Media and The Sexualization of Young Girls Essay Example

underage sex and sexual violence. Even toddlers interact with dolls clad in fishnets and miniskirts. The concept that youthfulness equates attractiveness, which is fundamentally important, is incessantly thrust upon us.

The media's portrayal goes against positive and progressive notions of female sexuality. Instead, it encourages young girls to undermine themselves and adopt feelings of low self-esteem. These depictions persuade girls to diminish their bodies, intelligence, and capabilities while denying the existence of female sexual empowerment. They also prompt girls to unwittingly place themselves in more vulnerable positions, making them susceptible to sexual violence and exploitation.

Thankfully, there are methods to assist youngsters and teenagers in debunking media portrayals, engaging in healthy and constructive discussions about sexuality, and gaining self-confidence. My intention is to provide various illustrations that aid in dispelling these harmful misconceptions and guiding girls in dismantling them. In the past, mass media held more sway over our lives and posed a greater threat to its audience. It is crucial that we address this issue starting from its foundation.

In discussing the impact of media on individuals, Naomi Wolf suggests that contemporary children and young adults develop their sexual identities based on unrealistic portrayals in magazines, Playboy, and degrading music videos. These depictions often present women as objects with perfect bodies and promote a stereotypical image of the desirable girl next door. These unrealistic standards have become normalized within society and are commonly encountered when watching television. Consequently, young girls are influenced by these images and aspire to conform to them. The pervasiveness of sexualized content is evident across various media platforms.

Throughout the years, female sexuality in the media has been subjected to repression and control. At

certain points, any form of sexual activity involving women or unmarried individuals was prohibited on television. Women faced consequences and social exclusion for being labeled as "sluts". However, a shift has occurred with regards to society's acceptance of female sexuality. The media now showcases women who confidently embrace their sensuality and employ their attractiveness to achieve their desires. Nonetheless, concerns arise regarding how the media portrays female empowerment.

Media is mishandling and distorting the sexuality of young girls, leading to an increase in early engagement in sexual activity, rising rates of teen pregnancies, and alarmingly high incidence of STDs among teens. Regrettably, many media outlets prioritize profit and ratings over respecting and advocating for young girls. Their main objective is to cultivate consumers from an early age. Although some argue that media's influence is not significant, the reality is quite different.

Though many tend to downplay the negative effects of television due to its fictional nature, there's a growing worry about the media's depiction of attractive young females. Some opine that such representations test societal boundaries on feminine desires and sexual maturation, while others think they foster harmful gender norms and unrealistic body image standards. Even those who attempt to view sexuality without prejudice or judgment find these visual cues in the media challenging. While it's wrong to make girls and young women feel embarrassed about their bodies, we must scrutinize the promotion of body shapes that necessitate extreme actions like dieting, over-exercising, eating disorders, and cosmetic surgery. Despite the urgency for making discussions around sex less tabooed, we also need to examine the negatives of media focusing excessively on a girl’s attractiveness. Recognizing media's powerful influence

is key for society.

Research in the marketplace indicates that both children and teenagers are substantial users of media. The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted research in 2005 which revealed that on average, those between eight to eighteen years old dedicate about six and a half hours daily to media interaction (Durham, 30). Marketing agency Teen Research Unlimited’s data shows that American teens devote 11.2 hours weekly to TV viewing, listen to FM radio for 10.1 hours per week, and spend around 3.1 hours each week playing video games (Wallace, 47). Furthermore, both teen and young adult demographics allocate roughly 17 online hours every week. Intriguingly, MTV stands out as the favorite cable channel among boys and girls alike; they invest an average of six watching hours weekly on this channel (Durham,31).

The influence of media on the conduct of young females is unquestionable. A widely acclaimed television show named The Girls Club, broadcasted on The Oxygen Network, showcases 7 self-styled "bad girls" cohabiting in a residence and being filmed engaging in reckless actions for nationwide viewership. Their evenings are spent indulging in partying and visiting clubs, often participating in impromptu sexual interactions with unknown individuals. Despite their age being in the mid-20s, they display childlike conflicts. It's distressing to witness underage girls eagerly expressing their interest to try out for this program and look up to these misguided personalities.

