How to list 50 women little girls should admire instead of symbols of stupidity and weakness by Juniper2

"There were so many great stories, that it was hard to choose only fifty!"

How I did it: I chose a few famous women, but focused mainly on those who are less well-known. Their biographies are fascinating, particulary those who came from simple backgrounds and faced serious obstacles. Some had physical challenges, such as polio.

This is one of the most interesting goals I have worked on at 43Things. It has given me a deep appreciation of many 'everyday' things which I used to take for granted, which I now realize were created or inspired by women I have (mostly) never met. There is a wealth of  women's history now available, especially online.

Lessons & tips: Be curious, and search in the fields which interest you. You will find amazing women who have gone there before you. Their spirit will inspire you. They followed their dreams, and so can you.

Resources: Internet search engines
Public library
Public broadcasting (interviews and documentaries)
Mentors and personal friends


4 people found this helpful
 

Dec 12, 2008, 06:08PM PST | 6 comments | 23 cheers


Comments:

denises

Another resource

is the newspaper, particularly the news items that don’t make it to the front page. I’ve come across several amazing women who weren’t considered newsworthy enough for the front page, whereas various “celebrities” who’ve done very little are on the front page.

Dec 27, 2008, 06:23PM PST | Thread | Respond to this 2 cheers

Juniper2

you're absolutely right...

It makes me think that newspapers and magazines deliberately create and promote celebrities simply because these images of weakness and stupidity sell lots of papers. People want to read all the dirty details.

Women need to keep promoting successful female role models and teaching young girls to look beyond the surface. Apparently the media isn’t going to do this!

Dec 28, 2008, 04:30AM PST | Thread | Respond to this 2 cheers

denises

And also

we can stop buying those newspapers and magazines that regularly promote celebrity stories. If enough people did this, there would be a negative impact on sales which might cause a change in sales tactics by the media.

Dec 28, 2008, 10:16AM PST | Respond to this 2 cheers

(This comment was deleted.)

Jan 24, 2009, 05:48AM PST

(This comment was deleted.)

Jan 24, 2009, 05:48AM PST

(This comment was deleted.)

Jan 26, 2009, 07:28AM PST

Juniper2

Thanks for your comments.

I doubt that there are any rules about how we find inspiring people for this goal, so therefore no way to ‘cheat’. Wikipedia is a good source of information. You could also list women that you know personally, even if they are not famous. Perhaps a relative or friend or teacher. Anyone who has admirable qualities that would be a good role model for girls.

I stopped at 50 because that was how the goal was defined, and I wanted to focus on other goals. I read all the entries that others post on this goal, and cheer as many as I can.

Jan 26, 2009, 04:25PM PST | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

(This comment was deleted.)

Jan 27, 2009, 06:30AM PST

naanu god knows..

cheer for grate goal…
n grate that u accomplished it ..

i m trying to read all entries… :)

Feb 11, 2009, 09:50AM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer

Matrinka is cleaning up for a party!

Awesome Goal

I have four daughters and have spent the last twenty years teaching them to do this- look to real role models, people who have done amazing things, overcome astounding obstacles and risen to their own circumstances with grace, beauty, intelligence and wit.

They were lucky. They had a great role model right in front of them who did all of that. Their Grandma.

Feb 17, 2009, 09:24AM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer


Juniper2 has gotten 23 cheers on this entry.

 

43 Things Login