Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: An article about a young woman's role models

Watching America’s Women’s soccer team take gold in the World Cup instilled a feeling of pride, in not only myself, but the hearts and minds of many other women (young and old). The entire team of twenty represents every genre of women that have all made immense accomplishments, without sacrificing their self-respect, dignity and pride. As the new millennium approaches, it is vital that young girls and teens are presented with strong female figures they can look up to. Although women athletes tend to best fit this description, more so than let’s say a pop star, doesn’t mean they are the only ones who can fit the bill.

On a recent teenage magazine read-through, I discovered many things that were apt to providing girls with a well-rounded idol, as well as several things that disturbed me. One of the things that agitated me was pop “sensation” Britney Spears, 17. As a fifteen-year-old, who has yet to earn the privilege of a driver’s license, I cannot imagine the responsibility that comes along with being in the public eye. Nevertheless, I can also not fathom causing such a raucous on, what seems to be, purpose. Britney has allegedly medically enhanced her breast size and the difference is beyond noticeable. I am not an expert on plastic surgery, but with my own experiences as a growing teen, I vouch for the fact that breasts don’t double in size overnight. What caught my attention about Britney was her April 1999 appearance on Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards. She appeared in front of a crowd of thousands, as well as the millions watching on Saturday night television. Consciously knowing the airplay the event was receiving, with rumors already circulating about her implants, she performed in a cut off white shirt that was clearly not worn over a bra. Her breasts were large, perky and noticed by everyone who was either live in attendance or tuning in at home. With psychiatrists and knowing adults putting such an emphasis on female role models and the rising role of women not only in the work place, but through out entertainment as well, I found the sight disgusting.

Granted, sex appeal sells and Britney is proof of that, but that doesn’t make it moral. Sex appeal comes in an infinite number of shapes, sizes and colors. Attractiveness doesn’t always stem from the outer shell, but is exuded from within. Britney’s appearance on Nickelodeon wasn’t her only moral upheaval, but actually followed her Rolling Stone debut. Dressed like a New York prostitute in poses only found in R-rated movies, this then sixteen year old put everything she had, and then some, on display. A few months later, as the rumors about her breast augmentation continued, she posed in another set of inappropriate photos, this time for the British men’s magazine For Him. Next to her pictures were her views on the rotating rumors as well as her denials, yet again. However, it is obviously not entirely Britney’s fault. She does have a team of publicists and agents that try to portray Spears as an under-aged, as well as illegal, sex symbol to her adoring young girl fans as well as people old enough to be their fathers. Britney also credits Madonna as her role model, which will corrupt any young girl’s mind. Then, there is Britney’s mom, who has been rumored to cry while she denied her daughters surgery. All I have to say is this: Ma’am, Britney’s a minor, you had to sign the release for the implants, you should be well aware of them.

Along with Spears’ inadequacy to be a focal point for any young girl with her head screwed on straight, comes those who are sufficient. These capable women are not only gorgeous, but at the same time intelligent and knowledgeable of their position in the public eye. For instance, Katie Holmes of Dawson’s Creek possesses enthusiasm, talent and a healthy amount of self-confidence, which shines through, in her interviews. As Seventeen magazine’s August 1999 cover girl and guest editor, she proves that she can manage any task at hand. Katie’s photographs are not overtly sexy, but are more downplayed and classy. She doesn’t show too much leg, too much stomach or too much cleavage, which has already won my admiration. Holme’s cute, innocent demeanor is not all that she has to get her through life. Katie has also been accepted to the academically challenging school of Columbia University. A pretty face and an interest in acting aren’t the only things that will get a person into a rigorous college- intelligence and grades are the most important while everything else is considered “extra-curricular.” In Seventeen’s article on the down-to-earth “un-Hollywood” characteristics of this budding actress, they pointed out her naiveté. This innocence isn’t out of stupidity, but rather from evolving from a focused student to a focused actress who is rapidly building a list of credits that would impress any Hollywood big shot.

At 20, Katie Holmes provides a sound role model for young women; she is someone that has accomplished success because her abilities, not strictly because her sex appeal. She has joined the wave of those young women who deserve to be idolized such as Natalie Portman, Kerri Russel and Jennifer Love Hewitt. I hope by the time I am old enough to have daughters of my own, they will be able to receive success on the account of their aptitude, no matter what field they intend to pursue. Rightfully so, I had hoped for more improvement by the millennium, including visions of the ideal woman having blonde hair, large breasts and a fake mole abolished. Unfortunately, our society hasn’t hit that level of sophistication and acceptance, but I have faith and confidence in not only myself, but in the way the female perception will continue to alter for the better continuing through the next millennium.