I know how most of us, as ex-JWs struggle with challenging our former beliefs, perceptions and fears. In spite of our programming, we are able to overcome certain things, like the fear of being destroyed, celebrating holidays and birthdays, and in some cases letting go of old superstitions (smurfs!)
But how do you overcome beliefs about gender roles? Have you even thought of challenging those beliefs, or do the roles that men and women play are "programmed" and incapable of deprogramming?
Many conversations that I had with my mother come to mind. She always spoke in terms of "when you get married......when you have a child...." Not IF. WHEN. As if this was inevitable. I had no other choice but to get married, have a child. It seemed that from the time I was 7 years old I was constantly being "prepped" for that and nothing else.
Now there are times when I feel like I was so shortsighted! Compounded is the WTS indoctrination (end is right around the corner), plus being a minority and having immigrant parents (Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding), with an end result of (?????)
I haven't been able to figure that out!
What do you all make of it?
~deep thoughts today~