Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures.” I believe it’s the responsibility of all women to support and mentor young girls as they grow into adulthood. I don’t mean mentoring in a formal way. What I mean is providing a positive influence as they evolve.
As young girls develop, they emulate women who have an impact on their lives – especially celebrities who often behave in foolish and irresponsible ways, and get away with it because of their status. There are countless negative examples on television, in music videos and lyrics, the Internet, movies, magazines and advertising. The messages, which range from subtle to highly sexual, dictate how young girls should look, feel and act. If they are sexy and provocative (beyond their years) they are considered cool and will be accepted and loved.
The standard of physical attractiveness is very narrow and unrealistic. Being tall and skinny is what is considered most attractive; most girls don’t meet those standards and never will. Along with the skewed view of attractiveness comes certain sexualized behaviors; often implying the girls are sexually ready and experienced, before they are or should be. It’s confusing to boys and they end up playing the game, by objectifying the girls. We have to make both girls and boys aware of sexualization and objectification of girls.
[ Also on MeaningfulWomen.com: Dear Am I Ugly ]
The girls receive their messages from their parents, their peers, society and the media. Focusing on physical appearance is rampant. Parents that endorse plastic surgery are saying it’s okay because their daughters are achieving their goals of looking good. The peer pressure to fit in is powerful as well. These types of messages reinforce society’s misconceived notion of acceptability.
If your value is based upon your looks and physical attractiveness, it’s a losing game as women age. It can be disheartening and debilitating for adult women who try to conform to the standards of younger women. If they consider their only assets to be their physical beauty, it’s difficult to love and accept themselves as they age.
The pressure to look and act a certain way is powerfully seductive. Look at the current issues adolescent girls have to deal with: depression, low self-esteem, self-abuse and eating disorders. Many are so influenced by society’s imposed values, they begin to self-objectify by thinking and treating their bodies as objects for other people’s desires. That can have detrimental long term effects on their self esteem, confidence, physical and emotional health and their sexuality.
[ Please also see: A New Look at Beauty and Body ]
I want to see more positive role models and empowered messages offered. Think about the negative influences that are imposed upon young girls these days. We need to focus on their innate strengths and capabilities, by teaching them to believe in themselves and develop critical thinking skills.
Today, as mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends and neighbors, we can influence, strengthen and enhance a young girl’s self-esteem. Sure, more help and guidance should be forthcoming from our schools, parents, youth programs, religious programs and community businesses and organizations to educate and encourage our girls to be the best they can be. Every woman can make a difference.
Teaching young girls to focus on their character rather than their appearance is an empowering tool that can last a lifetime. Let’s empower them to be the most conscious and aware women they can be and pass on that legacy to our next generation of girls.
Do you know a young girl who could use some of your wisdom and guidance? The support you give could change a young girl’s future. Isn’t that worth it? By connecting them with the right tools and empowered thinking, we can inspire them to have amazing futures.
Click here to see more posts on MeaningfulWomen.com by Isadora Dahlen.
Isadora Dahlen is a writer, educator, coach and champion for women’s empowerment. She resides in Scottsdale, AZ with her husband, Alan. You can follow her on her blog, StrongWomenBlog.com, and on Twitter (@IsadoraDahlen).
Great job Isadora! Rock on!
You go girl!! Very timely and insightful article. Too much emphasis on celebrities in our society, that give the wrong message to growing girls.
Thanks Isadora. Not only is there too much emphasis on celebrities in our society, but also on athletes and the preferred treatment they receive in medical care because they play a sport well. What about the single mom working 2 jobs? Doesn’t she deserve the same preferred treatment to do her very important job of raising children? I guess many in our society see entertainment as more important.
Isadora,
I wish your well-written article could be published and sent to the Hollywood celebs who seem to have no conscience as to the message they overtly send to these young girls. Conscience is the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct. They seem to have no conscience when it come to dress, language and conduct. The subliminal and overt messages impress these young girls. For the celebrities you might want to just break the word apart and say that it is a good con science. They use the science of a con to influence these girls in the wrong direction.
Thanks for your article. I will more consciously spend time with the young girls in my life.
Melanie