Media & Young Females

My daughter may only be a year and a half, but I'm already extremely aware of what messages she is receiving via books, TV, society, other children, adults (basically everyone and everywhere). I'm actually quite shocked that our society still has such strong stereotypes for young females. Have we made leaps and bounds? Yes! Do we have a long way to go? Of course... These two articles came across my way recently and figured I'd share in the same post.

One is based on a magazine issue of Girls' Life vs an issue of Boy's Life. On the cover of the Girls' Life is headlines such as "Your Dream Hair" and "Wake up Pretty" and " Confessional: My First Kiss". What was on the Boy's Life? One main headline: "Explore Your Future". A graphic designer edited the cover for this article, with headlines such as "Girls Doing Good" and "Best You Ever". As a parent, which magazine would you subscribe to? One that focuses one external beauty and fashion, or self care and being a good person?

Article: https://womenyoushouldknow.net/appalled-graphic-designer-shows-girls-life-magazine-what-their-cover-should-look-like/

The second article introduces a nonprofit organization called "MEDIAGIRLS". It was founded by mother Michelle Cove, when she realized her 9 year old daughter was experiencing body image concerns from the pressures of today's society. They are working to create a better space in social media for girls to feel good about themselves instead of having to fix themselves. Per the article, this group "offers a number of educational programs and has been working in schools around the Boston area to spread the message". I've also included a link from MEDIAGIRLS' website for parents.

Article: https://www.baystateparent.com/news/20190827/changing-how-girls-experience-social-media

For Parents: https://mediagirls.org/parents/

Not only should we be keeping an eye out for what media is telling our children, but we should always watch the way that we, and others, talk to our children. This article isn't related to social media directed towards young female, but it does show how bias is created early on for young boys. Let's teach our boys from the beginning that "girl" related things aren't "bad". Take a look and see how this one illustrator explains his take on the subject.

Article: https://www.boredpanda.com/boys-like-girl-hero-damian-alexander/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

I hope you enjoyed these... what do you think?