Media: The Other Parent
CHALLENGE: Research shows that when girls are constantly exposed to sexualized, unrealistic media images of women, their self-confidence is undermined and they become highly critical of their bodies.
SOLUTION: Help girls to question these images by enrolling them in a media literacy program. These after-school programs teach girls to learn to recognize gender stereotypes in TV shows, movies, video games, advertising, and music videos, and to build a more positive self-image.
As a young girl, Elizabeth Correia never expected she would one day publish a book and run her own business.
For young girls today, it isn’t always easy. Dreaming about the future can seem limited by messages from the media and society that tell girls who and how they should be. Against all of these pressures, it can be difficult for a girl to embrace her curiosity or independence. Many girls struggle to believe in themselves and to know that they matter.
I can tell Valentine’s Day is coming because I’m getting tons of a promo emails that include such gems as “His & Her” mugs that look like they’re kissing when placed together. Ladies, maybe you’d like to buy your special guy an engraved bottle opener that fits in his wallet like a credit card? There are also long lists of gift suggestions for guys – apparently most men are clueless when it comes to gift buying?
