It’s been made pretty clear that social media can have a negative impact on the self-esteem of its users; yet we continue to use it. We’re all guilty of it. How many times a day do you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram feed? Probably more than you would like to admit. Kesha (yes,… 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 →
Stereotypes in three dimensions
You may have already read about my outrage at “the pink aisle” – otherwise known as the preponderance of stereotype-based toys for girls – and I was recently disappointed to learn that LEGO has sunk to new lows in the ranks of the pink. In 2012, LEGO met with SPARK, an organization that works with girls and women… Continue Reading →
Dresses for power
I am angry that women are not taken seriously – all too often, based on how they look. If women were taken seriously, state senator Wendy Davis wouldn’t face ridicule from her own colleagues for daring to both be a mother and have a career in politics. Star tennis player Eugenie Bouchard wouldn’t be interviewed,… Continue Reading →
Stop making movies about douchebags
Let me introduce The Douche Test! It is a gender portrayal test for movies, to use alongside The Bechdel Test. The steps are simple, just ask yourself: 1) Does the male lead character not threaten, objectify, make fun of, or in any other way mistreat a woman during the movie? 2) Does the lead character… Continue Reading →
Objectifying an Object: Barbie and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is a friendly annual reminder that the media’s obsession with sexualizing and objectifying women is still very much alive. Despite the magazine’s focus on sports and athleticism, the swimsuit issue focuses on the bodies of conventionally attractive women—almost none of whom are actually athletes. This year is a bit different,… Continue Reading →
Why there are no winners in The Biggest Loser
It was all over the media the last few days; criticism flew all over the internet, on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. People questioned: Why and how and is there a chance help can be found for this person so many individuals were concerned about? I am referring to the controversy surrounding the… Continue Reading →
You are not a number: How scales can become large-scale problems
How would you react if you saw the number on your scale go up five pounds or down five pounds? It has become common for people to react to minor weight fluctuations with extreme measures (i.e. “I gain five pounds, and I go on a fast.” or “I lose five pounds, and I eat way… Continue Reading →
Just for laughs? The new meme of men and women switching roles
Recently, my newsfeed has been flooded with various videos all based on the idea of men and women trading places in routine situations. Most of these videos try to use humor and comedy to shed light on the reality of women’s lives and everyday sexism. And while a majority of these videos were funny and… Continue Reading →