From all that we read in the media, it appears that women are EXPECTED to be “role-models,” no matter what their status, level of achievements or height of their infamy. But why exactly?
The term was originally coined by sociologist Robert K Merton, and Google defines a role model as:
“A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.”
Whoever has the role model status thrust upon them is therefore someone that people look up to and are generally inspired by. What is obvious from the definition is that there appears to be no choice whether a person gets to be a role model or not – it is for others to decide.
This is yet another example of obtaining a level of perfection that is out of reach for most women. This pressure to be good and do good all of the time means that if someone in the public eye were to make a mistake and show their “human” side, we would take away that role model tag right away.
As women living in today's society, we should appreciate how lucky we are to grow up in an age where we are spoilt by a plethora of choice when it comes to which women we admire. Today there are many notable female role models in authors, models, scientists, fashion designers, artists, singers, actresses, mothers, colleagues and friends.
You would think that this would be enough – that there are SO MANY women to inspire us every day – that we are allowed to choose our own role models. Silly, silly us! There is NO choice being truly represented in society. We are supposed to aspire to be one of these “good” girls, and steer well clear of being one of these good for nothing “bad” girls.
Miley Cyrus is usually now associated with twerking, flashing the flesh, and the infamous tongue hanging out selfies. But why are we not championing her for her incredible hard work ethic, her family values, her confidence, her uniqueness, her savvy business skills, or her ease with her own sexuality? Why are these not things to admire, and inspire in a fellow woman?
Ultimately, it is easier for everyone if a woman fits neatly into her designated box (no pun intended) – either the “good” girl or the “bad” girl. We should all be aiming to be “good” and being generally disgusted in all that is “bad” dare it offend our delicate feminine sensibilities.
Well excuse me, but can we start living in 2014 as of NOW?
EVERY woman is UNIQUE. Every woman has aspects of their personality that could be defined as good or bad depending on the situation. We are all fluid and should not be pressured into fitting into such minuscule categories.
Instead, we should be CELEBRATING the huge variety of unique and empowering women who are out there – no matter which way they go about it. From Ellen Page coming out, Lupita Nyong'o winning a stack of awards, to Miley's twerking and getting over-friendly with a giant foam hand. These women are doing it THEIR WAY and we should admire this instead of hating on our own gender.
Remember – who is the name on everyone's lips? Who is always being talked about? In a Glamour Magazine interview, Lily Allen discusses her friendship with Miley Cyrus and how she admires her “because she's owning it and it definitely comes from her...she's rebelling. I love her. If you wanna put your body on display like that, it's absolutely fine. It's when somebody else tell you that you need to do that in order to sell your product that's offensive.”
We need to STOP dissing other women because of how they go about being successful. We all have our individual interpretations of what success means. Everyone deserves RESPECT: be kind to one another and inspire one another – be your own role model.
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REFERENCES
“Miley Cyrus is a poor role model to girls, and gives them mixed messages, says headmistress.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10427622/Miley-Cyrus-is-a-poor-role-model-to-girls-and-gives-them-mixed-messages-says-headmistress.html (article)
Graeme Paton, Education Editor – 05/11/2013
Role Model Definition
https://www.google.co.uk/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=7ghxU8W2I-HR8gfe7IHABg#q=define:+role+model
http://uk.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2013730/rs_560x415-130830150852-1024..miley-cyrus-twerk-vma.ls.83013.jpg (image)
http://ripley.za.net/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/9c52f_572cb_120804093813-olympics-gold-medal-smile-story-top.jpg (image)
“I'm an unusual woman”
Lily Allen interview, Glamour UK Magazine,.
Issue 159, June 2014
http://images.thehollywoodgossip.com/iu/t_full/v1378758221/miley-cyrus-on-a-wrecking-ball.png (image)