CONFIDENT IS STRONG In the workforce, women earn an estimated average of just seventy-nine cents for every dollar their male counterparts make. In sports broadcasting, female athletic competitions represent 5 percent of the allotted airtime. And in film and television, female protagonists make up only 12 percent of cinematic roles. Tell that to Kekai, with the determined stare (page 27) or Caroline, with her unwavering poise as she balances on pointe (page 15). These girls are intelligent and clever, talented and strong--and they know it. They are confident. And they offer hope, too--hope that the inequity will disappear as this generation of girls grows into adulthood. The confidence that they display in these photos will push them through the times when they feel hesitant or unsure or nervous. Confidence will push them, period. The challenge is in holding on to this power, this confidence, so they can help fuel the change that the world needs. Do them a favor and remind these girls of their strength. Remind each other of your strength. Often. Write it down if you need to: the ways in which you are smart, the ways in which you are qualified, the ways in which you are strong. Put them on your wall, say them out loud--internalize them. Believe them. Remind these girls of their strength. Don't let them waste any precious time wishing they looked like anyone else. Your daughter, your niece, your sister, your cousin--she looks and acts and sings and walks and talks and works and plays like herself. Excerpted from Strong Is the New Pretty by Kate T. Parker All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
