Miss-Representation

Female fashions naturally evolve in cycles of varying degrees of provocativeness. In fact, many of the most fashionable gowns of times past would seem quite risqué today. Throughout history, women have always flaunted their assets and utilized their sexuality to achieve their desires and advance. Though this objectification and sexualization of women is therefore not an entirely new dilemma, it is incredibly disturbing to see girls subjected to such sexual pressure at younger and younger ages. Billboards and magazines are covered with either waif-like or perfectly voluptuous models in provocative poses wearing little more than underwear, if even that. Girls, from the moment they are born, are bombarded with images of half-dressed women who appear to lack both brains and conscience. Shows like Toddlers in Tiaras only serve to promote this unhealthy obsession with the degrading emphasis on the superficiality of women and completely disgust me. If these are the only images that girls see, it can be completely devastating when their body does not look like what society has deemed to be the ideal. Consequently, there are record number of girls who are reporting eating disorders, depression, and activities of self-harm. Who does a girl look up to when her chest is too flat or her legs are too short?

Although women have made significant progress in the American work force and have assumed positions of great leadership and authority, we still face great challenge and adversity. We consistently earn less than men, with the average woman making only $0.81 for every dollar earned by a man in the same position. In addition, females are often passed over in favor of lesser-qualified men in regards to promotions and bonuses. Yet, in my opinion, the greatest threat to the advancement of women in the workplace is the pervasion of labels and stereotypes. While a man in power will be regarded as authoritative, a woman in the same position will often be called demanding or domineering. In a similar way, women in the workplace are often criticized for neglecting their “domestic duties” such as cleaning, cooking, and childrearing. My biggest complaint, however, is that women are judged so much more harshly than men on their physical appearance. The comments sections of YouTube videos of incredible female leaders such as Angela Merkel or Julia Gillard are littered with remarks about how ugly they are or how “un-beddable” they are, rather than actual criticisms about their political policies or actions. I too have personally encountered sexism within my own experiences at Mock Trial competitions, Model U.N. conferences, and intro-to-business events—activities that are traditionally male-dominated. Even if there are no direct comments made, the gender issue at these functions is always the “elephant in the room” and I feel like I have to work harder to prove my right to be there and excel.

Mount has served to empower me and encourage me to pursue my dreams in spite of adversity. From its motto to its mission statement, Mount teaches every one of us that we should not be ashamed of our femininity, but rather that we should embrace it. Throughout these past four years, I have come to realize my potential. Certain female teachers have also acted as important mentors to me and I greatly appreciate all the advice, guidance, and assistance they have given to me over the course of my time at Mount. Although I feel that Mount sometimes promotes gender stereotyping by upholding a “cookie-cutter” model of a young, successful woman, my experience in such a rich and inspiring environment has enabled me to gain self-assurance and self-confidence, and I know I will graduate prepared to not only face social adversity, but thrive in spite of it.