2. Our History
The idea came one day as Serena found herself waiting in an upscale men’s clothing shop, while her partner tried on expensive linens. Picking up a men’s magazine, she flipped through, and in five minutes saw the reality behind hours of discussions about gender, power and prominence. In place of a gallimaufry of diets were how-tos in self-motivation. The gossip section about stars’ latest scandals were replaced by negotiation strategies for higher salaries. It was clear that gender equality, like repeats of Friends, was a modern fairy tale we point to as a comforting reality (but who really spends 10 years living in New York City interacting with zero people of colour?).
The response was significant, but not surprising. Too long have we looked to media for inspiration, only to be met with limitations. It was then that Maddy, a fellow honours physics student; and Emily, a biochem / business major, got into talks about making this magazine a reality. An anonymous survey was created and sent out, and the response was everything from hilarious to inspirational to heartbreaking.
“Stop eating or you’ll get fat”, answers a nameless 13-year-old when asked what she would tell her past self. “I would tell myself not to be afraid to put myself out there,” remarks a 14-year-old from New Plymouth. When asked to describe themselves, another 13-year-old spat out: “Ugly and funny and cool and fat”. Thirteen years of age and already media has affected our girls to the very bone of how they view themselves and their value as human beings.
They are not without dreams. Another 13-year-old looks to go to medical school to become a lab technician. Another 14-year-old aspires to study fashion at Parson’s New School of Design in New York City. They want kids, a career; a full and happy life. Why do we underestimate them so? So often are teens girls reduced to the image of brainless, rampant fans screaming about the next Twilight movie -- they deserve a space where their voices are respected, their worries addressed and their aspirations fueled.