The Dismissal of Adolescent Girls’ Fanaticism

Victoria Pedraza | 9/6/2023

Sexism in popular culture is a prevalent issue that influences societal perceptions and attitudes. It is essential to address this issue because the media and entertainment we consume have a significant impact on shaping our values and behaviors. Whether in movies, television shows, music, or other forms of popular culture, sexism can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and inequalities that affect individuals and society at large.

One of the groups that generally gets dismissed in pop culture is adolescent girls. Music, movies, shows, and other forms of entertainment often face judgments and stereotypes when they are perceived as "girly." This gender-based dismissal often leads to the unfair categorization of these cultural products as lower quality or less significant. This issue highlights a deeper problem within popular culture – the devaluation of interests and perspectives that are traditionally associated with girls and women.

While this bias against "girly" content may seem innocuous on the surface, it has far-reaching consequences. First and foremost, it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes, suggesting that what is deemed "masculine" is superior to what is labeled as "feminine." This not only diminishes the value of content enjoyed by adolescent girls but also perpetuates a skewed view of gender roles in society.

Moreover, the dismissal of content targeting adolescent girls limits creative expression and diversity in the entertainment industry. It discourages creators from exploring a wide range of themes, styles, and narratives that could resonate with a broader audience. This not only stifles artistic innovation but also misses the opportunity to address the unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives of adolescent girls.

Examples of sexism in popular culture

Music:

Historically, boy bands have often been taken more seriously than girl groups, and this bias extends to solo male acts with a majority of female audiences, particularly in the early stages of their careers. Bands like The Beatles and classic rock bands are celebrated for their musical innovation, songwriting prowess, and lasting impact on the industry. Their work is frequently analyzed and appreciated as a significant part of music history.

In contrast, girl groups like the Spice Girls and Destiny's Child, as well as solo female artists who initially attract predominantly female fan bases, have sometimes faced unwarranted skepticism. They are occasionally labeled as "manufactured" or lacking in musical depth. 

When a predominantly female audience supports a male act, there can be assumptions that their popularity is based solely on looks or charm rather than musical talent. This overlooks the genuine musical appreciation that many fans have for these artists.

Movies and TV Shows:

Romantic comedies, often associated with female audiences, are sometimes considered lightweight or formulaic, despite their cultural significance and the talent of the actors and filmmakers involved. TV shows and films targeting adolescent girls are sometimes brushed off as mere "teen drama" or "chick flicks," diminishing their impact and relevance.

Literature:

Books in the young adult (YA) genre, which often feature strong female protagonists and address important themes, have sometimes faced criticism for being simplistic or lacking in literary merit.

These examples illustrate how certain forms of entertainment and interests associated with adolescent girls are often devalued or trivialized, reinforcing stereotypes and limiting the diversity of voices and perspectives in popular culture. It's important to challenge these biases and promote inclusivity and respect for all forms of entertainment, regardless of their perceived gender association.

The impact of sexism on individuals and society

Sexism in popular culture has a significant impact on individuals and society as a whole. It can shape people's perceptions of gender roles and expectations, leading to the internalization of harmful stereotypes. This can result in lower self-esteem, limited opportunities, and unequal treatment, particularly for women and marginalized groups. Moreover, perpetuating sexism in popular culture perpetuates and normalizes gender-based discrimination, hindering progress toward a more equitable society.

There is no valid reason to believe that "girly" things are inherently inferior or of lower quality. Such a perception not only reflects unfounded biases but also equates femininity with inferiority, which is a harmful stereotype that has persisted for far too long.

It's crucial to recognize that the concept of "girly" or "feminine" encompasses a broad spectrum of interests, talents, and creative expressions. These can include fashion, romance, emotional depth, empathy, and many other facets that are not only valid but also valuable to society. Reducing these interests to mere frivolity or superficiality does us all a disservice.

Furthermore, labeling something as "girly" should not be synonymous with dismissing its importance or significance. Artistic expressions, entertainment, and hobbies should be appreciated for their intrinsic value and their ability to bring joy, meaning, and connection to people's lives. By devaluing or ridiculing "girly" interests, we not only discourage individuals from pursuing their passions but also contribute to a culture that undermines gender equality.

Addressing and combating sexism in popular culture

Efforts to combat sexism in popular culture should involve creators, consumers, and industry leaders. Creators and producers should be encouraged to create content that challenges stereotypes and promotes diversity and equality. Consumers have a role in demanding and supporting media that promotes positive representations. Industry leaders can take steps to foster diversity and inclusion, both in front of and behind the camera or microphone. Additionally, the media can be a powerful tool for education and advocacy, raising awareness about the harmful effects of sexism in popular culture.

In a more inclusive and equitable pop culture landscape, the dismissal of "girly" content would be replaced with a celebration of diverse interests and tastes. Recognizing that entertainment can and should cater to a wide spectrum of audiences, regardless of gender, will not only lead to better and more diverse cultural products but also foster a more inclusive and accepting society. Ultimately, it's crucial to challenge and dismantle the harmful biases that undermine the value of content for adolescent girls and work towards a culture where everyone's voices and interests are equally respected and celebrated.

Conclusion and takeaway

Addressing sexism in popular culture is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. By recognizing and challenging instances of sexism in the media and entertainment we consume, we can contribute to positive change. As consumers, we have the power to demand and support content that promotes diversity and equality. By doing so, we can help reshape the cultural narratives that shape our world, ensuring that popular culture reflects the values of a more just and inclusive society.

I think that there’s something to be said about the emotional vulnerability often displayed by adolescent girls when it comes to fanaticism. For many adolescent girls, these fanatical attachments are more than just casual interests; they can be a source of solace, inspiration, and identity.

The emotional vulnerability displayed in fanaticism is a reflection of the profound impact that these cultural elements can have on young people's lives. It signifies the power of storytelling and artistic expression to resonate with and shape the emotions and values of adolescents. In their enthusiastic support and emotional investment, adolescent girls often find a sense of belonging, purpose, and empowerment. And, isn’t that a good thing?

As Taylor Swift once said: “I wanna love glitter and also stand up for the double standards that exist in our society. I wanna wear pink, and tell you how I feel about politics. I don't think those things have to cancel each other out.”