Essay on Book Report on Reviving Ophelia by Dr. Pipher

Reviving Ophelia Dr. Pipher remembers her cousin Polly as a young girl. She describes her as energy in motion. A tomboy, Polly dances, plays sports with the neighborhood boys, and rides horses. Once Polly enters adolescence, however, other children begin teasing her about her tomboyish ways and insist that she be more ladylike. The boys exclude her from their activities, and the girls isolate her because she is different. Polly becomes confused and withdrawn. Later, Polly begins wearing stylish clothes and trying harder to fit in. She again becomes accepted and popular. Dr. Pipher feels that she is the only one saddened by Pollys transformation from force of nature to submissive follower. Dr. Pipher discusses Freuds†¦show more content†¦They experience intense anxiety as they try to find their place in the world. Second, American culture subjects these girls to sexism, capitalism, and lookism, the evaluation of a person solely based on physical appearance. Third, American culture demands that adolescent girls distance themselves from their parents at the exact time that they need them most. The close parent-child bonds fall away, and girls turn to their peers for reassurance. Parents also suffer from the loss of this important relationship. Dr. Pipher observes that her young female patients are angry and easily offended by the adults in their lives. They suffer significant mood swings and behave unpredictably. Dr. Pipher also notes that these issues are not confined to her patients. Many of the young women that she meets at speaking engagements are struggling with the same obstacles. Dr. Pipher says the fact that psychologists do not have any conclusive theories regarding treatment of girls this age. The girls are difficult to study due to their secretive natures. They do not enjoy discussing their problems with adults. Adolescent girls may refuse to discuss their problems with their parents, but they still blame their parents for the hardships that they experience. They still expect their parents to protect them from the dangers of society. Parents may blame themselves for their daughters behavior. They may also feel isolated, and believe thatShow MoreRelated The Affect of Media Beauty Standards on Womens Self Esteem Essay2155 Words   |  9 Pagesexists, what is not so obvious are the detrimental effects. One question looms large. Is self-esteem affected by media? Many think it is. Morant (2000) reports on the BMAs findings that media should take more responsibility. A report was done about body image and the media and calls for a more realistic range of body types (2000). Council Chairman Dr. Ian Bogle claimed that there is a cult of bodily perfection that is perpetuated by media (2000). Recommendations include a policy regarding the use