Dorothy Allison's "What Did You Expect?"

I believe that the main correlation and/or significance of the photographer's request to have Dorothy Allison "sprinkled with powdered sugar," is that it would be a complete misinterpretation of Allison's life and childhood. To coat something with sugar, is to "put it lightly" or display something in a comforting manner. This is fine in most cases, but Allison's childhood was anything but light or comforting. Growing up as a poor, white, lesbian girl in South Caroline in the mid 20th century, I can only imagine the treatment she got as a child. In the story, it even mentions that she was abused and raped by her stepfather as she was growing up; thus, I think to cover her with powdered sugar would be misleading to the reader/audience.

In addition to the misconception that would be created if the requested photograph would have been taken, Allison states several times how (just like her mother) she is stubborn, and that she does not like to conform to other people very often. She would proclaim that she wants to be revolutionary. In this instance, I believe she is trying to make yet another statement by saying no to the photographer’s requests.

At the end of the piece, she says “maybe next time” to the photographer, who requested the powdered sugar effect once more. Even though the words say yes, Allison continues by saying she gave a smile that implies a ‘no way in hell’ mentality.

The final picture that she agreed to take, was of her as at a laundromat holding a hamper on her hip. In my mind, this implies a sort of lower class economic level, as well as a working class way of life. I think that it related to Allison more so than the “powdered sugar” concept does, but it still seems to be too cheerful. Dorothy Allison also would mention how she likes to hide behind her long, loose, draped hair as to shy away from the world. In addition, we are informed of how Allison dresses herself, and I believe this laundromat idea is creative in that sense, but still seems to be “sugar coated” in some ways. On the other hand, the final picture could also be shown as a progression to show how she grew out of her rough upbringing to become a very successful author.

I think these pictures aren’t really more or less in line with Dorothy Allison’s requests, but rather right on par. The pictures imply a hard, rigorous, stressful lifestyle. Allison had a really rough upbringing, and these pictures accurately represent such a childhood.