Mother's Day and the Hallmark image of idealized motherhood

MOTHER'S DAY AND THE "HALLMARK" IMAGE OF MOM

Think about Mother's Day and the "Hallmark" image of Mom. Look at cards, ads, etc. And be specific - how does the idealized mother appear? What are the stereotypes? Expectations?

Mother's Day and the "Hallmark" image of Mom

Mother's Day and the "Hallmark" image of Mom

This is a day celebrated worldwide to recognize maternal bands, motherhood and the contributions made by mothers in the society. This day is been widely celebrated to make mothers feel appreciated for the role they play in molding and caring for the family. Celebrations for the contributions made by mothers are accentuated by the increasing volumes of cards and advertisement messages. These messages go to the extent of depicting the mother as a hero to the society undertaking duties to an extreme otherwise inconceivable (Arendell & Terry, 2000).

With the change in times, celebrations for mother's day have grown to accommodate the extremes in the society. Bearing in mind the contributions made by mothers, it is a confusing atmosphere for those who wish to show appreciation The cards and advertisements messages are adequate to target a message that every mother wishes to get. They throw those who are expressing their appreciation into frenzy. One tries to pick a unique message deviating from the hallmark fantasy about their perfect mother.

Stereotypes and expectations

Unlike professional care givers who expect remuneration, mothers undertake their roles with fulfillment coming out as own contentment. The society has taught women that their ultimate fulfillment is motherhood. The society expects women to undertake their role in society to care for homes, nurture and tender children. A woman's image in the society is not complete without proof of sacrifice of her own goals and needs for the fulfillment of children and husband (Arendell & Terry, 2000).

A woman is seen to have no other pivotal role in society other than care giving to the family. A woman is an emotionally weak being that can only function within the confines of the family care. Women functionality in the economic and political world has come under immense criticisms since they tend to be emotional. The display of emotions shows luck of objectivity in decision making outside the realms of a family.

Considering the extent to that a mother will go to protect and defend a child, women are considered to be extraordinary being. A woman is expected to embrace a child in spite of their misgiving an aspect that comes from their nature and socialization as emotional beings (Arendell & Terry, 2000). This appreciation comes out in mother's day celebrations showing the extents of motherhood. A Mother's roles in giving care to the family hinders to her performance in other societal roles. Their participation in the society outside the realms of care giving to the society is subject to be undervalued considering that they have a bigger role to play in society.