This is a critical discourse analysis research project that examines the print and television advertisements of Merck & Co.’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine GARDASIL®. There are three commercial campaigns identified for this project: “Make the Connection/ Charm4Life,” “Tell Someone,” and “One Less/ I Choose.” Two print and two television commercials per campaign are analyzed. I used black feminist and girls studies theoretical frameworks to address how representations of race, class, “girl power,” and the cooptation of feminist language are both expressed and utilized in the marketing as a method to target consumers. I conclude with “parody/ protest” advertisements of the vaccine featuring young women demonstrating a critical consumer voice towards the marketing of the vaccine. As a result, I found that the PSAs used fear-driven messages about HPV’s link to cervical cancer beginning a year before the FDA’s approval of GARDASIL® in order to market and sell its product.

<p>In everyday life women are exposed to sexist language. Terms and usages that exclude or discriminate women are referred to as sexist language. This takes into account that one presumes that maleness is the standard, the norm, and that femaleness is the non-standard, or the exception. The aim of this paper was to find whether gratuitous modifiers such as <em>girl, lady, female </em>and <em>woman </em>are used more frequently than the male markings and whether <em>girl </em>is used to a wider extent than <em>boy</em> to denote an adult. The aim includes two aspects of sexist language. Firstly, the aspect of calling women <em>girls</em> and men <em>men</em>, called non-parallel treatment. Secondly, the fact that it is more common for unmarked terms to refer to males while when referring to females a marked term is needed. As primary source for the study the Time Corpus was used, which is an online corpus containing over 100 million words and ranges from 1923-2007. The conclusion of this essay was that the female sex is more commonly marked and that <em>woman/women</em> are the most commonly used premodifiers. Gender markings most likely apply to occupations and labels which are thought of as either typically male or female. Furthermore, it was found that <em>girl </em>was used to a wider extent than <em>boy</em> to denote an adult. In addition, the results presented a possible change of trends where <em>girl</em> referred to a child to a larger extent in contemporary English.</p>

"Performing 21st-Century Girlhood: Girls, Postfeminist Discourse, and the Disney Star Machine," explores the economic and discursive functions of contemporary girlhood within Disney Channel's talent-driven transmedia franchises. Ideological, discursive, and narrative textual analyses of Disney Channel programs and paratexts are augmented by examination of the corporate motives and dominant discourses reproduced by Disney personnel in annual reports and in popular and trade publications referencing Disney's stars and girl-driven franchises. This exploration of girls' visibility as Disney performers, media producers, and public citizens brings several disciplines into conversation with one another, addressing issues in girls' cultural studies, media industries scholarship, celebrity studies, and theories of postfeminism. I take an intersectional feminist and critical cultural studies approach to media texts and meaning-making, with particular attention to power relations and cultural contexts. The political and economic aspects of this research demand that I also work to illuminate the significance of media industry logics within the production and distribution of media for girl audiences. I argue that the Walt Disney Company has a vested interest in reproducing certain postfeminist and subjectifying discourses of girlhood, which have become integral to its success in an ever-expanding web of media and consumer markets. While Disney Channel's girl-driven franchises constitute the case studies, my analysis reaches beyond the clear focus on gender and age to theorize girls' increasing visibility in the context of contemporary consumer culture and issues of postracism, citizenship, subjectification, and agency--issues that require continued interrogation as Disney distributes and expands its franchise properties globally. / text

Through a study of Twilight literary texts, fangirls' online discourse, and cinematic adaptations, I theorize the rhetorical dimensions of "neo-Victorian melodrama," a pervasive mode of discourse in girl culture. These rhetorical functions include the validation of girls' emotional lives, especially affective responses to coming-of-age experiences. Through the confessional revelation of interiority, neo-Victorian melodrama promotes empathy and intimacy among girls and functions to critique restrictive constructions of contemporary girlhood, which has inherited Victorian discourses related to female youth. Theorizing these rhetorical dimensions helps advance an appreciation for girls' rhetorical activities and their cultural preferences. These preferences have often been derided by ageist and sexist critiques of Twilight, a phenomenon initiated by Stephenie Meyer's young adult vampire romance. In order to determine the rhetorical dimensions of neo-Victorian melodrama in girl culture, I use generic rhetorical criticism. Specifically, Meyer's Twilight Saga appeals to contemporary girls through melodramatic moments shared with Charlotte Brontë's nineteenth-century Jane Eyre. Fangirls' online discourse certifies this appeal while also demonstrating how melodrama qualifies girls' own speech practices. Thus, generic criticism is complemented by ethnographic approaches to fandom. In addition, a focus on narrating voiceover, a sound convention with a legacy in girls' media, helps make sense of the Twilight cinematic adaptations' translation of neo-Victorian melodrama from page to screen. The rhetorical dimensions of neo-Victorian melodrama in girl culture are consistent with previous feminist theoretical insights related to the revelation of affect, intimacy, and personal experience for the purpose of community building. While feminist rhetoricians have addressed women's rhetorical practices, they have not theorized girls to the same extent, nor have they used generic criticism to account for melodrama's redemptive or progressive potential. Likewise, while scholars of literature, film, and media studies have advanced an appreciation for women's preferences for melodrama, these feminist scholars generally have not treated girls' preferences for the melodramatic mode. And while feminist critics in girls' studies have theorized girls' productive cultural contributions, as well as their complex reading and viewing strategies, such scholarship has not accounted for girls' preferences for melodrama. My study at once builds on and remedies the gaps in this theoretical foundation. / text

