Social Activism: Miss Representation

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."  - Alice Walker 

American teenagers spend 31 hours a week watching television, 17 hours a week listening to music, 3 hours a week watching movies, 4 hours a week reading magazines, 10 hours a week online. That's a total of 10 hours a 45 minutes of media consumption a day. 

From "bitch" to "ditz," women are labeled in the media every single day. Unrealistic beauty ideals are plastered on the covers of magazines, DVDs, and film posters. It is hard to escape the gender stereotypes that exist in America. 

In most societies, there is a great deal of power differentiation between the genders. In American society, this is clearly exemplified by the objectification of women in popular media messaging. Women are sold the idea that their bodies are their worth. Men are sold the idea that they are the in control of those sexualized bodies and that they hold the power. Here are some examples: 

(Found at: www.mimifroufrou.com)

(Found at: www.thespinalley.co.uk) 

(Found at: www.tressugar.com)

(Found at: www.foodrepublic.com)

(Found at: http://easterncce.blogspot.com)

So what does this all mean? What implications does it have for the young men and women of our country? What does it say about our society as a whole? Can this problem be fixed? Where do we even start? 

Social activism is an approach used by some counselors in an attempt to combat the ills of society. Adopting the notion that "the personal is political," some counselors believe that in order to best advocate for their clients, championing social justice issues is a must.

Counselors interested in social activism can opt to take part in protests, letter-writing campaigns, attending judicial hearings and congressional meetings, and other forms of activism in order to lobby for social change. 

This video gives surprising statistics about the current state of media consumption in America, as well as helpful suggestions for women (and girls) to help fight against the current narrative. Counselors interested in social activism could print these suggestions on a handout to give to their clients. 

Suggestions include:  

Get Healthy

• Be conscious of your media consumption, online and off 
• Take a media break 
• Focus on achievement over appearance 

Value Yourself 

• Find what makes you happy 
• Appreciate your uniqueness 
• Celebrate your accomplishments 

Be a Role Model 

• Personify the characteristics you hope to see in the world around you 
• Be a mentor to others 

Get Involved 

• Volunteer in your local community 
• Boycott harmful media 
• Use your voice to create change online and off 

Be a Leader 

• Don't be afraid to step into leadership roles 
• Encourage and invest int he leadership of other women 
• Remember that you are the lead character in the story of your life