Whether it is washing a car in a bikini or crawling across a sandy beach, it’s clear that the world of media represents the phony idea that women are always sexual and that we are constantly seeking sexual attention. Women are too often painted like desperate trolls continually trying to scheme up ways to get men to look at them. In fact, the contrary is probably truer, at least in my case. I despise nothing more than unwanted sexual glares from strangers and I have a feeling I’m not alone.

What Does the Media Say about Us?

Whether it is realized or not, the media is a big player in trying to keep women in a subordinate place in society by proliferating the idea that women are here for men to look at. Most media moguls refuse to accept the idea that women have minds attached to their bodies. Children growing up in this world see women’s almost-naked bodies plastered all over billboards and commercials and sexualized on TV and in movies much more then they hear them sharing their thoughts and speaking their minds. So what are little girls supposed to aspire to? And what are little boys supposed to think about women?

The bottom line is we need to shake this idea that women are constantly on the quest for approval and that such approval is received by stripping down.

We’re better than that.

I believe we have progressed passed the idea that in order for female TV, film, commercial, and advertising characters to be interesting, they must also be naked. On Parks and Recreation, the main character, Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, is a hard-working, dedicated, brilliant, and hilarious state councilwoman. The show was a tremendously popular sensation lasting for seven seasons and was undoubtedly enjoyed by various types of people, regardless of their sex. Leslie Knope never had to strip down to gain validation or command attention and there is a desperate need for more television characters like her.

Let’s Fix It

With more negative than positive media about women, what can we do to make this situation better? The most powerful move is to encourage a hearty education regarding gender equality to the youth. They are the future, and it’s on them as much as us to make this world a better more tolerant place. Also, part of the problem is indisputably the lack of female voices in the media industry, which is another benefit of education. We should be encouraging young women to pursue careers in industries like business, politics, science, engineering, and particularly in the media world itself because that’s the only way we can start positively representing ourselves.

Get Smart, Get Inspired

Whether you are 14, 19, 23 or a parent/mentor Join our mailing list (we only email 1x a week with something inspiring!) here!

What will they find when they Google you?

Would you like to create a positive online presence? Consider writing for us! Apply here!