This study investigates Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s role as an art educator. The study is framed around the years of Low’s life, 1860-1927, concentrating on the years 1912-1927, when Low’s role as an art educator was most pronounced. An examination is made into Low’s early artistic influences and training, and artworks made by Low are discussed. An overview of the Girl Scout organization is presented, and Low’s working relationship with Boy Scout founder Sir Robert Baden-Powell is analyzed. Evidence of art education in the early Girl Scout movement is examined, including handbooks, artist merit badges, nature study and observational drawing, and the personal recollections of an early Girl Scout. Low’s art education contributions beyond the scope of Girl Scouts are also investigated, including her role as a charter member of the Savannah Art Club. The study concludes by suggesting a historical reframing of Low as an art educator is needed. / text

The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of obesity and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) of girls in the age group 10-12 years of different race groups in the North-West Province. A second purpose was to determine if DCD status can be predicted effectively among 10-12 year old girls with regard to race, age, percentage body fat, body mass, length, body mass index and bent aim hang. Obesity is the cause of health risks, psychological consequences and improper development (Chantell et al., 1994:116; Marshall & Bouffard, 1994:1997; Treuth et al., 1997:1738). Children with DCD have poor motor abilities and experience problems regarding concentration and social abilities, all of which are necessary for successful schooling (Geuze & Borger, 1993:14; Piek & Edwards, 1997:55; Sugden & Chambers, 1998:139) According to research, the incidence of obesity among children has doubled over the last 20 years, and 10-30% of all children and adolescents can be classified as obese. Causes of obesity may be genetic but a lack of physical activity and an unbalanced diet can also contribute to obesity. Health risks, psycho-social risks and developmental disorders are all indicated in the literature to be consequences of obesity. The incidence of DCD is documented in the literature to be between 5% and 16%. It is also shown that it may be the cause of problems in daily living and at school, and some racial differences with regard to motor differences are indicated. It is also indicated that overweight and obese children are less mobile and that their motor achievement is poorer in movements where the shifting of body weight is required. All the subjects for this study (N=346) completed the Movement ABC (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) to determine their DCD status. Fat percentage was determined from the subscapular and triceps skin folds according to the formula of Boileau et al. (1985:17-27), while a body mass index (BMI) (l/w2)above the 85th percentile was used as a criterion for overweight, and a BMI of above the 95th percentile for obesity. The Statistics for Windows computer package was used to determine descriptive statistics and significant differences between the groups. The results showed that the incidence of obesity and DCD were 4,93% and 59,78% respectively. 50% of the white girls, 72,73% of blacks, 0% of coloureds and 100% of Indian girls in the total group who were classified as DCD were also obese. The results indicated a higher relationship between obesity and DCD among the Indian and black girls compared to the white and coloured girls in the DCD group. Indian girls showed the highest incidence of obesity and coloured girls the least. The Indian and black girls also showed the highest incidence of DCD, while the percentages of DCD among all the race groups were higher than the levels indicated in the literature. The percentage of obesity found in the study was lower than in the literature, but higher percentages were found among the Indian and white girls, while all the obese Indian girls were also classified as suffering from DCD. With regard to the second aim of the study, no significant predictors for DCD could be found among the different body composition variables of bent arm hang, race and age, although some tendencies emerged. Results showed that the percentage fat was not a good predictor of DCD status in the group, but in the different racial groups its predictive value became higher. However, none of the variables could be considered good predictors of DCD status among girls, although it can be concluded that there are tendencies towards a relationship between obesity, DCD and race. Thus it is important for children with DCD and obesity (separate and in combination) to be identified and treated with intervention programs as early as possible, and it is essential to include physical activities as part of the treatment (Dussart, 1994:81; LeMure et al., 2000:336). The results of the study indicated that it is important to analyse the needs and characteristics of the different race groups in order to ensure the success of such programs. Indian girls especially should be encouraged to participate in physical activity programmes because of the high percentages of obesity found in the DCD group. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of obesity and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) of girls in the age group 10-12 years of different race groups in the North-West Province. A second purpose was to determine if DCD status can be predicted effectively among 10-12 year old girls with regard to race, age, percentage body fat, body mass, length, body mass index and bent aim hang. Obesity is the cause of health risks, psychological consequences and improper development (Chantell et al., 1994:116; Marshall & Bouffard, 1994:1997; Treuth et al., 1997:1738). Children with DCD have poor motor abilities and experience problems regarding concentration and social abilities, all of which are necessary for successful schooling (Geuze & Borger, 1993:14; Piek & Edwards, 1997:55; Sugden & Chambers, 1998:139) According to research, the incidence of obesity among children has doubled over the last 20 years, and 10-30% of all children and adolescents can be classified as obese. Causes of obesity may be genetic but a lack of physical activity and an unbalanced diet can also contribute to obesity. Health risks, psycho-social risks and developmental disorders are all indicated in the literature to be consequences of obesity. The incidence of DCD is documented in the literature to be between 5% and 16%. It is also shown that it may be the cause of problems in daily living and at school, and some racial differences with regard to motor differences are indicated. It is also indicated that overweight and obese children are less mobile and that their motor achievement is poorer in movements where the shifting of body weight is required. All the subjects for this study (N=346) completed the Movement ABC (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) to determine their DCD status. Fat percentage was determined from the subscapular and triceps skin folds according to the formula of Boileau et al. (1985:17-27), while a body mass index (BMI) (l/w2)above the 85th percentile was used as a criterion for overweight, and a BMI of above the 95th percentile for obesity. The Statistics for Windows computer package was used to determine descriptive statistics and significant differences between the groups. The results showed that the incidence of obesity and DCD were 4,93% and 59,78% respectively. 50% of the white girls, 72,73% of blacks, 0% of coloureds and 100% of Indian girls in the total group who were classified as DCD were also obese. The results indicated a higher relationship between obesity and DCD among the Indian and black girls compared to the white and coloured girls in the DCD group. Indian girls showed the highest incidence of obesity and coloured girls the least. The Indian and black girls also showed the highest incidence of DCD, while the percentages of DCD among all the race groups were higher than the levels indicated in the literature. The percentage of obesity found in the study was lower than in the literature, but higher percentages were found among the Indian and white girls, while all the obese Indian girls were also classified as suffering from DCD. With regard to the second aim of the study, no significant predictors for DCD could be found among the different body composition variables of bent arm hang, race and age, although some tendencies emerged. Results showed that the percentage fat was not a good predictor of DCD status in the group, but in the different racial groups its predictive value became higher. However, none of the variables could be considered good predictors of DCD status among girls, although it can be concluded that there are tendencies towards a relationship between obesity, DCD and race. Thus it is important for children with DCD and obesity (separate and in combination) to be identified and treated with intervention programs as early as possible, and it is essential to include physical activities as part of the treatment (Dussart, 1994:81; LeMure et al., 2000:336). The results of the study indicated that it is important to analyse the needs and characteristics of the different race groups in order to ensure the success of such programs. Indian girls especially should be encouraged to participate in physical activity programmes because of the high percentages of obesity found in the DCD group. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Issued also as Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 164-171).

