This statistic hits a sensitive spot: The National Science Foundation has found that females make up only eighteen percent of all college engineering majors, and yet sixty-six percent of fourth-grade girls express that they like math and science. While there are many possible explanations for this disparity, this ad focuses on the importance of recognizing the subtle and not-so-subtle social cues that may drive girls away from math and science as they grow.
As you will see in the video, a girl is portrayed in her development from toddler to teenager, as she is confronted with subtle statements that may, in the end, push her from the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, math) in school. What if STEM subjects are her specialty and her joy? I can’t help but think what an enriching mother and competent professional one would become, if given the chance to explore it all with passion and curiosity. And I gratifyingly testify that motherhood is a rigorous profession! Let me also say that I ‘m not just referring to what a person does with his or her field of study—it seems rather concerning to consciously or subconsciously push people away from their gifts and purposes, which gifts and purposes can be used for the eternities.
Unfortunately, those are not the only subtle, discouraging messages young girls are hearing these days. There’s quite a barrage of media messages that tell them that a girl is better off holding a tube of lipstick than a test tube. I’m not against lipstick—I wear it. But I yearn to have society and myself never make the mistake of valuing a girl for unimportant reasons.
While for some the prevailing thought in society is of how pretty a girl is, the video ends with the thought-provoking question: “Isn't it time we told her she's pretty brilliant, too?”
Yes.
Empowering.
As author C. S. Lewis said, "It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses . . .”
We have eons of learning to accomplish and endless fields of study to explore to begin to harness such a thought! Let it begin NOW!