Study examines impact of reality TV on girls
As reality TV has become staple entertainment for young people and adults alike, tween and teen girls who regularly view reality TV accept and expect a higher level of drama, aggression, and bullying in their own lives, and measure their worth primarily by their physical appearance, according to Real to Me: Girls and Reality TV, a national survey released today by the Girl Scout Research Institute.
The study found that the vast majority of girls think reality shows “often pit girls against each other to make the shows more exciting” (86 percent). When comparing the propensity for relational aggression between viewers and non-viewers of reality TV, 78 percent vs. 54 percent state that “gossiping is a normal part of a relationship between girls.”
Regarding romantic relationships, reality TV viewers are more likely than non-viewers to say “girls often have to compete for a guy’s attention” (74 percent vs. 63 percent), and are happier when they are dating someone or have a boyfriend/significant other (49 percent vs. 28 percent).
“Girls today are bombarded with media – reality TV and otherwise – that more frequently portrays girls and women in competition with one another rather than in support or collaboration. This perpetuates a ‘mean-girl’ stereotype and normalizes this behavior among girls,” states Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D. Developmental Psychologist, Girl Scouts of the USA. “We don’t want girls to avoid reality TV, but want them, along with their parents, to know what they are getting into when they watch it. Our national leadership program equips girls with the skills to decipher media fact from fiction and make healthy decisions for their own lives-separate from their sources of entertainment.”
Girls who view reality TV regularly are also more focused on the value of physical appearance. 72 percent say they spend a lot of time on their appearance vs. 42 percent of non-viewers, while more than a third (38 percent) think that a girl’s value is based on how she looks.
At the same time, girls surveyed who regularly view reality TV are more self-assured than non-viewers when it comes to an overwhelming majority of personal characteristics, with the majority considering themselves mature, a good influence, smart, funny, and outgoing. They are more likely than non-viewers to both aspire to leadership (46 percent vs. 27 percent) and to think they are currently seen as a leader (75 percent vs. 63 percent). In addition, they are more likely to see themselves as role models for other girls (75 percent vs. 61 percent).
The study revealed that reality TV has many upsides as well. 68 percent of girls agree that reality shows “make me think I can achieve anything in life” and 48 percent that they “help me realize there are people out there like me.” Seventy-five percent of girls say that reality TV depicts people with different backgrounds and beliefs.
“We also want to emphasize the many positive benefits to reality TV, including its role as a learning and motivational tool,” states Kimberlee Salmond, Senior Researcher, Girl Scout Research Institute. “For example, we know that many girls receive inspiration and comfort from reality TV and that 62 percent of girls say that these types of shows have raised their awareness of social issues and causes.”
Since its founding in 2000, the Girl Scout Research Institute has become an internationally recognized center for research and public policy information on the development and well-being of girls. Not just Girl Scouts, but all girls.
Volunteers honored during Girl Scout Annual Meeting
Volunteers — the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization — were honored Jan. 29 by Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council during its annual business meeting.
Virginia “Jinx” Weary of Trefoil service unit in Roanoke, received the Thanks Badge, the most prestigious award presented to an adult in Girl Scouting. The Thanks Badge recognizes outstanding service — service so exemplary that no other award would be appropriate — that benefits a Girl Scout council or the entire Girl Scout organization.
Jinx has been a registered Girl Scout for more than 30 years. She was a troop leader from 1985-2000, and is currently a service team member, a council trainer, a day camp staff volunteer and camp registrar, and a member of the Gold Award Committee, the group that administers the procedures for the highest girl award in Girl Scouting.
One supporter commented, “If all members were as passionate and dedicated, our communities would certainly know what Girl Scouting is doing and how it impacts the lives of girls for the better.”
Margaret Vitello, also of Trefoil Service Unit in Roanoke, received the Honor Pin, which recognizes outstanding service — above and beyond the expectations of the position — that has had an impact on two or more service units within a Girl Scout council.
