The Myth of Womanhood

Pop culture’s fable of what makes women valuable

Dove Video

Onslaught Video CLICK HERE

http://vimeo.com/4097693

Pop culture’s list

That video reminds us of some of the images pop culture likes in women.

Now lets make a list of those thingsYou call out characteristics pop culture values in women and I will write them on the board.

IE (skinny, nice figure, full lips etc..)

Get a list of 15 or more.

First Question

Take a few moments and think quietly of the most valuable woman you know.

The most valuable woman most of us know is

Second Question

Which of the characteristics we just listed on the board are ones you think are important to make a great mom?

Now lets make the real list.

So what are the characteristics that really make a woman valuable?What are the things that make a great mom?

You call them out I will write them on the board.

Take a closer second look

Now that we have a real list of what makes women valuable. Lets take a second closer look at that first list and see what a myth it really is!

The things on that first list are not only temporary “dust in the wind” they are often lies or exaggerations.

Lies and exaggerations

If Barbie was a real womanShe would stand 5’9” and weight 110lbsShe would be less than 76% of her healthy weightwith dimensions of

Chest 39 Waist 18 Hips 33Marilyn Monroe Chest 35 Waist 27 Hips 35

– At size 8 she would be a plus size model today

GI Joe would have ridiculous 55 inch chest and 27 inch biceps- about the size of many HS boys waist. (both are far larger than competitive body builders)25 years ago the average model was 8% lighter than the average American woman; today the average model is 23% lighter than the average American woman.

What child would purchase this doll?

Eating disorders are no laughing matter, howeverhumorous exaggerations often show how ridiculous a society trend is. These types of caricatures have been used for centuries in politics and public policy to help motivate change.

Lies, exaggerations and “dust in the wind”

http://www.schooltube.com/video/ad8955a2c8988f577eb9/

TEACHER NOTE: CLICK ON THE EVOLUTION VIDEO

Chasing the wrong list

Chasing the wrong list.

Discussion

Class discuss the following questions.1) Why are the lists so different?2) How does that myth affect women in our society?3) What do lies, exaggerations and “dust in the wind” mean to you?4) How would you counteract this powerful negative message with a friend or younger sister or brother?

Class discussionQuick review of group questions1) Why are the lists so different?2) How does that myth affect women in our society?3) What do lies, exaggerations and “dust in the wind” mean to you?4) How would you counteract this powerful negative message with a friend or younger sister or brother?

Class QuestionsDo you think this lesson was important?Why?Do you think it was important to boys as well as girls?Why?

videos

Media and the Negatice Influences CLICK HERE

Amy Video CLICK HERE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu8AWvECG8o

Show Amy video last.

Summary

Many of us fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to impossible and false images. This destroys our confidence, interferes with our relationships and is not real.

Accepting yourself and feeling good about your self is very attractive to others. So be positive with yourself.

Healthy relationships

When looking for healthy relationships find people who like you for who you are and are not trying to change you.

Follow this simple test

Do I feel better about myself when I am around the person. If so they are probably good people to be around if not they probably are NOT.

Girls and Guys myth tipsGuys – realize the pressure women feel and be willing to give extra praise and reassurance to combat that pressure.Girls – be positive with yourself and in choosing a relationship – find someone who thinks you are wonderful and treats you that way. Skip the game players and people who make you feel bad in order to get what they want.