Something amazing is happening, and it only took until 2014! (Is the sarcasm on that last part translating here?) In November of this year, DreamWorks Animation Studios will release Home, the first 3D animated film with a black female heroine. The only thing that makes this news even better? Pop star Rihanna is playing the… Continue Reading →
I’m not bossy. I’m the boss.
Ban Bossy. These two words designate a campaign designed to encourage girls to lead without being labeled as bossy. (Or, more commonly, the other B word. But that’s a campaign for another time.) You’ve probably seen the Lifetime PSA by now, as part of the #BanBossy campaign spearheaded by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. The video… Continue Reading →
Tabloids tell the truth in new media campaign
“What if we cared about those living in poverty as much as we care about celebrities?” This is a simple question asked by WoodGreen Community Services to raise awareness about the daily struggles of single mothers living in poverty. WoodGreen, a large social service agency in Toronto, works to help people find job training, affordable… Continue Reading →
Mature models show the beauty of aging
Word of the day: “Gerascophobia.” It is commonly defined as the abnormal and persistent fear of growing old or aging. Also known as modern American culture. It’s no secret that the media idolizes youth. As women age, Botox, plastic surgery, and a generous dose of Photoshop are purported as the recipe for immortality. If you’re… Continue Reading →
Powerful Pantene commercial sheds light on sexist labels
“Don’t let labels hold you back.” This is the slogan of a new Pantene campaign that encourages women to disregard negative sexist stereotypes and live their lives with confidence — and, if you’d prefer, awesome hair. However, “Be Strong and Shine” is no longer just an ode to Pantene hair products. The message is powerfully… Continue Reading →
Why the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in the Media rules
Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis (of Thelma and Louise and Beetlejuice fame) founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in the Media to advocate for diverse portrayals and equal representation of female characters in the media. The Institute and its program, See Jane, promote gender equality in media representation through research, education, and advocacy. The… Continue Reading →
Disclaimer for airbrushed models: an effective solution?
Airbrushed images of women and girls are bad for our overall health: mental, emotional, and sometimes physical. We can reasonably assume that the vast majority of media images are altered, even those of famous figures who are celebrated as examples of these “attainable” beauty standards. So, why not draw attention to this issue through an… Continue Reading →
Model with Down syndrome takes fashion world by storm
Popular fashion retailer Wet Seal has a new model who is turning heads and making headlines. She describes her style as “biker chick,” prefers Justin Bieber music on the set of her photo shoots, and has gained the admiration of thousands of fans and counting. Her name is Karrie Brown, she’s a 17-year-old high school… Continue Reading →
He’s a Stud, She’s a Slut… but we all want the same thing
If I can recommend one book to you, this is it: He’s a Stud, She’s a Slut and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know. Drop what you’re doing like it’s hot and start reading. It’s a quick, fun, eye-opening read by feminist superstar Jessica Valenti, and it breaks down some of the most… Continue Reading →