Issued also as Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 164-171).

Engaging children in natural settings enhances learning and promotes development while utilizing protected natural areas. However, many schoolchildren, especially from economically disadvantaged areas, lack support for environmental education (EE) to develop skills and attitudes to increase rates of appropriate, resource-protective behaviors. This causes resource degradation wherever children visit protected natural areas. Improved EE should reduce the amount of resource degradation when children visit natural settings. This project proposes a model program of replicable, low–cost, widely accessible critical thinking activities and materials designed to directly address this problem. The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Camp Ondessonk, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge were partners in this project. The objectives were to create, test, evaluate, and disseminate tools for teachers in the form of a pre–visit program with three specific engagement methods to engage children in activities that cultivate critical thinking and encourage resource–appropriate behaviors. Original activities involving a discussion–based journal, handmade wristband, and interactive games were conducted during small–group interactive workshops at Camp Cedar Point in Makanda, Illinois and Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois (n=225). Pre/post program evaluations were administered, and camper behavior on a hike was observed. It was hypothesized that campers would shift towards a more pro–environmental attitude and exhibit lower rates of depreciative behaviors after any combination of activities than the control group of campers, and that a combination of all three methods of engagement would be the most effective approach in reducing depreciative behavior and changing attitudes towards resource protection, by addressing multiple motivations. The most effective combination of activities in changing attitudes was found to be the journal and games (p<0.01), although all combinations of the program activities resulted in attitude scores that were higher than the initial score (p<0.01). There was no significant change in behavior between treatments or between the control group and treatments. Possible causes and other considerations are discussed, including recommendations for future research on the effect of adult behavior modeling, reminders, and factors such as weather, gender, and group size on the depreciative rates of children. The activities will be combined into a PDF packet for distribution to teachers by land managers and environmental educators in the area.