I grew up wanting to be “bewitching” like Samantha, “lost in space” like Penny, and cleverly kick-butt like Agent 99. Those were my role models on TV, some of the females most revered in popular culture at the time. They were women and girls who used their wits (ok, and a little witchcraft) to save the day. Samantha was forever saving the bumbling Darren and his advertising accounts at McMann & Tate -usually on her wits alone. Penny was a space pioneer battling aliens and a wily Dr. Smith. Secret Agent 99 used her cunning and martial arts skills to get Maxwell Smart out of countless jams.
Fast forward 20 some years after my childhood (OK, 30…oh alright! 40!) and who do our young girls see capturing the media’s airtime and the public’s attention and admiration? The first female speaker of the house? Not so much. Female journalists? Only if they are on the E! network or TMZ. Women who lead the way in medicine, education or environmentalism? Not unless you count renaming cocaine “gum” once it’s found in your purse as a medical breakthrough or see turning “leaked” sex tapes into high-paying stardom as recycling and repurposing.
Read the rest here where I am guest-blogging at Health Bistro! Thanks so much for visiting!
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This is often a topic of conversation when I'm with my family and friends. I used to look up to Dorothy Hamill, Chris Evert, Princess Di, Meryl Streep, Madonna...
ReplyDeleteI am freaked out by the amount of female garbage that my daughter is constantly exposed to in the media.
There is definitely not an abundance of upstanding, respectable, ethical young women on display for our little women to admire these days, and if there are, you have to catch them when you can because they are here and gone in a flash. I guess they just aren't titillating enough, right?
Let's see, who are some of these positive role models...I like Prince William's new bride, Kate and her sister, Pippa.
Lauren Bush is a cutie and a reporter for The Today Show. Venus and Serena Williams, Oprah, Gabrielle Reece....
Ummmmm.....Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie,
Mrs. Obama and her kids are cool.
I asked my daughter and her friend who they admire and they answered Lady Gaga, Myley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry.
(sigh) I guess it could have been worse. (they could have said Keisha)
I really like your list of role models and think your girl picked some good ones! I see Lady Gaga as promoting individuality as well as acceptance of all people. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting sistah!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comment on my blog - I really appreciate that and I'm so glad you liked my reading!
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you...
:-) Anna