Margaret is currently an active team member for Trefoil service unit and regularly participates in events, activities and meetings. She has previous experience as a service unit delegate and troop assistant leader. As the service unit Nut & Candy Sale Manager, she is organized, patient and helpful to troop leaders and product sale managers. As Media Manager, she maintains a Facebook account for the service unit and advertises troop and service unit events in local newspapers.
This comment was made by one of her supporters in regard to camp but could also easily apply to many of this dedicated volunteer’s activities: “She provided these girls with an exemplary role model: a calm, capable woman with a can-do spirit.”
In addition, the following volunteer awards were given:
Skyline Star Leader Award — Recognizes a troop leader for service related to membership and leadership.
- Judy Allen, Rocky Mount, Franklin service unit
- Cynthia Becchi and Carrie Budd, both of Harrisonburg, Spotswood service unit
- Vicki Bellamy and Crystal Nabers, both of Staunton, Staunton service unit
- Darlene Holt, Forest, Jefferson Forest service unit
- Kathy Weber, Massanutten, and Kendall Helton, Penn Laird, Spotswood service unit
Leadership Development Pins and Leaves — Recognizes troop leaders who have completed their basic training and encourages them to participate in additional courses to enhance their skills.
- Cynthia Becchi, Harrisonburg, Spotswood service unit, Leadership Development Pin & one Green Leaf
- Kendall Helton, Penn Laird, Spotswood service unit, Leadership Development Pin & one Green Leaf
- Elissa Morton, Charlotte Courthouse, Charlotte service unit, Leadership Development Pin & one Green Leaf
- Susan Potter, Culpeper, Culpeper service unit, Leadership Development Pin & one Green Leaf
- Diana Shay, Keysville, Charlotte service unit, Leadership Development Pin & one Green Leaf
- Lisa White, Lynchburg, Jefferson Forest service unit, Leadership Development Pin
New Leader Certificate Recipients — Recognizes a volunteer who has completed her first year as a registered troop leader. (Provided only to service units requesting it.)
- Culpeper service unit: Jennifer Barredo, Jan Carros, Pam Collins, Jaymie Crider, Belinda Deal, Holly Durrer, Sophie Golightly, Freda Kennedy, Jill La Scola, Lindsay Lamb, Kathy Massey, Jennie McClenney and Debbie Polome.
- Fairystone service unit (Henry County area): Eva Eanes, Christina Gilly, Sherry Lewis, Wendy Lynskey, Lisa Osborne, Wendy Philpott, Emily Prillaman, Melissa Sowers and Christie Treadway.
- Juliette Low service unit (Roanoke area): Melissa Austin, Amie Edley, Nicole Light, Kellie McKnight, Tracy Ochalek, Carrie Overstreet, Megan Ritter, Kathy Shinault, Trina Warren and Tonda Yates
- Salem Skyline service unit: Jennifer Becker, Lisa Cain, Patricia Gentry, Cheryl Helton, Barbara McGrath, Judith Painter, Collen Roy, Mitzi Simmons, Jean Thompson and Fran Williams.
Outstanding Volunteer Award — Recognizes outstanding service, beyond the expectations of a position, that benefits a service unit.
- Christie Carter, Culpeper, Culpeper service unit
- Michelle Scarlino, Staunton, Staunton service unit
Skyline Star Troop Award — Recognizes a troop for well-rounded program.
- Troop 199, Spotswood Service Unit
- Troop 365, Staunton Service Unit
- Troop 420, Botetourt Service Unit
- Troop 434, Golden Link Service Unit
- Troop 443, Northern Rockingham Service Unit
- Troop 499, Chatham Service Unit
- Troop 553, Stuarts Draft Service Unit
- Troop 626, Botetourt Service Unit
- Troop 681, Jefferson Forest Service Unit
- Troop 711, Franklin Service Unit
- Troop 721, Jefferson Forest Service Unit
- Troop 766, Spotswood Service Unit
- Troop 919, Trefoil Service Unit
- Troop 967, Spotswood Service Unit
- Troop 1207, Botetourt Service Unit
- Troop 2041, Jefferson Forest Service Unit
- Troop 2366, Chatham Service Unit
- Troop 3078, Franklin Service Unit
- Troop 3120, Franklin Service Unit
Membership Numeral Guard — Recognizes the total number of girl and adult registration years in Girl Scouting.
