OPPapers.com Essay Index >> Social Issues >> Gender In Children'S Stories
We have many free term papers and essays on Gender In Children'S Stories. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
Submitted by jmadsit on September 30, 2006
Category: Social Issues
Words: 1998 | Pages: 8
Views: 305
Popularity Rank: 31,622
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
Missed Independence
Recently, I declined my little sister's invitation to accompany her to a Kelly Clarkson concert. I've always viewed my sister with an eye of protectiveness. Her obvious idolization of Clarkson worries me as I am doubtful of what many pop stars stand for. I am skeptical of any human being who has been reduced to an icon, yet perhaps they best represent us. The media both perpetuates and exposes our values and views.
Shows like Fox Television's American Idol are perhaps some of the most blatant examples of this. Viewers all across America debate which potential idol they like best, in essence, in terms of talent, image, and performance. Kelly Clarkson, the first winner of Fox Television's American Idol, has gained increased popularity since winning the Idol competition, producing songs such as the hit "Miss Independent," co-written with Christian Aguilera.
Ostensibly, her attitude is one of self-appreciation. She says in an interview published on kidzworld.com "I don't let anything get to me or people pressure me. If you're going to pressure me to do something, I'm going to do the opposite. So if you tell me to get skinny, I'm probably going to get fat just to piss you off" (kidzworld.com. This attitude pervades the song's lyrics. The title and first few lyrics pose as an empowering discourse on autonomous womanhood, putting men at a distance. Miss Independent seems to be a woman who has found self-identity, which is not an identity based on a relationship (or lack thereof).
This message is not necessarily a unique one. Clarkson's song is accompanied on radio stations with many others of similar implications such as Britney Spears' "Stronger," Gwen Stefani's "I'm Just a Girl," and others. The "Girl Power" movement, as coined by the Spice Girls, seems to be filling the pop charts. This particular genre seems to be targeted toward empowering young, ambitious girls in an effort help...
You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!