To review girls’ magazines and web zines with the goal of understanding the values espoused and how these values might affect teenage girls.

OVERVIEW

Teenagers are bombarded with hundreds of voices everyday, many echoing from advertising. Mainstream girls’ magazines exert a strong influence on girls’ self-image and self acceptance. Alternative magazines avoid this problem, but present their own values just as strongly. Youth leaders must decide how to help girls avoid the pressures of "lookism." Alternative magazines and web zines may provide some interesting ideas on how this can be done, even if the content is sometimes questionable.

LEADER PREPARATION

• Purchase several magazines for girls, some mainstream and some alternative. If possible, visit a few web zines and download any pertinent content (see Resource List).
• Read through the material, especially trying to discern the stated and unstated values promoted. Also, carefully scrutinize the advertising.
• Make copies of pertinent articles to disperse to several small groups.
• Prepare questions for discussion.
• Be aware that the content of some alternative publications may lead the group into lively discussions (i.e., they will be incensed at some of the opinions expressed). Keep in mind the focus of the discussion: discerning the values promoted by all the publications, evaluating those values, and determining how to counteract the power of lookism.

GROUP BUILDING

Ask participants to recall their favorite television show or magazine as an adolescent. Discuss why each person enjoyed that particular show or magazine.

GROUP PRESENTATION

• Divide into small groups.
• Give each small group a copy of at least one mainstream and one alternative magazine or web zine. Ask each group to review the publications. What topics are covered? What type of advertising is used? Who sponsors the publication (non-profit organization, commercial venture, a few teens, etc.)?
• After reviewing the contents, small groups should try to discern the overt and covert values promoted by the publication and its advertising, and write them down to share with the larger group.
• Each group reports back with a brief description of the publication(s) reviewed and the values promoted. List the values on a board.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Ask the group any of the following questions:

• Which of these values do you share? With which do you disagree?
• Ask the group to define "lookism" (an emphasis on appearance in order to gain acceptance. Commercials especially emphasize a certain "look," which is often unattainable in real life).
• Does lookism impede girls’ development of a healthy sense of identity and a positive self-image?
• Should we help girls resist the influence of lookism, and if so, how?
• Do these publications offer any ideas on how to counteract lookism and help girls develop a healthy identity?
• What can groups or individuals do to combat lookism?

WRAP-UP

Discuss any of the following issues as you conclude the program:

• Western society is often consumed with lookism. It is a reality.
• It takes strength and character to combat lookism.
• It is essential to remember that one’s heart is so much more important than one’s face or body.
• Support others who struggle with lookism. Help them see the beauty and purpose within themselves.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW UP

• A few weeks after the program, again mention the subject of lookism and the media. Ask if students have noticed how lookism has penetrated our society. Gather some opinions and insight.
• Discuss the issue with individual students who are open to or interested in talking more in-depth about the reality and effects of lookism.

Carol Harllee cCYS