Barbie Doll Obsession
I’m guilty of watching one of those dreaded reality TV shows. I guess It’s a morbid fascination I have when fabulous guy meets really cool, smart interesting girl. Ok, if you haven’t figured it out…it’s the Bachelorette. Only this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Emily Maynard is a 26 year old southern belle who says “awesome” one too many times. I’ve watched the whole season and I’m still not sure if she has any interests (besides wanting more children), talents, skills or education. I remember playing with Barbie dolls when I was a girl. One doll I called Scarlett would be wined, dined and and admired by all. All she had to do was wear a stunning outfit with accessories and shoes to match, do a little twirl, smile, and her whole life was perfection. Emily is a walking, talking live version of Scarlett. She is sweet — flawless in her features and has a body that women envy and men want to marry.
The reason I bring this up is not to pick on a pretty girl with no talent, but rather to point out that other young girls and women are watching this show and getting the idea that she is loved only for her beauty. I realize she is on network TV and beauty sells, but why not pick a woman who has more going on than just her looks? Why does she have to be so outwardly perfect? Just like the magazines where models are air-brushed and PhotoShopped, Emily’s image is also manufactured.
Despite her young age, she gets regular injections of Botox and fillers. In addition, she got a nose and boob job before the start of the show. And that winning smile came at a hefty price with veneers at $4,000 a tooth.
Is this the person we want our young women to identify with? If so, they are in for a bottomless pit of discontent. None of us are perfect, not even Emily. And if they attach much of their value to their outward appearance, they will be in for a big crisis as they age. Since Americans are living longer lives, It’s best our youth understand this and develop their passions, talents, skills, interests and intellect. In other words, the more they investment in their soul now, the more joy and fulfillment they will have when the wrinkles kick in.
newwrinklethemovie 
Terri, stumbled across this site yesterday and am so glad I did! I passed it on to Cindy Joseph who left you a comment. I am so excited about her movement and postition for us Boomers and what she represents and hope she can be a part of what you are tackling. New Wrinkle has got to appeal to so many of us out here that don’t want to look different, just healthier, stronger and wiser than those resorting to the alternative. Unfortunately in our society the hollywood actresses and models are what most american women and girls look and aspire to be like. There are some however who have stood their ground and that is to be commended.
I am excited that you would bring aboard Marianne Williamson, who to me defines what aging and what life is all about. She like Cindy sheds a whole new light on pro aging from different aspects. I hope you will also include others who approach it from a health standpoint like Carol Alt and Marilu Henner.
I will be watching and am so excited to see the release of the documentary.
Best of luck!
For some women, being a stay at home mom is still a dream and I cannot be judgmental about that choice – grandmother was a domestic goddess and wonderful woman. It’s a job fewer women strive for and are able to achieve. I don’t think Emily makes any bones about it being her goal while courting a heard of men in idyllic settings. . For doses of reality there are the extreme weight loss shows – no botox or even a false eyelash in sight. The show might be in the ‘Reality TV’ genre but seriously – who in the ‘real world’ dates a heard of men who fly in on helicopters? I think young girls are intelligent enough to separate truth from fiction. Just to be sure they get it, they should watch the after show where they all come on to talk about the behind the scenes fiascoes…
Karla,
I agree that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a stay-at-home mom. The issue I raise is that many girls do compare themselves to the images they see on TV and in magazines. These are unrealistic standards of beauty and it hurts women when they try too hard to reach that standard. We see this with eating disorders and cosmetic surgery.
I am also concerned with our “perfect isn’t perfect enough” pop culture. Yes, it’s “only” entertainment, but where else do most young people find their heroes and mentors? If we don’t teach our girls (and boys) that TV and film are not real, and therefore, neither are the people portrayed, we risk letting our kids grow up thinking that Manyard and her ilk are indeed the ideal to which they should aspire. And as entertainment (and advertising) surrounds the next generation at every opportunity, that voice will soon perhaps drown out the voices of parents, teachers, and real life heroes. And what if that voice compounds the message that “only beauty is important” with “only expensive, artificially-enhanced beauty is important”..? karlaporter is right in saying that there’s nothing wrong with being a homemaker and /or stay-at-home mom. That’s a very tough job…but women who choose that, indeed all women, are more than the mere sum of their pretty parts.
I do not know how to get a hold of you Terri. Please write to me with an email address info@boombycindyjoseph.com
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cindy Joseph
CEO
http://www.boombycindyjoseph.com