A few years back Women's Media Report did a gender count on Time Magazine
covers over the last five decades, and except for movie stars and wives of
important males, there were very few females pictured on that cover.
That's who the role models for girls are: movie stars and women who make
good marital catches.
One hope on the horizon is the rise in popularity and attention of girls
athletics. It rewards effort and talent that is separate and apart from
fashion trends, and at the same time teaches even the average player many
human interaction skills. I do think we are expanding the pool of role
models for females. But after seeing all the negative press that Hillary
Clinton has received, I acknowledge there is a long way to go to reach
equity.
Barbara Tavares
University of Hawaii
btavares@hawaii.edu