Teach them Truth

For our group project, we are studying about the objectification of women in the media.
One of my team members brought this TED Talk to my attention and I loved it.
http://everydayfeminism.com/2014/02/the-sexy-lie/
(You should listen for yourselves)
There were so many points I found educational and intriguing,
But the point I wanted to comment on was this...
"We raise our little boys to view their bodies as tools to master their environments.
We raise our little girls to view their bodies as projects to constantly be improved."

Our society has created a cultural monster for the female self-image.
We have given beauty unrealistic dimensions and a photoshopped face.
Setting up every girl to believe that her perfectly functioning body is somehow lacking...
Eating disorders, body shame, appearance anxiety and depression result.

I don't know if the media and its messages will ever change...
But we can individually instill different messages into our own girls.
I read this exert on Facebook the other day and I loved it.

"How to talk to your daughter about her body, step one: 

Don't talk to your daughter about her body, except to teach her how it works.
Don't say anything if she's lost weight. Don't say anything if she's gained weight.
If you think your daughter's body looks amazing, don't say that. Here are some things you can say instead:
'You look so healthy!' is a great one.
Or how about, 'You're looking so strong.'
'I can see how happy you are -- you're glowing.'
Better yet, compliment her on something that has nothing to do with her body.
Don't comment on other women's bodies either. Nope. Not a single comment, not a nice one or a mean one.
Teach her about kindness towards others, but also kindness towards yourself.
Don't you dare talk about how much you hate your body in front of your daughter, or talk about your new diet. In fact, don't go on a diet in front of your daughter. Buy healthy food. Cook healthy meals. But don't say, "I'm not eating carbs right now." Your daughter should never think that carbs are evil, because shame over what you eat only leads to shame about yourself.

Encourage your daughter to run because it makes her feel less stressed. Encourage your daughter to climb mountains because there is nowhere better to explore your spirituality than the peak of the universe. Encourage your daughter to surf, or rock climb, or mountain bike because it scares her and that's a good thing sometimes.

Help your daughter love soccer or rowing or hockey because sports make her a better leader and a more confident woman. Explain that no matter how old you get, you'll never stop needing good teamwork. Never make her play a sport she isn't absolutely in love with.

Prove to your daughter that women don't need men to move their furniture.
Teach your daughter how to cook kale.
Teach your daughter how to bake chocolate cake made with six sticks of butter.
Pass on your own mom's recipe for Christmas morning coffee cake. Pass on your love of being outside.

Maybe you and your daughter both have thick thighs or wide ribcages. It's easy to hate these non-size zero body parts. Don't. Tell your daughter that with her legs she can run a marathon if she wants to, and her ribcage is nothing but a carrying case for strong lungs. She can scream and she can sing and she can lift up the world, if she wants.

Remind your daughter that the best thing she can do with her body is to use it to mobilize her beautiful soul."

~ Sarah Koppelkam

Who We Will Become

Our first day of class, Professor Coyne posed the question,

"In your opinion, is the majority of media good, bad or neutral?"

Her question reminded me of a speech that I attended by Matt Townsend.

He concluded that technology is most definitely neutral.

The messages we receive become positive or negative based on the information we seek. 

Dr. Matt then taught something profound,

"Technology is a magnifying glass of your greatest weakness."

Our phones, computers, and electronics are extensions of ourselves.

They reflect our interests, passions, and personalities. 

Other people can often learn more about us from our Facebook page, 

Than from a first impression or personal encounter.

Matt explained that if we had low self-esteem or insecurities,

We might post shameless selfies and obsess over others' seemingly 'perfect' lives.

If we struggled with lustful desires, 

We might seek after and entertain pornographic material.

If we were self-absorbed and less concerned for those around us,

We would be more occupied by our phone than people trying to interact with us;

Never offering our full love or attention.

That was the the first time I considered technology to be mirror-like,

Reflecting the most current concerns and choices in my life.

I had some great introspection that day, 

Wondering what my phone might write on my existence...

Obviously, if technology magnifies our greatest weaknesses, 

It also our demonstrates our strengths.

I wanted my most opened apps to be the gospel library, 

Educational podcasts,

Texts and calls to relatives and old friends. 

I wanted my personal profiles to reflect modesty, faith, confidence, and happiness.

I wanted my virtual interaction to inspire and uplift,

Rather than discourage, contend, or offend.

I wanted my life to be one of discipleship.

I finally realized this desire would be propelled or inhibited by the way I use technology.

"Because what we love determines what we seek. 

What we seek determines what we think and do. 

What we think and do determines who we are --

And who we will become." 

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf