Peer Review

I think this topic is a really important one, especially because when females are in their teenage years they are very easily influenced by the media and the images the see in popular culture. The dominant portrayal of caucasian, middle-class, straight female means that if teenage girls are anything less than this ideal image they see it has the potential to further their insecurities. Your example of Mean Girls is a really good way to show the mainstream images that are portrayed in popular culture and it emphasizes and backs up some of the points you've made really well! I think there is a real need to diversify the portrayal of teenage females. I think it could be beneficial if you included an example of a film that does show a non-hegemonic character to illustrate its impacts.

Hello all,

I thought this page was very informative with respect to female adolescents in teen films - speaking to Charlotte's suggestion - I feel as though it might be useful to talk about the limitations imposed on adolescents males, or perhaps a link to a page that addresses that realm of portrayal. This type of external reference might be useful for addressing the inadequacy of teen film to portray a multiplicity of characters realistically - but rather, in a specific way that limits all types of individuals, and has negative impacts on vulnerable groups who engage with this type of media. Not that this page specifically addresses other limitations of teen film, nor should it - my suggestion is simply a "see also" type of reference. You briefly address this when you talk about sexual agency, and how males are pretty much always in pursuit of losing their virginity. Overall, I thought this page was great! Thanks for your contribution!