In her poem For the Rapists Who Call Themselves Feminists, Blythe Barid describes toxic masculinity, “As if he doesn’t already harass the girl who jogs by his house every morning just to remind her that she is just a woman.” What she is describing is the standard experience for girls in our society. Girls are encouraged by the media to compete with an unrealistic standard of beauty, to look older, to do their make-up and dress up. This standard thought tends to attract the wrong attention from their counterparts.

Dressing up can positively affect a girl’s attitude and confidence, make them feel radiant and pretty. But with dressing up comes the catcalling and unwanted stares from men who objectify. Recently, a Lincoln student received this kind of attention, “I was walking toward Home Depot and someone whistled.” she said. “I was wearing jeans and a crop-top but it was covered with a sweater.” She was catcalled despite being covered up; she was simply being a girl.

The media heightens this portrayal of girls and it’s reflected in the real world. Most big magazines, movie studios, and advertising agencies sexualize girls. It’s as if they feel the only way to get consumers, viewers, and customers is by selling sex. They intentionally place sexualized girls front and center to attract the male gaze creating a predator/prey dynamic.

According to UNICEF, “Boys see how their bodies are portrayed in relation to girls and internalize the notion that success and attractiveness are tied to dominance, power, and aggression.” This toxic notion translates to real life harassment and assault for girls.

Schools need to do more to combat this dangerous ideal if media outlets won’t take responsibility.  Not all boys turn into predators and not all girls become prey but educating all teens about self image, boundaries, and respect would help ensure the abuse isn’t repeated. To find out more check out UNICEF’s Respect for Children and sign the petition to “End the Sexualization of Girl’s Clothing Choices and Bodies” at Change.Org.