The Response to #LikeAGirl Is Why It's So Important (2)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/why-like-a-girl-is-so-important_n_6598970.html In this blog post, I will discuss a recent article, "The Reaction To #LikeAGirl Is Exactly Why It's So Important," by Alanna Vagianos. During the Superbowl, an ad was aired, "Like a Girl." The ad asks the question: "What does it mean to do something 'like a girl?'." The answers to this question in the ad are both negative and positive. Negative responses come primarily from adults (for example, when asked to throw a ball "like a girl," they throw it weakly.) Positive responses occur primarily in pre-pubescent girls. They give it their all. For such a great ad about female empowerment, the ad received some negative feedback from the Superbowl audience, especially men. So-called "meninists" decided that they would make the hashtag #LikeABoy trend on Twitter as backlash, because according to them, #LikeAGirl was attacking men and championing female superiority. However, many feminists took #LikeABoy and turned it on its head, ridiculing the idea of attacking such a powerful message to young girls all over the world, and because "like a boy" has never been associated with weakness. This article is related to themes explored in AP Gov because of the gender clash, which is part of the argument of the "Culture War," how many people have differing opinions when it comes to certain issues. The empowerment and equal treatment of women is an important subject that many people disagree on, and I also connect it to Title 9 (equal opportunity of women to gain access to higher education, primarily through athletic scholarships. It is currently being used as an argument for the fight against sexual assault in colleges.) I love the #LikeAGirl ad. I think it's powerful and a great message for young girls. My favorite part of the ad is when a little girl is asked: -"What does it mean to you when I say run 'like a girl'?" She replies: -"It means run as fast as you can." Check out the full Superbowl spot at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/29/like-a-girl-super-bowl_n_6572568.html