I’ve gotten to where I can’t stand the word “empowerment” anymore.
Maybe you’ve noticed as well that many of the websites, “resources” and programs out now to “empower girls” are about selling products to girls.
Okay. Whatever.
I do feel the need to point out that no human being’s power is derived from stuff. This includes shampoo, deodorant, clothes, shoes, computer games, cosmetics, electronics, tampons or any other kind of stuff.
Lots of companies are marketing stuff under the guise of “empowering girls” when really the company just wants to make a profit off girls. Nothing wrong with making a profit. Except some companies appear to be using these “empowering girls” websites, surveys, even certain “tween conventions” to mine girls for information. Its market research.
Some of these websites ask girls to take very personal and “confidential” surveys or participate in comments and discussions to get inside girls’ heads. This kind of information can be used to find out how to market to girls’ vulnerabilities and insecurities. The better to target girls. They won’t tell your mom, but they’ll use girls’ insecurities to market to the fear that vaginas are dirty and need perfume in tampons or tweens need special deodorant.
Parents should probably know that and talk about it with their daughters.
You know, just in case they don’t want to participate.
I took Ainsley to my annual Ob/Gyn exam yesterday.
She stayed home from school with flu symptoms from the flu mist vaccine. My husband had jury duty.
I didn’t want to reschedule, because I didn’t know how long that would take and they could hold my estrogen for ransom.
What do you have to go to the doctor for?
To have her check my vagina.
WHAT!?!?!?! Why?!?
Women have to do it every year. To make sure my vagina is healthy and doesn’t have cancer.
Oh my gosh. Is it embarrassing to have someone look at your vagina? Does she have to touch it? Does it hurt?
It’s not the most comfortable thing, but after you have kids and they are checking your vagina every week or so, you get more used to it.
That’s disgusting!
It’s not disgusting. It’s healthy.
We got in the elevator and a couple asked us which floor.
The Women’s Center, is that on the second floor? I said.
It’s not for her right? the lady asked nodding to my 8-year-old daughter.
Oh No. I said. And everyone breathes a sigh of relief.
Later, in the office . . .
Why are you taking off all your clothes?
Because she’s going to check my boobs and my vagina. I have to get naked.
Even your underwear?
Well, how is she going to check my vagina if I leave my underwear on?
Oh my gosh. I’m going to sit on the floor behind this chair so I don’t see.
You could wait in the hall or the lobby.
No. I’ll just sit here, where I can’t see. You at least get to put that sheet over you while she looks? And a gown like in the hospital when you have a baby?
Yep.
At least this little reality about womanhood will come as no surprise when she’s older.
I kindof envy her about this. Is anyone else having conflicted feelings about their past sexual history now that they have maturity, some sense, or a daughter?
Fey uses “give it away” in humor. I kindof feel like girls/women today and when I was growing up really are though. As if it’s nothing.
Is there a more complicated relationship than the mother-daughter relationship?
Criss-crossing between generations, clashing over the drastically-changing cultural expectations taking place over the last three generations, and always battling the temptation to strive for and expect perfection the mother-daughter relationship bares examination.
