Wandering down the aisles of various book stores and shops can be a very depressing task.
Depressing because not every store sells my favourite kind of snack (Munchies Ultimate Cheddar, if you're asking), but also if you look at the books stores like Target and Wal-Mart sell. Now, obviously major book stores in the US such as Borders and Barnes & Noble will sell the same books, but as shops like Target only dedicate a selection of books for their "books and magazines" section, it's quite narrowed down. And I was disturbed by the amount of books for young girls and adult women that were concerning in both title and cover that these shops have in their "top selection" of stock.
Firstly, there is a huge emphasis on books about weight - losing weight, going to fat camp, battling with food, etc. As if women weren't constantly bombarded with images and headlines about how they should be 'struggling' or 'battling' their body at all times, you can't even look for a bit of fiction without being smacked across the face with it, either.
As if all of the books emphasizing how important it is to not be single weren't enough, let us enjoy reading about how "thin is the new happy". While I've not read either one of these books, and they very well might be interesting or empowering, just the fact that there's a whole section in Target dedicated to books of this nature is a bit worrying, non?
Secondly, the book selection for children, specifically for young girls is a alarming, as well. Growing up, I of course adored Disney Princesses, but I was also introduced to girls like Harriet The Spy, Nancy Drew, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read Winnie the Pooh and had a questionable crush on both Kermit and Grover. But now, there's less Muppet Babies and Piglet, and more teaching young girls the importance of shoes.
Or, if they're not in to shoes, perhaps they should be in to PINK and CUPCAKES!
And perhaps worst of all, there are also books slyly filled with all of the "problems" women can have, such as "That's Not My Fairy"....
There is a whole "That's not my..." series, which are "touchy- feely" books with furry, squishy and textured things for children to touch, which is great. But this in particular book had me a bit flustered as it says things like, "That's not my fairy, her hair is too curly!" or "That's not my fairy, her slippers are too bumpy!" Again, while I get the point of these books, it just made me question whether or not saying things like "her hair is too curly!" is teaching young girls the right message. Surely a fairy could look however she wants it to look? And what exactly is wrong with bumpy slippers? If this is about identifying differences and memory games, surely playing a good old fashioned "matching" card game would be better?
Adolescent and Tween girls may have it the toughest, however, as there are constant conflicting messages that are increased by which books are placed where in the shop. Take for example the "Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So Talented Pop Star" - from a series that details the "drama" of being a dork in middle school and not getting asked to the dance by the guy you like - sitting right next to a book about how to be a goddess.
While the "Dork Diaries" may not be so bad, the description of "The Girls' Book of Glamour: A Guide to Being a Goddess" makes me want to cry:
"Be confident, be gorgeous, be glamorous. The tips and tricks in this book will help girls reveal the goddess inside.The entries include: how to host a spa-style party; how to work out your face shape; how to design your signature perfume; how to stop biting your nails; how to pretend you've got freckles; how to jazz up a boring ponytail; how to get out of a limo; how to give yourself a mini facial; how to emphasise your eye colour; how to make your bedroom skin-friendly; how to get super-soft hands and feet while you sleep; and, how to make a ribbon belt."
Ah yes, nothing oozes confidence like a 14-year-old girl who knows her face shape and can emphasize her eye colour.
How young is too young to read How To Be a Woman?!