Be This Not That

Society tells women to be the saint and the sinner. The thing is, it is impossible. There is no way to regain innocence. So why do we get these contradicting messages? Teen pop sensations are especially at risk for this double bind, girls more than boys. The first example that came to mind was Hannah Montana. She started out as the sweet innocent "girl next door" on the Disney channel. However, she sparked an outrage with parents when she released her song "Can't Be Tamed" showing her rebellious behavior. After that song was released, she continued her show on Disney but was never looked at the same way again. She struggles to be the innocent young girl for Disney but struggles with trying to fit in to the standards of Hollywood. Women are more at risk than men. Women display "sexiness" but men define it. Many women equate being "hot" with being "worthy". Self-appreciation and self- respect are the two best gifts a woman can give herself. Society works to lower women's self-esteem by telling them that they are only acceptable if they are "hot" and "sexy". The young stars of Hollywood fall into this trap of trying to please both worlds. This unfortunately translates to young adolescent girls who are already experiencing body dissatisfaction. This either/ or phenomenon says that girls have two choices, being a slut or being a prude. Be "this" not "that" and vice versa. They must be virginal and innocent but still have this underlying sexuality. This either/or description offers two distinct polar extremes. If only there were a happy medium that could please everyone.