wat about sex :)

What about sex, the title of this paper, refers to the slang that many adolescent girls use while conversing on the Internet and the subjects they discuss. They seem to have a false sense of security often forgetting that their postings can be taken off ( cut and paste) and shared with others. While attempting to negotiate their sexual identity some of these girls may pose risks and post things they may later regret.

Although we want to believe that our society is shifting to a better balance among the sexes it is clear that adolescence girls while on the Internet are not, this can be observed through the text they post. They tend to exploit themselves and use inappropriate language they would never want others to see. Many post sexual connotations giving the person reading a false impression of their true self. They feel safe to say whatever they wish at any particular time constantly changing their view on a variety of subjects. "An adolescent girl can manipulate tone and negotiate the many disparate discourses surrounding her in a relatively short period. Their identities can be constructed, cast off, and reconstructed" (II 71). This behavior is relatively universal being that their identity is not constant and they strive to become accepted into the culture where they live. Although the discussions differ among these girls in how they engage in these sexual discussions however, "in these IM discussions the girls tend to be comfortable with the discussions, regardless of her race and geographic location"(II 73). These girls are guilty of saying or implying things while on the Internet that they would never say face to face. It seems the Internet acts as a shield from the outside world and these girls are not aware of the affects it may have on them in the future.

In addition, the Internet is a successful tool used for advertising. Advertisers target young girls by promoting certain companies and what their idea of beauty and fashion should look like reinforcing the roles expected by girls in our society. They tend to identify with tall thin beautiful women with unrealistic body types. As long as these girls are exposed to these kinds of images young girls will be affected, and these images will become instilled in their minds.

In contrast, I thought it interesting to read the culture that black American girls are exposed to and the images that their identity are based upon. For instance, "Google search results for "Black girls" and "Black teen girls" are dominated by sites that exploit their sexuality- surrounded by unhealthy messages and images of Black women and girls as hyper-sexual and deviant" (2.0 45). Many of these girls simply react to this media exploitation simply by accepting their role and the identity portrayed within the media. With the influences of the Hip Hop culture and the lyrics that go along these girls don't have much of a chance to think much differently. I personally found it interesting to learn that the black girls do not want to be thin like the white girls, their ideal body type is "thick in the right places"(2.0 62), boobs, hips and thighs. However like the white girls, most prefer lighter skin and hair of a smooth texture.

Even though adolescence girls are all searching for their particular role in society attempting to conform to the environment which they live- searching to find their true identity. These are formative years for identity development they are easily influenced and constantly rearranging their ideas negotiating their sexuality. With the Internet being utilized as an venue for communication many of these girls will text words or send ideas that portray themselves in a different way than they would if posing face to face. Many find a false sense of security posting things on the Internet never thinking that it could be read by others.