Who IS that girl?  We know all about how kids’ toys are divided by gender in really icky ways. Why can’t a boy use an Easy Bake Oven? Why aren’t girls playing with those trucks in the commercials? And the issue goes far beyond surface advertising – “boy products” often encourage building, activity, and adventure, while “girl products” usually emphasize appearance and foster skills like nurturing and cooking. ... Read More

I’ve seen most of the nominated films, watched the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards, and now the pressure is on for The Academy Awards on Sunday. This year’s nominees are filled with phenomenal women with diverse ages, looks, and levels of experience in the business. The category that is perhaps the most conflicting for me is Best Actress. Who do we root for: 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis, 86 year old ... Read More

Many gals out there are anxiously awaiting the June 22nd premiere of Pixar’s Brave. Starring a feisty red-headed archer named Merida (voiced by Kelly MacDonald), this doesn’t look like your typical prince-saves-helpless-damsel flick. This defiant princess is determined to live a life as free as her flowing curls. So, when a dreadful curse is set upon her family, Merida sets out to save the day.  But don’t think this ... Read More

After 12 feature length films, Pixar is introducing its first female lead in Brave. Though the protagonist, Merida, is a Scottish princess, she does not wait around in towers to be saved. In fact, she appears to have a will of her own, defies her parents, takes matters into her own hands, does physical fighting, and is generally ‘brave,’ as the title suggests.  She even does archery and fights off bears—pretty ... Read More