What is happening to our female role models? Looking at the newspapers and magazines covers all I see is the latest Hollywood starlets. Not only are they over hyped, over-sexed, and over airbrushed but they also lack substance all together.
Canadian artists are constantly being overshadowed by American socialites and starlets that are so drunk they can barely stay on their feet, or who decide to get so much plastic surgery that they can’t move their face. These are the role models that young Canadian girls are exposed to while real idols are over-shadowed.
Humber alone has produced quiet a few female role models. Take Billy Holiday a popular radio broadcaster who has been a part of some of the most popular radio stations in Toronto. There’s also comedian Debra Di Giovanni whose brand of playful humor has landed her a recurring spot on Much Music’s Video On Trail.
For more mainstream influences, we need to be paying more attention to artists like Canadian singer/songwriter Lights or actress Ellen Page. These are artist with some actual substance and have made them-selves successful, not because they’ve dated someone famous but because they worked hard and stayed true to themselves. These are women who can actually make educated decisions where-as their counter-parts can’t stay sober long enough. Its easy to give in to the Hollywood lifestyle and these girls should be commended because they avoid it.
When Canada hosted the Olympics, I was really excited for young girls to see real Canadian female role models. For example the Canadian women’s hockey team, which by working as a team, completely dominated women’s hockey; or Maelle Ricker who made history as the first woman to win an Olympic medal in snowboard cross.
We have so many young Canadian women who are making their way in the world while staying strong and levelheaded. Artists like Emily Haines from Metric and actress Rachael McAdams are individuals that our young girls should be looking up to.
We need focus on the positive role models so the future generations of girls have role models worth emulating and learn to rely on their brains to become successful rather than their looks.
very good.
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