Ms.Bojangles...preview chapter of "The Seventh Woman"

Who is Ms. Bojangles. Ms. Bojangles is high-self esteem about body image and appearance. This chapter from the "The Seventh Woman" is about a young teenage girl going through puberty, understanding her identity, her sexuality, and womanhood. 

Ms. Bojangles use to get the nickname "bird legs" from her dad. It was a cute gesture, she thought. A girl's father has a strong impact on how young girl's view men's perspective. Always having such a loving and supportive father, Ms. Bojangles.........

Going through puberty in middle school was probably the most challenging moments as other girls were less developed than Ms. Bojangles. For example, breast was often the eye attention from most of the boys. As far as the girls, there was conversation about starting menstruation and having sex....

(chapter from "The Seventh Woman")

Now, notice I said, "having sex"..This is middle school girls talking about being sexually active. The problem with this picture is lack of parental support and education on human sexuality and puberty. Puberty can be a difficult time for many adolescents as they understand their bodies. I will point out that the time-frame for Ms. Bojangles was in the early 80's. Currently, many young girls face far more severe peer pressures..

So, what has changed from the 80's to the present..Adolescents seek more approval from friends versus self-confidence. There is more emphasis placed on looks in the media and society versus self-respect. In almost all forms of media, women are often projected as sex objects than individuals. Women come under the stereotypes to have perfect bodies, be good in bed, and cooks in the kitchen.

One of the biggest causes of low self-esteem in younger girls is the pressure of body image. Some may argue that body image of what a woman should look like comes from media portrayals. Or in most cases peer pressure or even parental influence.

There is much to say about the cosmetic industry that make billions of dollars on products and services that some women cater too. From make-up, to plastic surgeries, breast implants, butt implants, weave, wigs, and some extreme cases over tanning or bleaching of skin.

Truth is beauty has nothing to do with appearance. Beauty is your integrity and your character. This is what makes the physical appearance ATTRACTIVE. Women or younger girls should never seek their self-worth in stereotype perception of ATTRACTIVENESS. Most decent men generally fall in love with women that have an inner glow that radiates in their physical being.

Why is this important, Here are some facts based on research:

Low self esteem can be the cause or risk factor for depression

The rise of depression is steadily increasing in women more than men.

Poor body image also leads to problems with physical health that leads to inappropriate dieting and eating disorders.

Some women are in battle between their own personal culture and mainstream culture 

Negative comments, criticism, and teasing that are derived from parents are strong indicators to body dissatisfaction.

The criticism from peers concerning boy image often produces anxiety for females to be thin.

If you are a mother, a young teenage girl, a single woman, a married woman, an aunt, a sister, a grandmother...KNOW your WORTH!