5 Years
- Suzanne Claxton, Floyd
- Dana Murdock, Rocky Mount
- Erin Rothman, Crozet
10 Years
- Diane Carrier, Bridgewater
- Lori Greiner, Christiansburg
- Pamela Miller, Harrisonburg
- Jo Ellen Taylor, Blacksburg
15 Years
- Joaquina Clark-Sheffield, Hurt
- Linda Farrell, Lynchburg
- Vicki Graham, Covington
- Leanne Inge, Waynesboro
- Kristen Lanier, Elkton
- Beth Raynes, Grottoes
- Melanie Scott, Roanoke
- Ellen Wade, Waynesboro
- Jennifer Walker, Boones Mill
20 Years
- Ellen Compton-Gooding, Ridgeway
- Donna Guill, Rustburg
- Sarah Martin, Wytheville
- Terrie Richardson, Unionville
- Gayle Widener, Salem
30 Years
- Mae Drinkard, Rustburg
- Sandra Dunbar, Vinton
- Denise Hayes, Roanoke
- Linn Hoffman, Roanoke
- Frances Jennings, Roanoke
35 Years
- Arlene Wilhelm, Roanoke
40 years
- Elizabeth Brickhouse, Harrisonburg
- Holli Drewry, Blacksburg
60 Years
- Tricia McMahon, Salem
Years of Adult Service Pin — Recognizes the total number of years of service as an active, registered adult volunteer in Girl Scouting.
5 Years
- Linda Farrell, Lynchburg
- Robin Maley, Culpeper
- Jenine Talbott, Buchanan
- Jo Ellen Taylor, Blacksburg
- Gayle Widener, Salem
10 Years
- Vicki Graham, Covington
- Melanie Scott, Roanoke
- Ellen Wade, Waynesboro
20 Years
- Betty Anderson, Lexington
- Elizabeth Brickhouse, Harrisonburg
- Sandra Dunbar, Vinton
30 Years
- Linn Hoffman, Roanoke
Board of Directors — Four were elected to the board of directors for the 2011-2013 term:
- Courtney Cutright Knight, Lynchburg
- Marlene Stewart, Pembroke
- Samantha Litchford, Rustburg, girl member
- Meredith Simmons, Roanoke, girl member
Board Development Committee — One board member was elected to the board development committee for the 2011-2013 term:
- Kelly Ashby, Roanoke
2011 National Council Delegates — Chosen to represent the council at the national Girl Scouts of the USA conference:
- Carolyn Rainey, Charlottesville
- Jean Ann Hughes, Goodview
- Ellen Wade, Waynesboro
- Holli Drewry, Blacksburg
- Beth Raynes, Grottoes
Alternates
- Jennifer Jenkins, Timberville
- Frances Jennings, Roanoke
Girl Scout Cookies: Something old, something new
The 2011 Girl Scout Cookie Sale starts Jan. 1, 2011, with a new “sensibly sweet” cookie and new packaging for a returning favorite.
Shout Outs! — this year’s new Girl Scout Cookie — is a Belgian-style caramelized cookie with zero grams of trans fat per serving, no hydrogenated oils, no artificial colors or preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup. Its ingredients are similar to what you might find in your own kitchen: flour, sugar, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vanilla and spices.
The average serving size is four cookies totaling 130 calories. The cookies can be eaten alone, of course, or used as an ingredient in desserts such as “Crunchy, Fruity Double Chocolate Bark” and “Shout Outs! Cheesecake and Fruit Trifle.”
Shout Outs! replace last year’s Daisy-Go-Rounds.
Further, in a pilot program, Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies — a shortbread layered with fudge and embossed with “Thank You” in five different languages — will be packaged without the traditional paperboard carton. Instead, the delicious cookies will be delivered in trays overwrapped in film, similar to commercial cookie brands found in grocery stores.