A favorite artist among the younger generation is hip-hop star Lil Wayne. It's very likely that you'll discover lyrics that are derogatory towards women in any given Lil Wayne track if you look for them - there's about a 90% probability. Yet, it's not unusual to overhear young females

echoing these same offensive words as they stroll along the sidewalks.

Children today have a plethora of media outlets to connect with. On any given day, they are presented with a media environment comprising more than 200 cable TV networks, 5,500 consumer magazine brands, over 10,500 radio stations, around 30 million websites and approximately 122,000 newly released books. It seems reasonable to assume that not all these platforms could be detrimental; there must surely be some forms of media that stimulate thought and motivation.

Inspirational Figures

First Lady Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most admired and influential figures for young girls in modern times. During her recent interaction with Time Magazine's Michael Scherer and Nancy Gibbs, Mrs. Obama shared insights about her role at the White House. She expressed her aspiration to inspire and empower young women while also recognizing the profound influence positive female influences like her own mother had on her formative years.

During our initiative, I started envisioning the possible effects of young females participating in this space and hearing from other powerful, awe-inspiring, and energetic women. It would be impactful to maintain this dialogue within the walls of the White House. I relate to these girls irrespective of their socio-economic status. We invite girls from varied schooling backgrounds: public, religious-based, and private institutions. Observing them all interacting as equals in this setting where they might feel some degree of anxiety is truly encouraging. Therefore, these occasions are genuinely extraordinary.
As per First Lady Michelle Obama's statement, it is crucial to explore the values and priorities of young females today.Their dreams have transitioned from wanting to become princesses or ballerinas to idolizing personalities

such as Lindsay Lohan and Kim Kardashian.Some aim to become notable video vixens or mothers of renowned rappers.Young girls require improved role models.It is unjust that we are restricted to select between religious icon Joyce Myers and pop artist Shakira as sexual symbols in the media landscape.The period when women pursued fame by exploiting their bodies needs to end.Celebrities should not be the only role models;it's high time for mothers, educators, and elder sisters to shoulder responsibility.
Women who regularly engage with young girls need to be conscious of the personal messages they are transmitting. It's crucial to help change these young girls' perspectives about what beauty means.

Older women should refrain from constantly discussing their body insecurities, such as "muffin-tops" and flabby thighs, as well as highlighting their efforts to combat aging through procedures like tummy tucks, Botox treatments, and breast enlargements. Instead, they ought to demonstrate to younger girls how to feel confident through actions that promote strength and independence. Encouraging them to be valued for their abilities beyond mere appearance is crucial. Older women should guide young girls in discovering their unique strengths, as personal actions hold more significance than any advertising campaign.

According to Louise Desalvo, author of vertigo, there were two girls referred to as the "real sluts" in high school. These girls, including Desalvo herself and another girl named Liz, were labeled as such because they chose to engage in sexual activities based on their own preferences and terms.

Navigating girlhood in today's world can be quite complicated. Women have waged a fierce battle for their rights, including sexual freedom without repercussions. But the question now is how to use this newfound liberty?

The advent of contraceptives and abortions has made it safer for us to engage in sexual activities, but the stigma of being labeled promiscuous remains prevalent. It appears that girls who dress seductively do get noticed by men, yet they are seldom treated with respect. Society often objectifies women as sex symbols for male gaze, only to shame them as immoral when they conform.

The concept of female empowerment and liberation is often tied to the provocative outfits and personas portrayed by today's pop culture icons. While it is encouraging to see girls embracing their desires, confidence, and femininity, a careful examination of the media's portrayal reveals that only specific body types are depicted as sexual and certain forms of self-expression are deemed desirable.

Female empowerment and challenging societal standards are frequently highlighted, but how does this translate into our love lives? Are we expected to dismiss acts such as having our seats drawn out or doors opened for us? Is it time to stop preparing meals for our significant others? How can we uphold autonomy and power yet still desire the sense of security and yearn for a chivalrous partner?

Discussing sexual themes in adolescent media and the sexualization of young females presents a complicated issue. Conversations about this subject often reduce to a binary viewpoint: either favoring sex or disfavoring it. Any critique or examination of sexual depictions in media is misinterpreted as advocating censorship or resistance against sex at large. This may suggest an anticipation for chastity devices or pledges of celibacy. For those who perceive sex positively, this is an unreasonable stance to adopt. Nevertheless, being compelled to accept the notion that "girls gone

wild" is empowering can be equally harmful.

