Certainly the mothers Iremember from my childhood in the Bronx and Long Island were differentfrom the mothers I have met as an adult in Iowa. What's gentile and what's Iowa. Italians, he said, are very Jewish. The mothering style from my childhood was quite dramatic. I suppose there are some children who are actually able to slip intoa room without their entrance being commented upon - but not anyone Iknew growing up.
Jewish mothers have the habit of intensely observingtheir children.
A belt improperly looped. A stooped shoulder. Allappearances are fodder for interpretation and advice. A forehead wouldnot be so broken out if bangs were pulled away from a face. Too much sunis dangerous, but a little color couldn't hurt.