Posting selfies, applying make-up and donning the latest fashion was almost an obsession for an Oilfields High School student during her junior high years.
“Sometimes I would get attention from older boys,” said Kianna Klopp. “That felt good because it felt like you were wanted. That also equals a negative reaction from other girls. I definitely had things said about me like ‘slut.’”
The Grade 11 student no longer feels that pressure, but that’s not the case for many junior high students today.
“I see it every day in the halls,” she said. “You can see girls giving looks, especially the junior high girls because they try too hard in that age range. You’re just trying to fit in and trying to impress people.”
Klopp is one of six panelists who will discuss the pressures and stereotypes young girls face following a screening of the award-winning documentary Miss Representation in the school’s drama room on March 8 at 7 p.m.
The video exposes how mainstream media and culture contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
Klopp speaks from experience.
Klopp also faced the struggle of being the only girl on the Okotoks Midget A hockey team.
“When I got into contact hockey I was looked down upon,” she said. “Other players said, ‘She’s a girl. What is she doing out here?’”
The season often began with her teammates giving her the cold shoulder, but when they realized she was a good player they treated her like one of the team.
Klopp believes it’s those attitudes that are stopping other young girls from pursuing sports or striving for a higher level.
“I think a lot of girls struggle with putting themselves out there and trying new things,” she said. “There is definitely very talented female athletes in school and a lot of girls are afraid to put themselves out there.”
Oilfields High School Grade 12 student Jaime Wong tries to stay away from the stereotypes placed on young girls.
“I try not to let it affect me,” she said. “I don’t listen to music videos that promote being sexy or skinny. I try not to expose myself to things like that.”
Like Klopp, there was a time where it did impact her.
Wong used to read Cosmopolitan every morning, then said she would feel bad about herself because she didn’t look like the girls featured in the magazine.
“So many people go on to Instagram and Facebook and all these things and feel bad,” said the straight-A student. “I make a point to avoid it. If I didn’t it would affect me. I would feel like I can’t believe I’m trying to become an engineer. What am I doing?”
The school’s guidance counsellor Paulette Morck is bringing Miss Representation into the school to help parents understand the pressures young girls face.
“Even though this is something that we’ve been aware of all of our lives it’s not getting better,” she said. “It’s those things we learned growing up that our brain isn’t necessarily valid and it’s about sexuality over personality.
“Those are the messages that young people get still to this day.”
Morck feels it’s getting worse. She uses the example of today’s cartoons and toys.
“Bratz (Dolls) is a toy that every little girl plays with and they are caked on with makeup, they are wearing low-cut shirts, short little mini-skirts,” she said. “I’m concerned about the way some of our 11-year-olds are dressing, with large amounts of makeup, short skirts and low cut tops. There is so much drama and trauma that goes on between them because every single one of them is so insecure.”
With so few role models for strong, smart young women, the pressure to fit in can result in eating disorders, depression and self-harming, Morck said.
Panel member Lindsay Durand, said she is worried about how these pressures effect young girls once they grow up.
Durand, a preventative education facilitator with Rowan House Emergency Shelter in High River, said the media often gives a defined perception of what a relationship should look like.
“There are some out there that portray women in a more submissive role - even sexualized images,” she said. “If girls are thinking that they are weaker or more submissive they sometimes put up with something that’s not healthy.”
Durand finds many girls are surprised jealousy and possessiveness are not healthy components in a relationship.
“They say, isn’t it okay if he tells me I can’t see my friends or have to ear this kind of clothing,” she said.
The panel will also consist of a second education facilitator, a female RCMP corporal and therapist with Alberta Mental Health & Addictions Service.
Members of the panel will answer questions from those in attendance following the screening of Miss Representation.
A rated version is available for teachers to show to students and discuss.
To RSVP your attendance at Miss Representation go to bit.ly/OHSMISS
Those planning to attend the free session are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the school’s breakfast program.