What should be done to express ourselves sexually, maintain independence, and gain acceptance? Is there a solution that ensures success? Numerous young women and men fail to consider the risks associated with sex. It is not wise to engage in sexual activities just to demonstrate "girl power". Dressing provocatively without concern for the presence of predators and rapists who disregard your right to dress as you please is a dangerous approach.

Encouraging every teenager, regardless of their gender, to refrain from sexual activity until they are in a committed relationship and feel emotionally and mentally ready is essential. Teenagers should be equipped with the right knowledge regarding contraception, abortion, condoms and other protections against sexually transmitted diseases. However, there's an increasing trend towards abstinence-focused sex education. More than one-third of school districts have adopted this curriculum that only permits minimal discussion on contraception. Regrettably, data shows that just 45% of public schools offer information about where to acquire birth control while a mere 37% discuss abortion (hunter,85).

The sexual advice and information provided in magazines presents a limited and out-of-date perspective on girls' sexuality. The articles portray men as animals and women as their trainers. These magazines consistently encourage girls to simultaneously attract and reject male advances, implying that boys are uncontrollable predators and girls lack their own sexual desires. Furthermore, the magazines highlight the notion that the sexual realm is dominated by men, suggesting that women can only thrive by suppressing themselves and conforming to male desires.

In her book The Birth of Pleasure, Harvard psychologist Carol Gilligan explores the concept of relationships and love. Gilligan differentiates between relationships and a

relationship, defining the former as being in sync with another person. She argues that love is dependent on being connected to another person through an equal and mutual bond. According to Gilligan, both love and democracy rely on having a voice and being able to speak and be heard. She emphasizes the importance of resonance in enabling communication and describes how love can flow between people in a fluid and refreshing manner.

Contrary to what we know, the media portrays a different narrative. It paints a distorted image in the minds of young and easily influenced girls. Take Seventeen magazine, for instance, which leads them to believe that boys have extensive knowledge about girls. It claims that boys possess the skills to make a short-term relationship endure. Based on interviews with attractive young men featured in Seventeen's November 2006 edition, it suggests that a boy is more likely to commit to a girl who caters to his needs, such as applying sunscreen for him (Durham, 158).

According to Tracy Cabot, the author of How to Make a Man Fall in Love With You, girls should consider boys' preferences when planning their activities, clothing, and behavior. Cabot suggests that girls should imitate the man they desire by dressing like him, moving like him, and even breathing like him. Teen fashion and beauty magazines such as Seventeen and Cosmo cleverly blend tips on capturing boys' attention with product endorsements typically found in girls' magazines. These publications seamlessly connect advice on purchasing jeans, accessories, and cosmetics with guidance on navigating the intricacies of love and sex.

The depiction of females in media reinforces damaging stereotypes that their only purpose is to

satisfy male wishes and meet their requirements. This portrayal neglects the concept that males also have responsibilities towards females, and it does not recognize that males can exhibit traits like empathy, respect, and sensitivity. Media paints a picture of boys as perpetrators aiming to coerce girls into physical relationships, while casting girls as protectors of their own virtue.

Conclusion and Solutions

The media is playing a prominent role in distorting the healthy sexual growth and development of girls. It presents incorrect images of female empowerment and uses this concept as a marketing strategy solely for their own benefit. Additionally, it provides misleading examples of love and misrepresents men's desires.

Adolescents desire more knowledge regarding sex and face a scarcity of opportunities to acquire beneficial and supportive information. If they rely on the media, they are excessively exposed to a myth that dictates how girls should dress and behave, suggesting specific ways to attract men while being sexy but not crossing the line into being considered promiscuous. The influence of media messages is what causes confusion and leads young females astray in understanding the essence of womanhood.

The media plays a significant role in the high rates of teen pregnancies and STDs in the United States. It presents a distorted view of sexuality that disregards girls’ rights and responsibilities in sexual activity. Rather than promoting accurate sexual education, it romanticizes and distorts the concept of sex. It sends a contradictory message: be attractive but abstinent. Showcase your sexuality but refrain from acting upon it. It suggests that girls should not experience desire, yet encourages them to project an image of being promiscuous or attractive.

