It is an idea imposed on you by people who want you to believe something that is incontrovertibly opposed to reality. You have power. You have power to build a family for yourself. You have power to build a career. You have power to read what you want, to listen to the music you want. You have the power to build the community you want. And if you so choose, you have the power to help build the country that could ensure a rich and exciting future.
You can choose not to use that power, but you have it.
The problem with this sentiment isn’t what it tries to pay attention to, but what it ignores. Systemic power structures aren’t going to go away just because we ignore them. Half of the things you describe as personal freedom actually uphold unjust systems.
Do you know that the idea of a nuclear family is modern? Before wwII, most people lived in extended households with multiple generations. The idea of a daddy moving to a new city for his job, getting married and having 2.4 kids all directly serves capital. And is only possible with things like cars and interstates, but people act like it’s ordained by god. This idea of “building a family” isn’t the pioneer spirit, but mid 20th century marketing.
Well said. Enough with this “you’re capable of doing anything 🌸” and toxic positivity bullshit.
I meant you can build exactly the type of family you want, nuclear or extended.