Journal Entry #14

“How we would be if life was perfect. I tell you one thing right now, I would be light skinned, thereby treated right and loved by boyz. Light even more important than being skinny; you see them light-skinned girls that's big an' fat, they got boyfriends.” (114)

“Then, this part is hard to say, because so much of my heart is love for Abdul. But I be a girl or woman – yeah girl, 'cause I would still be a girl now if I hadn't had no kids. I would be a virgin like Michael Jackson, like Madonna. I would be a different Precious Jones. My bress not big, my bra be little 'n pink like fashion girl. My body be like Whitney. I would be thighs not big etc etc.” (115)

These excerpts come from Precious as she thinking about the “perfect” life and the “perfect” image, after she finds out she has the HIV virus. It was sad to me when I read this and the author's tone is very concerned and serious. It upset me because I hear stereotypes like the ones above everyday. Light-skinned people are seen by some as always prettier over dark-skinned people. This has never been true to me. I remember watching the news channel the other week and there was an elementary dark-skinned girl. The report was on low self-esteem and how your skin color affects that. It does not leave my head that this little girl felt she was ugly, and wanted to be light skinned because, she was dark-skinned and in her mind that was not pretty. It gets really sad when skin complexion plays a role in the perception of beauty. I could feel where Precious was coming from when she wishes she was a virgin. However, that is something that cannot change and will never come back. I believe that Precious felt this way because everyone wants to be able to lose something so important to the one they really love. Precious was not given this choice, she was not ready, and this was wrongfully taken away from her. Precious seemed to have everything together, but now she thinks the thoughts that will have her falling apart. However, what Precious is feeling is normal. Especially as a teenager, we all battle with self-esteem issues and being the “cover girl”. This book has definitely been interesting and there are twists and turns at every corner.

Words: 408