Beauty and Self in Allison’s Writing

Dorothy Allison’s autobiographical narrative, Two or Three Things I Know for Sure, delves into the intricate ways in which a lower-class upbringing has shaped the identities of the women in her family. Within this framework, beauty inadvertently becomes one of the most valued aspects among her family members, a perceived deficiency of which significantly influences Allison's sense of self-worth. Through a lens of intersectional feminism—a branch of feminism that examines how various forms of social and political discrimination overlap with gender—Allison's work explores themes of male entitlement, her resistance against it, and the female solidarity that emerges through her lyrical prose.

The Burden of Beauty

The women in Allison’s family were often taught that beauty was not an attribute they possessed. They were the women whose images were captured in the aftermath of "mining disasters, floods, and fires" (Allison, 33). These women appeared in the background, their mouths open in print dresses or drawstring pants and collarless smocks, exuding a sense of exhaustion and age. These portrayals of solid, stolid, and wide-hipped baby machines speak to a patriarchal society that views women as inferior, with their primary role being that of mothers. This mindset instills a sense of male entitlement from birth, socializing men to feel owed by the world and deserving of everything, while women are raised to minimize themselves, making space for men to occupy as much as they desire.

Allison’s narrative of her rape by her stepfather serves as a poignant example for modern readers, illustrating how deeply entrenched systems of power and entitlement can perpetuate rape culture—a culture that not only allows but also encourages men to act aggressively without fear of social repercussions. This is a pervasive issue that transcends race and class, affecting women universally.

Economic and Emotional Constraints

Growing up in poverty further compounded Allison's struggles. Her family's lack of wealth restricted her belief in economic mobility, while a perceived lack of beauty hindered her sense of being worthy of love. In high school, Allison recounts how "the pretty girls... wore virgin pins on the right side or knew enough not to wear such tacky things at all. She and her cousins were never virgins, even when they were" (Allison 36). As poor, "ugly" girls, Allison and her cousins were deemed disposable by their male peers, seen as "easy" targets. This experience, compounded by their lower-class status, raises the question, “Who could love a girl like her?” (Allison 36).

Throughout the narrative, Allison grapples with a deep-seated resentment towards her family, often blaming them for societal repercussions. Yet, she also acknowledges her complicity in perpetuating the belief that beauty is a woman's most valuable trait. This internal conflict reveals how societal norms can infiltrate personal ideologies, leading to a complex intersection of past and present beliefs.

The Strength in Sisterhood

Allison's fascination with "ongoing tragedies, great novels, secrets and mysteries and longings no one would ever know" (Allison 17)—particularly in relation to the women in her family—highlights the significant role history plays in shaping her identity. The value she places on women is built not on a system of privilege but on a foundation of love and strength, forged through shared experiences of suffering at the hands of men.

Understanding the necessity of women supporting women is a complex journey. Examining the role of beauty in Allison's life further elucidates this point. The societal judgment of beauty creates tension between Allison and her sister Anne. For instance, Anne remarks, “We didn’t like each other much,” to which Allison responds, “We didn’t know each other.” Anne retorts, “Yeah? Well, Mama always thought you peed rose water.” Allison counters, “But you were beautiful. Hell, you didn’t even have to pee, you were so pretty. People offered to pee for you” (Allison 77). This exchange reveals the jealousy rooted in a lack of body autonomy and the desire for the normative ideal of beauty. While sibling rivalry is a factor, patriarchal undertones are undeniable. Societal norms of beauty, shaped by male perspectives, contribute to a nation of self-obsessed women, perpetuating the patriarchy. This toxic mindset can lead women, including Allison, to mistakenly believe that beauty is one of the few things of value, encouraging competition among women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dorothy Allison’s Two or Three Things I Know for Sure offers a profound exploration of how class, beauty, and gender intersect to shape identity. Through her narrative, Allison not only critiques the societal norms that have oppressed women but also celebrates the resilience and solidarity among women. Her story is a testament to the complexity of identity formation and the power of female solidarity to overcome deeply entrenched systems of oppression. By understanding these dynamics, readers are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty, privilege, and gender, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

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