Mom on a Mission to Change the Way Women See Their Bodies
Dominique Mosbergen, Huffington Post
Last year, documentary filmmaker Taryn Brumfitt traveled the world to explore the relationships that women have with their bodies, and how their cultures influence their self-perception. What she discovered was a “global epidemic of body hating” among women of all shapes, sizes and countries of origin. “It’s an issue that affects practically every woman and girl that I know,” she says in the trailer for her film, “Embrace,” which takes a deep dive into the issues. Through the film, Brumfitt seeks to represent the beauty of all types of bodies — and to show the world that women can love themselves whether or not their appearance conforms to societal ideals.
Disney Princesses Do Change Girls — and Boys, Too
Kj Dell’Antonia, The New York Times
While some parents attempt to control the influence of Disney princesses on their daughters, many of the same parents are happy to see their sons play with dolls. That’s because high levels of “princess engagement” encourages stereotypical female behavior in both boys and girls, research shows. This feminine influence is often viewed as positive in creating “well-rounded” boys but negative in encouraging stereotypical femininity in girls. But Disney princesses need not be cooking, cleaning, damsel-in-distress-type role models. Along with their sparkly gowns, Catherine Connors, the former head of content at Disney Interactive for Women and Family, suggests parents point out the intelligent, strong and independent qualities of the princesses. She also implores parents to relax. “We wring our hands about girls being snookered by the princess narrative,” Connors says. “But we don’t worry about boys being confused about their future as superheroes.”
“Not a Job for a Woman”
Elizabeth Holtzman, Politico
When Elizabeth Holtzman ran for Congress in 1972, the idea of a female president was impossible. Women looking to join the political sphere in the 70s, 80s and 90s were degraded for their gender, ignored by voters and political peers, and intellectually and physically disrespected, she says. “We can’t vote for you now,” Holtzman recalls being told by former supporters when she ran for district attorney. “DA is not a job for a woman. It’s too tough; there’s too much pressure.” The more inclusive political climate today may mean that Clinton’s success is underwhelming for younger women who have not experienced the hostility Holtzman did. But she believes that Clinton’s accession to the presidency could be incredibly significant for America. Possibly now, she hopes, we will have a government that represents the interests of the entire country.
The Women are Coming — Welcome to the New Female Face of Politics
Sophy Ridge, The Telegraph
The hardest, highest glass ceiling seems to be shattering across the Anglo-Saxon world. Multiple women are on the cusp of holding some of the most powerful positions in politics in the next few months, Ridge reports. “By November,” she writes, “there could be a female President of the United States, a female Prime Minister, a female Leader of the Opposition, a female First Minister in Scotland and a female First Minister in Northern Ireland.” In the aftermath of Brexit, Ridge points to several women who have handled the tribulation best, while many of the men contesting the upcoming elections have taken the anti-establishment side. Finally women are being viewed as on the same side as reason, Ridge writes. “Time to pinch yourself.”
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