With all the perceived images of beauty bombarding the television and magazines, there is no wonder that teen girls in America are experiencing a self-image problem. Television shows like Nickelodeon’s ICarly, Big Time Rush and Victorious who are geared toward pre-teen and teenage girls may not understand the impact they have on the self-esteem of young girls. Although these shows do not send out blatant negative images such as drug use and sex it is the subliminal messages sent that may be more damaging. Most of the characters on the shows are Caucasian, petite, popular, well dressed and pretty. Young African American girls watch these shows because it may address issues close to their ages but also because there are no shows on television which showcases an all-African American cast. Most AA teens have no sitcoms that they can relate to where the characters look like them. Because of the lack of diversity on these sitcoms, most AA teens will begin to mimic what they see thus causing an issue with who they are and what they look like. When teen girls do venture out to look at shows with an all AA cast such as Basketball Wives and Housewives of Atlanta, they are seeing negative portrayals of black women who are only out for self. The relationship between the women are often negative and the only way issues are resolved are through fighting and name calling, unlike the shows previously mentioned where as if a conflict arises they tend to talk it out and make up. Yes, there is a big age difference between the Nickelodeon shows and the reality shows mentioned but the impact on how AA teens see themselves portrayed on television is huge. We are aware that what we see as impressionable youngsters can have a huge impact on the way we feel about ourselves. Girls as young as elementary school age are dealing with issues such as popularity, weight and whether they are pretty enough.
Besides watching their favorite star on television girls are trying to emulate the look of their favorite singers. Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna are just a few of the popular singers that young girls wish they could be and look like. They are told and believe from what they see that in order to compete in today’s world, be liked by others and achieve success that they have to look a certain way. Other factors attributed to lower self-esteem are peer pressure, boyfriends or lack of, weight issues and even family life. Teen girls can become so overwhelmed with these issues that they will do anything to fit in.
Although society and the media have a tremendous influence on the self-esteem of young girls, they are solely not to blame. A healthy self-esteem should start at home and how a child is raised. According to an article found on Ask.com there are four basic elements that a child must receive from their parents in order to develop a healthy self-esteem. They are love, flexibility, communication and feeling valuable. Parents are their child’s first teacher and the lessons taught by them can be the difference between a child growing up with a healthy positive self-esteem or a damaged one. It is important that parents show their teen girls how loved and valuable they are. They need to feel that they are worthy, loved and well respected. With these values being taught at home from an early age, it is more likely a young girl will grow up feeling good about herself and understand that she can achieve all her goals and become what she is destined to be, great.
June 11, 2012
Charlotte Templeman
Topic: Building Confidence & Self-Esteem in African-American Teens
Besides watching their favorite star on television girls are trying to emulate the look of their favorite singers. Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna are just a few of the popular singers that young girls wish they could be and look like. They are told and believe from what they see that in order to compete in today’s world, be liked by others and achieve success that they have to look a certain way. Other factors attributed to lower self-esteem are peer pressure, boyfriends or lack of, weight issues and even family life. Teen girls can become so overwhelmed with these issues that they will do anything to fit in.
Although society and the media have a tremendous influence on the self-esteem of young girls, they are solely not to blame. A healthy self-esteem should start at home and how a child is raised. According to an article found on Ask.com there are four basic elements that a child must receive from their parents in order to develop a healthy self-esteem. They are love, flexibility, communication and feeling valuable. Parents are their child’s first teacher and the lessons taught by them can be the difference between a child growing up with a healthy positive self-esteem or a damaged one. It is important that parents show their teen girls how loved and valuable they are. They need to feel that they are worthy, loved and well respected. With these values being taught at home from an early age, it is more likely a young girl will grow up feeling good about herself and understand that she can achieve all her goals and become what she is destined to be, great.
June 11, 2012
Charlotte Templeman
Topic: Building Confidence & Self-Esteem in African-American Teens
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