WAMC: Young women look for a new role (2007-05-17)

51 % The Women's Perspective

Young women look for a new role

(2007-05-17)

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ALBANY, NY (WAMC) - First up, Full Frontal Feminism. Jessica Valenti is known for her chatty blog femenisting.com, which is targeted at women in their teens and twenties. She's just come out with a book written for the same age group called "Full Frontal Feminism." It's a quick, breezy guide to women's issues. I asked Valenti why some young women resist calling themselves feminists.

Then, we take a look at Title IX, which turns 35 this year. The Civil Rights Act amendment says it is illegal to exclude anyone from a public school activity based on gender. Since the law was passed, there have been big changes attitudes toward women's sports. Dan Bobkoff of public radio station WCPN looks at Title IX's impact on schools.

Then twenty-something Katherine Stevens puts in her two cents. She doesn't like watching reality television that features desperate women - but she thinks it can still be considered empowering.

Young women are told they can do anything these days. But in a study last year, non-profit organization Girls Inc. talked to girls of all ages around the country. The group found that all that possibility can translate into too much pressure. I spoke with Girls Inc. c-e-o Joyce Roche about what she calls the Supergirl phenomenon.

It can be tough to fulfill expectations. And ballerina-turned biochemist Sarah Cross has decided to stop trying. She has decided that she can be a scientist with a dancer's flair.
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