wolfy. Issue Two | Page 18

When you hear the word ‘feminism, many people jump to the stereotype of mad, banner-clutching women, who HATE men, and burn bras. Feminists are a growing population, as woman tire of being viewed as the subdominant sex, and demand equality from men. Juli Freedman is here to delve into these issues, with the help of ‘The Mindy Project’. Hey there Wolfy readers! So I contacted Wolfy through Instagram and when I told them I was a hard-core feminist, they asked me to write about it. While reading this response over and over again I was also watching one of my favourite TV shows ever, The Mindy Project. Basically it is an American show, starring Mindy Kailing (who is also the executive producer and writer) who plays Mindy Lahiri, a successful on/gyn living in New York. This show is witty and is like teenage girl happy hour. On the episode I was watching, Danny Castellano (played by Chris Messina) was training Mindy so she could feel comfortable naked in front of her boyfriend. There was an accident in the gym steam room and Danny saw Mindy naked. Then, for the rest of the episode Danny kept on saying that he had some tips for her. Mindy kept on thinking that these tips would be something like, "Lose some weight", or, "Your legs are too fat", but in the end he told her something that showed a different side of Danny. He told Mindy to stop sucking in her stomach and that, “You’re a woman and that’s good; look like a woman”. Not only that, but to stop shaving her vagina because it looks like a nine year old, and if Cliff likes that, then he's weird. I love this part. I know there's a whole shaving controversy-to shave or not to shave- I say, whatever makes you happy and comfortable. Do it for yourself. I personally don't shave my legs that much, but sometimes I do because I like the way it feels. But I think Danny brings up a whole other point: Sexualizing children. This is a huge controversy in media. Whenever you see a ‘sexy’ schoolgirl outfit that is sexualizing young women who actually wear uniforms. When did teenagers become sex symbols? It's disgusting. My friends and I shouldn't have to worry about the male gaze when we get dressed in the morning. We shouldn't have to worry about being called "sluts" or "sexy bitches". I'm only 13 but I know it's just going to get worse. Boys will be boys, and boys can be real assholes, and boys can be super respectful and feminist supporters. Men; control yourself. Media; women, teenagers and girls are not sexual objects. We are equals. Wolfy readers: RIOT! Written by Juli Freedman