This article takes a look at the media and its impact upon young girls today. Television and magazines affect the way a young girl thinks she needs to be to be accepted.
In a world where young girls are bombarded with images of sex and beauty, one has to wonder what kind of chance they really have. Between television, toys and magazines, knowing what to value today has become blurred. In a society that values beauty over brains and sex over smarts, the world can be a confusing place. The distinction between right and wrong can become a jumble of grey and the messages that girls receive within society become mixed and lost.
From the moment little girls are born, they are instantly labeled. “What a pretty little girl!” her parents exclaim, setting in motion the myriad of expectations that will haunt her for the rest of her life. As she grows, her parents instill into her ideas and morals of what girls should be and what is expected of them. Instead of being able to be themselves, girls are taught to be obedient and docile. Over and over again, she is told to be a good, little girl. Visions of a petite little angel, oozing of meekness and perfection becomes her goal. When reality sets in and things don't go as planned, the problems begin.
As children, toys are a huge part of growing up. While some toys are educational and productive, many promote unrealistic stereotypes and standards that young girls try to emulate. The ever popular Barbie portrays a so-called “perfect” woman; long blond hair, big breasts, wasp waist and legs that go for miles. In reality, if Barbie’s doll size proportions were converted to human size proportions, her measurements would be 39-21-33. Is this realistic? I think not.
The images portrayed in today’s media are soaked in materialism and so called perfection. Girls pick their role models based on external traits. Qualities such as academic achievement have been replaced by waist size and the type of bag hanging on their bony shoulder. Brains have been replaced by beauty and smarts have been pushed aside. Girls aspire to look like the women they see in magazines, yearning for the “perfect” breasts and the flawless complexion. They are unaware of the manipulation that occurs within this industry. Airbrushing and photo “touch-ups” erase flaws, minimize hips and maximize breasts. These standards become unattainable yet many girls strive to become something that, in reality, doesn’t exist. We wonder why so many girls and women suffer from eating disorders? It’s not rocket science.
The world has become a hurdle for girls today. As if growing up wasn’t difficult enough; society has made the journey much more difficult. Standards and expectations are unrealistic and qualities that are valued place little importance on achieving goals and career success. Appearance has replaced academia and brains have become passé. Media outlets needs to take responsibilty for what they promote as reality. The mindset within society must shift and diversity needs to be accepted before anything can change.
