strong bonds of family and upbringing. Applaud her courage. (less)

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