The notion of coming of age is an idea that not only sparks our curiosity but creates feelings within all of us that prompts anxiety. As we get older we begin to “discover” ourselves, delving into a world which not only asks us to define ourselves but as we do the defining, we must keep in mind the social confines which limit the ways in which we should define ourselves. Although we attribute this notion of “finding oneself” to the young adult, we often forget that children are also vulnerable to this notion of the self. Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink), uses 7 year-old Ludovic to explore the way in which children deal with sexuality and how normalizing powers work to ensure that his sexual identification follow society’s structure. Throughout the film, we see Ludo’s identification as female, although his sex has determined him male. As Ludo outwardly conveys behavior which deviate from what society considers the norm, we see outside forces working to deter him from this behavior. His parents, classmates, and individuals within the community make every attempt to remind Ludo that he is a boy. It is this constant reminder and reinforcement that allows the question of the true nature of gender. While the normalizing powers work to ensure that Ludo conform to the gender roles of society, Ludo’s identification as a female conveys that gender identification may not be so black and white. The actions of those in the community bring about this notion that gender in itself is socially constructed. By constantly reminding Ludo that he is a boy and labeling his attraction to the same sex as “bent” there is an implication that there is something wrong with him and he needs to be fixed.By attempting to “fix” Ludo, the normalizing powers convey that society works to keep us in line with the gender roles that seem normal to us.
As we explore the way in which normalizing powers work to ensure Ludo’s identification with the gender society sees fit, it is important to note the role of Pam in helping him embrace his identification as a girl. The fictitious character Pam works not only as a form of escape from society, but also allows Ludo the opportunity to be himself. As watches the show, he internalizes what it means to be a girl according to Pam. Marrying a boy and being beautiful are lessons he learns from Pam and brings into his own world. When he pretends to marry Jerome, he is mimicking the feminine fantasies he has learned from the show. However, Pam does not only work to Ludo's benefit, because it is through Pam that his mother finally learns to love her son the way he is. Pam allows Ludo's mother into his world and allows her to see that she can't change him.
