Like so many others, I am a creature of habit. My wife may
think it occasionally borders on OCD, and she’s not wrong. Recently, I tweaked
(I might have to retire the use of “tweak” as it’s just way too close to “twerk”
but I digress) my bedtime routine. I used to just put on the television, and
find something that was just interesting enough that I didn't want to flip the
channel, but lacked action and humor. Usually it ended up with me watching an
episode of “Lockup” or “Drugs Inc.” Then, in an effort to make it easier for my
wife to fall asleep, I swapped an iPad in place of the television.
Now I look for documentaries that fit the bill; interesting
enough that it holds my attention for 20 minutes, but not so interesting that
it gives me a second wind. Last night I found Miss Representation. Miss Representation is a documentary
that delves into how the media portrays women, and how that impacts young girls
to teens, to women and even men. See, it doesn't even sound all that enthralling,
right? Sure, I've noticed how almost every commercial includes a beautiful woman
and her beauty is the focus of the spot, no matter if the ad itself is selling
perfume or a hamburger.
But what really hooked me, was listening to a group of high
school girls talk about their stories. Hearing tales of how they worried about
their weight in 5th grade. As well as the stories about how harsh
women are to each other. It really struck a chord with me, as a father,
husband, uncle, son, brother and as a compassionate human-being. I couldn't help but think about how we could diminish the impact of the onslaught of
images and influences the Kyd sees on a daily basis. Unfortunately, and
predictably, I haven’t been able to come up with a silver bullet. Instead, I've decided that I’ll sit and watch Miss Representation with down with my wife and
daughter. I’ll do my best to not say anything. I’m sure the Kyd will be plenty
embarrassed by all the shots of cleavage and skimpy outfits. It’ll be hard for
me to keep my lips sealed, but I’m hoping she takes away two thoughts.
One, it’s all crap. Her worth isn't derived from her body. Winning
the adoration of a boy isn't the end game, and she should never sell herself
short for any reason.
Secondly, I want her to know that I’m aware of the burden
society puts on her and her friends. Then maybe one day down the road when I
make a crack about how she’ll never be allowed to wear the house in a skirt as
short as the one that girl over there is wearing, isn’t about me wanting to prevent
her from attracting boys or because I want her to be afraid of sex. I just want
her to be seen for the smart, funny, talented, beautiful, compassionate, and creative
young woman she is. And more than wanting her to be seen that way, I want her
to see herself as smart, funny, talented, beautiful, compassionate and creative
young woman she is.
Maybe she’ll start to understand why I refuse to listen to
Miley Cyrus’ latest song, when it comes on the radio when we’re on our way to volleyball
practice. And maybe I need to turn the channel the next time a Victoria’s
Secret commercial comes on during the basketball game we’re watching. Or maybe I
just need to be sure she hears me compliment her, as well as her mother’s sense
of humor, intelligence and kind heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment