Reflecting on What Did You Expect

The significance of the photographer saying that she wanted Allison to look as if she was sprinkled with powdered sugar is that Allison is a lesbian. This was a crucial part in Allison’s life you can tell this because she is only a little girl yet she remembers a stranger telling her to conduct herself as if she was sprinkled with powdered sugar. Most girls would identify with what the photographer said and would gladly give the photographer what they wanted. Allison was different she was a lesbian, and did not want to give off that "powdered sugar" look because Allison didn't identify with all the other normal girls. The author also talks about her mom putting on her makeup and, that would make her ready to tackle the world. The author then talks about how that is not how she wanted to live her life. This memory that the author has shows that she is an individual especially for the time period. It also shows that at such a young age she already identifies herself as something different (a lesbian). Later Allison touches on the hotel that she checks into (later in life) and her appearance, and how she is viewed by the people in her surroundings (as stranger and possibly and outcast). She does not like the powered sugar image which is portrayed in the beginning.