New Perspective on Gender Roles

 Regiane Folter in her article, “Why every girl should travel”, explains the powerful effect gender stereotypes have had on her and why seeing the world through different cultures' perspectives helped her become the woman she is today. Folter acknowledges the immense privilege she has had to travel the world and additionally urges other women to do the same if they are presented the opportunity. In the introductory paragraphs, the author explains how women are taught that they are fragile and defenseless and therefore should be kind and obedient because those are “traits of women.” These stereotypical ideals of women that the author comments on can be seen in many media representations of women which is a major influence into the gender stereotype. In Disney channel shows and movies specifically female leads frequently fit the mold of conventionally attractive, heterosexual, kind, and in search for a man. The young audience is being cultivated to think that how they are seeing women being depicted in the TV show is what women are. Folter argues in her piece that traveling away for the western ideal of women helped her find her own strength and prove to herself her independence. I too believe a new geographical context can inspire great strength and growth in a person if they are privleged enought to have that opportunity.