The "Midriff"
In a film called "Merchants of Cool" the name for this type of girl was identified as "the midriff," a caricature created by the media, describing a girl who is "prematurely adult" and who is "consumed by appearances." She strives to be sexy and believes that it is empowering as opposed to being the standard for female beauty. The film followed and interviewed a 13 year old girl named Barbara. When getting ready to go to an audition, she told the interviewer, "I want people to notice me and just be like, 'Wow, she is pretty.' I have to look good for people." She goes on to say how she feels the need to look good for everyone, or else her day is ruined. And in order to "look good," she puts on make-up and goes out to modeling agencies. Even though she is only 13, she sells herself and a 17 year old. Even with friends, specifically boys, she dances on them in a sexual way, staring straight at the camera in order to feel beautiful. It may be easy to blame Barbara's maturity on her or her parents, but in reality, today's media and societal standards are responsible for the constant pressure on girls to be womanly and sexual.
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