According to Dallas Women’s Foundation’s Senior Communication Director Sarah Burns,
Sarah Burns*
“For the past few years Dallas Women’s Foundation has been offering Gender in Media events, generously supported by the Embrey Family Foundation and Nancy Ann Hunt. This initiative lifts the discussion on how the media shapes girls minds; how stereotypes define how women are seen and devalued; and how damaging these unrealistic portrayals are to girls’ and women’s perceptions of themselves and their place in society. These limitations ultimately affect our entire community.
“Like many of you, I find myself at a point in life where I feel that surely I have my finger on the pulse of pop culture. I read nearly every BuzzFeed link shared on Facebook and MySweetCharity arrives to my in-box each morning even before traditional media outlet emails. But sometimes, upon further reflection, I realize I have missed an entire trend! Chevron? It passed me by swiftly (I think I dodged a bullet). Giant stone earrings? I’ve worn the same pair of studs every day for two years (Thanks to my loving husband).
What’s Your #BESTSELF?*
“This summer, due to circumstances beyond my control, I ended up at an all-inclusive resort here in town – UT Southwestern Medical Center – where I was treated successfully for pancreatitis. During my seven day doctor-ordered holiday, I passed time and quickly tripped down a rabbit hole looking at the hashtag #selfie on Instagram. Instagram, the social media outlet of choice for smart phone photographers, allows you to search other user’s photos by common hashtags. The #selfie photos were mostly of girls and young women whose added captions asked for reassurance and validation of their outward appearance from their followers.
“As of late November, the hashtag #selfie has been used nearly 200 million times. What I saw and later researched shocked and saddened me. Girls are so much more than just their looks. They are innovators, engineers, connectors, advocates, athletes, artists, nurturers, musicians, and much more. They are changing the world!
I am at my #dallaswomensfdn #bestself when I am using my creativity for @dallaswomensfdn to empower women! @mytweetcharity, show us your #bestself!*
“This month Dallas Women’s Foundation launched our #BESTSELF challenge and my wish is that you would participate in it. The #BESTSELF Challenge empowers girls of all ages to post selfies that do not focus on their outward appearance, but rather highlights their unique talents, interests, goals and dreams.
- “Follow Dallas Women’s Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
- “Post a message or photo of what your #bestself is.
- “Use hashtags #bestself, #dallaswomensfdn and tag Dallas Women’s Foundation.
- “Challenge a friend to do the same.
“We look forward to seeing how the women and girls of North Texas view their #bestself in the months to come. For more information and to participate in the #bestself movement, visit bestselfchallenge.com and join us on social media using #bestself and #dallaswomensfdn.”
– Sarah Burns, Dallas Women’s Foundation’s Senior Communication Director
* Photo provided by Dallas Women’s Foundation