Parenting Quote by Margaux Fragoso
““what good did these visits do? My mother wasn’t cured by them but Poppa continued to insist I make appearances because that was the only thing he cared about: appearances. We could both die and his prime concern would probably be burying us with the right makeup. He was burying me right now. And these psychiatrists and nurses were no better than Poppa. They kept up their sick smiles and, instead of looking for a real solution, just kept stuffing her with drugs that never worked.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls, 2005 (quoted by Margaux Fragoso)
Family pressure for appearances masks neglect; medical care becomes harmful when focused on image.
In simple terms: Appearances hide deeper suffering and ineffective treatment.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize genuine care over superficial appearances.
Themes
family
health
appearance
neglect
Mood
somber
empathetic
Type
personal
critical
When to use this quote
- healthcare decisions
- family dynamics
- advocacy
Key Concepts
medical ethics
psychological abuse
Questions to Reflect On
- How does appearance pressure affect health?
- What alternatives exist to confront neglect?
A Different Perspective
May ignore systemic issues.
