The research of Dr Jessica Ringrose of the Institute of Education in London has concluded that feminism should be taught in schools. The advances made in equality in the seventies are being eroded by vacuous, overtly sexual celebrities that have become the new role models for young girls. I can illustrate this with an example from my own family, my then 14 year old niece reading Jordan's autobiography! This is not a new phenomenon however as this article from 23 years ago shows.
If you can't be bothered to read the full article titled The Flirt Rock Phenomenon comes under Fire here's a brief synopsis. In essence the article is an attack on the highly sexualised pop artists whose target market are young impressionable girls. In particular Madonna is mentioned and that other well known 'tart' Sheena Easton?!!!
At the time this article was written I was approaching my 16th birthday and I was a big a Madonna fan as was possible to be. She was my role model. I do feel she helped me through those awkward teenage years. I saw her as a woman of unconventional looks who was slightly chubby, worked incredibly hard, who was sexy, strong and powerful and never a victim. As an teenager unsure of herself, this image was incredibly seductive. By the time I reached 18-19, I didn't need her anymore.
I've thought long and hard to come up with a positive role model for the teenagers/preteens of today. It was so difficult, you try it. Bad role models are ten a penny, Jordan, Paris, Lilo, Kate Moss, Wino, Naomi Campbell, I could go on and on. So far I've come up with one name - Emma Watson. She plays Hermione in the Harry Potter films. She is successful, pretty, well mannered and intelligent. Apart from her, I've drawn a blank.
As a mother to 3 daughters this does worry me. I can only hope that I can act a role model for them. The onus is on me!