These conflicting messages lead to confusion and

hasty decision making. Society is uncomfortable with discussing children's sexuality, which has allowed the media to control this important conversation. We hold onto the idea of childhood innocence, but overlook the sexual knowledge our children acquire from the sexual media they are exposed to. Even seemingly innocent shows like SpongeBob contain hidden sexual references.

Sex should be seen as a means of establishing ethical and positive human connections. Its true value lies within the framework of a loving and emotionally significant relationship. When genuine emotions are present and there is a comprehensive understanding of the implications, protection, and other aspects of sex, taking the relationship to that intimate level is completely acceptable. However, engaging in sex solely for the purpose of proving one's capabilities, feeling obligated, or seeking validation without being knowledgeable about its consequences can have negative effects on both physical and mental well-being.

The narrow perspective of the media on the appearance and conduct of females in terms of sex appeal and desirability limits the exploration of a range of experiences and pleasures for numerous individuals. The media hinders girls' sexual contentment by confining sexuality to a commercial context. Even though "sex sells" is often stated, only certain distorted versions of sexuality are utilized for financial gain. This excessively commodified version neglects significant aspects of human sexuality, including sexual ethics. For progressing towards an understanding of sexuality that's healthy, inclusive, non-oppressive, it's essential for youth as well as others to look for broader, empathetic, and ethical viewpoints on sexuality.

The way girls handle and process sexual messages in the media heavily depends on their developmental age. How a six-year-old responds to media differs from a

sixteen-year-old's, despite media treating them equally. Therefore, the Bratz dolls that young girls play with, featuring fish-net hose, hot tub parties, and "bling," represent a miniature version of the sexualized women portrayed in music videos.

It is our responsibility to safeguard girls and equip them with the knowledge required to make educated choices about their sexual health and overall well-being. Regrettably, the media has excessively misused the term "empowerment", reducing its importance as it's used to promote a range of products from deodorants to pop music.

Authentic methods exist to empower girls, which allow them to challenge the media and build resilience. Tools can be provided for these objectives. It's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean oppressing, disheartening or detaching them from reality. Instead, by furnishing them with these tools and educating them on their effective use, we stimulate their intellect, analytical skills and courage to forge their unique journey in the world.

Media literacy education, a vital tool, can be imparted in different environments such as classrooms, after-school programs, mother-daughter gatherings or one-on-one sessions. Children as young as two years old who understand the idea of "make-believe" can be initiated into this field. Given our media-saturated world, it is imperative for children to acquire skills that enable them to interpret and understand these elements within their environment.

Fostering creativity is a vital tool, particularly for cultivating the remarkable creative capabilities of girls. It is important to empower them by backing their ideas and enabling them to be active creators of media rather than just mere consumers. By expressing and exchanging their thoughts about what it means to be a girl, they can assert themselves and actively

participate in discourse with the media.

Utilizing multidimensionality is another effective strategy. This approach helps girls understand the significance and merit of their skills beyond just sexuality and attractiveness. Although sex plays a crucial role in human life, it shouldn't be the only concentration point. The media often overemphasizes yet undervalues sex, putting too much emphasis on girls' need to be sexy without offering sufficient advice on handling real-life scenarios. Girls should not confine themselves to being simplistic Barbie doll figures; they should aim to develop into successful and multifaceted individuals whose self-value isn't solely dictated by media perceptions.

Our fourth instrument is championing consumers' rights and taking action, which requires proactive interaction with the media. We have the ability to assess, scrutinize, contest, and validate media messages as well as decide to switch off, boycott or disconnect from media that insults or belittles girls. It's crucial to acknowledge that this isn't an act of censorship but rather an exercise of our right to free speech.

Summarizing, it's vital for females to understand that media frequently portrays imaginary content for economic gain. It's essential to realize that media carries both beneficial and detrimental elements in relation to sexuality. Females should prioritize feeling secure, at ease, and positive about sexual matters while also adopting sound safeguards during their sexual exploration. The primary goal is to enable females to view sex as an obligation and a genuine source of empowerment, irrespective of the media's influence. Real strength resides in endowing girls with the liberty and awareness to make educated choices that will serve them well in the future. This includes comprehending biological truths, acknowledging outcomes, and learning how to critically

interpret media from this perspective.

The psychologist Mary Pipher asserts that sexual decisions should be the result of deliberate choices in an ideal culture. This is a universal goal to strive for, empowering girls worldwide to acknowledge and reject the influence of media.