Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Messages of Girl Culture

From: Teri


The code of Gender in the general public defines women by education, activities, style and colors of clothing, and most importantly beauty standards. There are messages that gears towards the younger generation of girls, which in my opinion, means “girls are not as physically equal to boys”, and cannot perform the same tasks as boys because they are weak and dependent. The picture displays how girls can play “a man sport “and do “feminine things”.  I chose these photos because it reveals how girls can play rough and at the same time uphold the beauty image expected of girls. In the pictures chosen my daughter is wearing pink and spending quality time with her sister taking turns painting their nails. This is a perfect example of what is considered “normal” for girls.  Whereas, the other two photos with my daughter, she stepped out of the box to play soccer. If you haven’t noticed but, she is the only girl on the soccer team and she proves girls are just as good as boys. Most girls would be in gymnastics, or dance; but she wanted to be different. The colors in the soccer photos are so bright and beautiful it makes me so proud that she is doing something she loves and this will set an example for other girls to do what they love despite the expectations of gender. Just the thought alone of putting her into an activity like soccer, gave me an idea of elimination of gender schemas for her.”Gender schemas become part of self identity, influencing children's preferences, attitudes, and behavior as they strive to act in socially appropriate “masculine” or “feminine ways”. (Martin & Ruble, 2004) Girls should be taught to make their own decisions can grow up doing whatever they put their minds to; and the only person rescuing them should be themselves.

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