The Myth of Womanhood

What influences how we feel about ourselves? *** Video on picture

How Does Pop Culture Portray Women? Pop culture=current media and music video images of women. What are some of these characteristics? Have students volunteer answers and put list on board to use later

What consequences could occur from only considering pop culture influences? Some women develop eating disorders in order to look like a Super Model. Some women choose to have risky and expensive medical procedures to change their physical appearance. Images that objectify women, portraying them as sex objects, demean and devalue women as human beings. Objectification of women contributes to the problems of sexual assault, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. **VIDEO on bottom picture

Think of a Woman You Respect… What characteristics do you value? What makes a “True Woman” valuable? Have students volunteer answers and put on board to compare to first list How does a “true woman” treat you and others?

Chasing the Wrong List~ Compare the pop culture list to the “True Woman” list Why are the lists so different? How do myths affect women in our society? How can you challenge these harmful messages in your own life and among your friends?

Lies and Exaggerations If Barbie were a real woman She would stand 5’9” and weigh 110 lbs She would be less than 76% of her healthy weight Chest 39”; Waist 18”; Hips 33” Marilyn Monroe: Chest 35”; Waist 27”; Hips 35” At size 8 she would be a plus-size model today GI Joe would have a 55” chest and 27” biceps - about the size of a teenage boy’s waist; 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’s Real? What can we do to change this pattern? Many of us fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to false and unrealistic images in the media. This can destroy our confidence and self-esteem. What’s Real? Photoshop video on Michael Jackson What can we do to change this pattern?

Confidence and Self-Esteem Accepting yourself as you are is good for your health and is what makes you attractive to others. Find someone who likes you just the way you are. Ask yourself, “Do I feel good about myself when I am with this person?” Avoid people who want you to look like, act like, or be like someone else. Video on picture

Remember… The act of love is to say, “I want you to be who you are.” The act of abuse is to say, “I want you to be who I want you to be.” It is that simple. James Gill **VIDEO on picture, show after last statement is put up You also need to remember to love yourself!

The Myth of Manhood

What are the Pop Culture Images of a Successful Men? Write list on board as students volunteer answers How are “real men” portrayed in video games, music videos, television, movies and other media?

What are the 3 things society tells us are important to be a real man? Athletic Ability Money Sex Appeal What is a FALLACY? - a mistaken belief

Physical Ability Fallacy: Society tells us that… …the better man is the one who is bigger, stronger or faster. …the better man is the one who is more successful on the field, court, track, etc.… Bottom line: does being a great athlete make you a great man?

Are all great athletes good role models? ** Video on picture

Money Fallacy: Society tells us that… How much money you have makes you a MAN. How much “bling” you show off is what makes you a MAN. The better man is the richer, flashier man. Bottom line: does wealth define a great man?

Sex Appeal Fallacy: Society tells us that… The more women you have been with makes you a MAN. The better man is the one who is attractive and appealing to women. Bottom line: do your looks make you a better man?

Case in point: Tiger Woods Tiger is an extremely successful athlete, his money equals that of small countries, and he has slept with many beautiful women… Would you say Tiger is a great example of a highly successful man?

What could some consequences be from believing these fallacies? These fallacies are stereotypes; distorted images of manhood. They do not reflect the qualities needed for becoming a successful person, father, husband, or friend. Believing that a “real man” is: Bigger and faster might increase risk for steroid use. Physically dominant might increase risk for violence. One who has lots of partners might make it difficult to have a healthy, committed relationship and increase risk for STI’s and/or unintended pregnancy.

Think About a Man You Respect What does he do to earn your respect? What role does he play in your life? How does he treat others? Make a list on the board to compare with the Pop Culture List

Is it difficult to be a “True” Man? Where are the traits like caring, understanding, and loving? Which list portrays the kind of man you want to be or the kind of man you want to be with? Is it possible to combine the 2 lists and still be a “true” man?

Are we in a destructive cycle? Men today are often under pressure to conform to two roles that do not match each other. Being a “man” based on the warped values of physical ability, money and sex appeal do not always match with being a successful man, husband or father. This can lead to broken homes and absent fathers.

What Can We Do? Recognize when the media displays stereotypes & distorted images of what it means to be a man. Understand that what really matters is our impact on others, especially those we love. Challenge negative messages about manhood in our own lives and among our friends.