This initiative will reduce the use of paperboard by 150 tons, enough to fill 14 garbage trucks.
ABC Bakers, part of Interbake Foods and maker of Thanks-A-Lot, said the move was initiated by queries from Girl Scouts on their company’s website about the environment and the best use of its natural resources.
This year’s cookie season lasts from Jan. 1-March 31. The remaining seven familiar favorites are returning, including the ever-popular Thin Mints. Thin Mints make up over 25 percent of the more than 200 million boxes of Girl Scout cookies sold each year. (The second most popular cookie is the coconut, caramel and chocolate confection, Caramel deLites.) Thin Mints are also the third most popular cookie sold in the United States, behind only Oreos® and Chips Ahoy!®
The Girl Scout Cookie Sale, the largest girl-led business in the world, helps girls develop life-long skills in goal setting, decision making, business ethics, working with people and money management. Juliette Gordon Low initiated the sale as a way for Girl Scouts to be self-reliant and to fund their own activities. In the 1920s and 30s, Girl Scouts in different parts of the country baked their own simple sugar cookies and sold them to raise money for their activities. The first documented council-wide sale of commercially baked cookies took place in Philadelphia in 1934. The first national Girl Scout Cookie sale was held in 1936. This fund-raising idea proved so popular with the girls that by 1937, more than 125 councils had adopted the program.
Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council serves 10,500 girls and has more than 3,500 adult volunteers. Cookie proceeds help fund, for instance, programs for girls, training for volunteers, and scholarships for membership fees.
For more information, go to www.gsvsc.org or call 540.777.5105 or 800.542.5905, ext. 105.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Local Girl Scout earns prestigious award
Girl Scout Karri Greenlee of Staunton wanted to teach younger girls about responsible citizenship. In doing so, she has earned the Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve.
Greenlee, a 10th-grader at Robert E. Lee High School, is passionate about politics and government. She decided to incorporate her interests and knowledge into activities designed to help Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors earn citizenship try-its and badges.
With the Silver Award, the project is just one facet of the comprehensive achievement program. The Girl Scout Silver Award represents a girl’s accomplishments in Girl Scouting and her community as she grows and works to improve her life and the lives of others. The first four requirements of the Silver Award help girls build skills, explore careers, gain leadership skills, and make a commitment to self-improvement.
A girl must be 11 or going into sixth grade to begin work on these initial steps. When the first four requirements are completed, a girl who is 12 years old or going into the seventh grade may undertake the Silver Award project. She must complete her project by age 14 or before the start of tenth grade.
Greenlee is the daughter of Kimberly S. Harman of Staunton. She is a member of Girl Scout Troop 365 of Staunton service unit, part of Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council. Her troop leader and project advisor is Vicki Bellamy.
Girl Scouts learn about the weather
Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Members of Girl Scout Troop 553 from Waynesboro recently visited NBC29′s Charlottesville studio to talk with meteorologist Eric Pritchett about weather and meteorology.
The visit helped the Scouts complete work toward Weather and Journey badges.
Members of the Troop who took part in the visit were Emmie Reger, Raven Sweeney, Tara Kelso, Sarah Powell, Mackenna Fitzgerald and Sydney Crone.
In the News
- AFP on Twitter: Chris Graham on the NFL Draft
- AFP on Facebook: Poll/Discussion Question – Is progressive different than liberal?
- Programming Note: Listen to AFP editor Chris Graham on WKDW Tuesday morning, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m.
- Event: Governor’s School to put on variety show to benefit Food Bank, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m.
- Local News: Harrisonburg Tourism introduces the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Visitor Guide 2009-2010, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m.
- Local News: Presidential Library to host teachers workshop, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m.
- Event: America’s Birthday Celebration sets yard sale fundraiser, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m.
- Local News: Mia Dunkin earns highest Girl Scout award, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m.
- Local News: EMU students earn honors, posted Tuesday, 7 a.m. Read more
Faith Ailsworth: Girls are ‘naturally dramatic’
Posted by afp on November 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment
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