Miss Representation

     After watching MissRepresentation and reading the article about girls being objectified and sexualized at young ages, I have learned about some alarming facts and statistics.  This lesson has given me an opportunity to truly think about the immense effect that today's culture has on how girls view themselves and each other in addition to how boys view them.  65% of girls and women in America have an eating disorder.  The number of cosmetic surgeries performed on girls 18 or younger has tripled from 1997 to 2007.  These two statistics alone are enough to prove that women in American care about they appearance way to much.  The common question is "Why?"
     Girls of all ages constantly feel pressure to look perfect and that image of perfection includes designer clothes, a skinny body, and a flawless face.  As girls strive to create this unreachable image, they develop eating disorders, wear skimpier clothing, and attract the wrong kind of attention from boys.  I agree with the article that parents of this generation need to stop trying to be friends with their kids and start actually parenting them.  Also, when girls hold themselves to that standard, boys start to hold us that standard as well.  During recent political elections or events, candidates like Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin received more attention for what they were wearing or how old they looked instead of the content of their speeches.  MissRepresentation showed a clip of someone asking if Condoleezza Rice would be tough enough to be Commander in Chief in she were to ever be President.  No one has ever questioned if previous candidates were tough enough, because they were men.  In the workforce, men are seen as the stereotypical CEO while women are viewed as a stereotypical secretary or assistant.  Since it was formed, America has been a country ruled and dominated by men.  Now, it is time for men to step aside and allow talented women to step up and take the lead.
     As a Mountie, I have been lucky enough to receive an education that encourages me to be an intelligent and strong young woman.  At the Mount, I have been taught to stand up for what is right and to always let my voice be heard.  I know that the Mount has instilled in me a confidence that will aid me as I go through college and enter the workforce.  Because of the Mount, I know that there is not one good reason for anyone to treat me differently from any man.