There’s a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, one that has persisted for far too long: the messages we convey to our girls. At a glance, it seems that young women are primarily concerned with fashion and how to attract boys, or some variation of that notion. A side-by-side comparison of two magazines—one aimed at girls and the other at boys—highlights this problem starkly.
Shayla Thompson, a mother of three daughters and two sons, recently shared a thought-provoking image on her social media that juxtaposes the covers of “Girls’ Life” and “Boys’ Life.” Although the titles are similar, they are not affiliated with the same publisher. Along with the image, Shayla penned a compelling open letter to the editors of “Girls’ Life,” criticizing them for reducing young women to superficial topics like beauty tips and dating gossip.
In her letter, Shayla pointed out that while the cover of “Girls’ Life” features a young girl adorned with makeup and invites readers to “steal her secrets,” the “Boys’ Life” cover boldly proclaims: “EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE,” showcasing exciting career paths such as doctor, pilot, and engineer. She raises an essential question: how can these messages be so vastly different? Is it possible that the messages directed at girls could be any more trivial or shallow?
This is a clear example of misguided media influence. We teach our daughters to prioritize their looks above all else, implying that their value lies in their appearance, clothing, and the opinions of boys. While girls are encouraged to excel academically, the idea of pursuing meaningful careers seems to take a backseat.
Shayla continues her critique by comparing the content within the magazines. “Your true stories are: ‘real girls smooch and spill,’ while ‘Boys’ Life’ features ‘True stories of firefighters in action.’” This stark contrast raises an important concern about what our girls are being taught. The headlines on the “Girls’ Life” cover include phrases like “Your dream hair,” “Wake up pretty!,” and “100+ ways to SLAY on the first day!”
It’s puzzling that “Girls’ Life,” which is run by women who likely understand the importance of empowering young girls, would perpetuate such limiting and damaging stereotypes. The drive for profits may be influencing the content of this magazine, but it is far from the only publication that sends harmful messages to young women. Women’s magazines often fall into the same trap, focusing excessively on superficial topics. We’re not suggesting that women should disregard fashion, beauty, or personal style; we simply believe that women encompass so much more than that.
Consumers hold the power to demand better content for our daughters. By continuing to support these outdated and sexist narratives, we contribute to the problem. We can advocate for more enriching and diverse representations of girls in media. As Shayla eloquently states, “You CAN fight the tide of objectification of girls. You CAN create covers and stories that treat girls as more than hair, lips, and kisses.” Until that change occurs, I might just have to subscribe to “Boys’ Life” instead, because the quiz I want for my daughters isn’t “Am I ready for a BF?” but rather “What Do I Want To Be?”
For further insights on the topic, check out our other blog post here. If you’re interested in at-home insemination options, make sure to visit Make A Mom for reliable products. Additionally, for those seeking more information about infertility and related resources, Women’s Health offers excellent guidance.
In summary, we need to critically examine the messages that are directed at our daughters and demand better representation in media. By supporting more empowering narratives, we can help shape a brighter future for young women everywhere.
Leave a Reply