In many areas, girls do better. They’re ahead of the boys in school. They are in better physical health than their male counterparts. They have a range of options in work and education. They can avail themselves of the rewards of the hard-fought gains of the women who went before them, without thinking too much about it. Yet despite all the great opportunities on offer, girls are struggling. In an age of “Girl Power”, many are feeling powerless. They are facing unprecedented social pressure, their emotional and psychological well-being at risk in ways never imagined. The pressure to conform in a culture which values girls who are ‘thin hot and sexy’ is taking a significant toll, with research indicating a rise in eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm and low-self-esteem. Melinda Tankard Reist will take us on a visual tour of images, ideas and products from the media and popular culture and help us explore the question: how can we help girls resist the negative messages from popular culture and recognise their true value and worth? How do we help them make good decisions about safeguarding their sexuality? How do we help them discover a more fulfilling way to live beyond the airheaded cult of celebrity and fashion?
No comments:
Post a Comment