Miss Representation

Honestly, there are not many social issues I can speak passionately about; however, gender equality is quite the exception. When the end credits rolled on Miss Representation, I sat fervently in my seat, anxious to say anything that would oppose the demining and sexist comments evident in the documentary. Although not as ardent, my reaction to the "Little women" article originally published on USCatholic.org was extremely similar. Recently, I have found that as women, we blindly promote gender inequality on a daily basis; however, I do not believe this is something we have too much control over. From the instant a person is born, the media begins delivering content that gradually shapes their brains, lives, and emotions. Even clothing lines like Abercrombie Kids (who manufacture push-up bikinis small enough for four-year-olds) promote the idea that a girl's value is dependent upon her body and outward appearance. Not only is this concept injuring to a young girl's self-esteem, but it is also communicating to boys that it does not matter how kind or smart or funny a girl is. And because 97% of the media comes from this male perspective, girls learn to see themselves as objects, incapable of intelligence, humor, or anything outside of "outward beauty." In an effort to suit social expectations, girls often seek ways too look younger, thinner, and more beautiful. As a result, 65% of women and girls have experienced some form of an eating disorder. Unfortunately, as well, when a girl feels as though she cannot meet society's expectations, she becomes depressed. Depression in women and girls has doubled from 2000 to 2010, and they frequently experience lower ambition, cognition, and GPA's than those uninfluenced by the media's message. I really liked what the article had to say about monitoring the girls' dress code. Too often an assertive voice is absent from a young girls conscience. They believe that their power lies in how 'sexy' they are; however one person telling them to cover among all others telling them to bear it all can help girls see that there is more to them than just pretty blonde hair and thin legs.

 

As a young woman in my workplace, I have found that I am quickly judged based on what I am wearing. When I work at my dad's office during the summer, my mom makes sure that my chest and legs are hidden to avoid any scrutiny from my co-workers. Also, in the future, when I want to take leadership positions, I anticipate negative commentary calling me 'bitchy' or having 'no love' or 'no family.' Typically, the more power a woman holds, the greater the backlash. I would assume that many of the men would underestimate me as well, since quite a few of them may have grown up around stereotypes that classified women as catty, stupid, or overemotional. This can be intimidating to most women which is why the vast majority do not ask for higher ranking positions and find comfort in less powerful, lower paying jobs.

Miss Representation opened with a quote from Alice Walker: "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." At the Mount, I have been taught that I have the power to achieve whatever I want. There is an strong emphasis on allowing my gender to differentiate me rather than limit me. I have been taught to be a mentor and leader for other aspiring women, and I have been encouraged to live the vision of what a woman CAN be. The Mount has overridden the concept that "if you don't have women there, girls don't think it's possible" by teaching me to be a founder for my generation. Because of the Mount, one of my ultimate goals is to prove to other women that we are worth so much more than our youth, beauty, and sexuality.