LENA MITCHELL
I don’t remember what I was watching on TV recently when I heard the phrase “strong is the new pretty.”
However, it struck me as an extremely powerful and empowering message.
On-screen images of women in print and video, advertising and entertainment, tend to project sexuality, even when the women are accomplished, intellectually gifted, and/or expert in their field.
As a woman who is addicted to fashion, I am as interested as anyone in seeing women with attractive figures clothed in beautiful outfits and shoes.
But I am also someone whose social awkwardness and self-image as lacking physical beauty growing up gave me tremendous insecurities.
Therefore I applaud any idea that infuses girls at an early age with an awareness that who they are is enough, not setting a physical standard that they must measure up to.
This is the message that professional photographer Kate T. Parker of Atlanta happened upon in 2011 as she began to chronicle the growth and development of her two young daughters.
Parker’s book titled “Strong is the New Pretty” is not due to be released until 2017, but she has already posted photos that reflect what she wants to accomplish at her website: http://blog. katetparkerphotography.com/2014/03/29/strong-is-the-new-pretty/.
What Parker has said she wants for her daughters is to see “beauty in uniqueness and strength,” in “confidence, kindness as well as toughness.” She wants them to “own their power” and “inspire others to do the same.”
A new reality show premiered last month called “STRONG,” an acronym for “Start To Realize Our Natural Greatness.” The program features 10 women of varying ages working with 10 trainers to achieve the best level of fitness and health that they can.
Each woman has said this physical transformation is the starting point for a more empowered life.
At various times in my career as a journalist I have written about women who have been victims of domestic violence. (Note: April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.)
A woman or girl can be drawn into a relationship and become victimized by someone who is skilled at hiding his or her true nature. But it takes a certain inner strength to escape such a situation.
It also takes a similar degree of confidence for a woman or girl to not be victimized as the result of a need to always be in a relationship.
Back in 1975 singer Helen Reddy recorded the hit song “I Am Woman.” It was during the height of the “women’s liberation movement” and many people – women and men – saw women’s desire for independence and self-reliance as a threat to the family.
There has been an unfortunate backlash in younger generations after more and more women rejected the stay-at-home stereotype.
I hear more men in their 30s and 40s today expressing the belief that the place for women is at home, and they don’t mean author Kristin Hannah’s saying that “A woman’s place is in the House… and the Senate.”
I still believe that Reddy’s lyrics are the best expression of a woman’s power and destiny:
“…You can bend but never break me
‘Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul…
“I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land
But I’m still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
“Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman…”
Lena Mitchell is a retired daily reporter for the Daily Journal and writes a monthly column. Contact her at lena.mitchell@journalinc.com.