Nancy Jo Sales'
American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers
is a harrowing look into the social media landscape teenagers must
navigate. Just like previous generations of Americans, today's young
girls must contend with challenges ranging from peer pressure to
self-esteem. Unlike previous generations of Americans, today's young
girls must also contend with an increasingly sexualized and aggressive
online culture. American teenage girls today are routinely encouraged to
feel shame about their bodies, sexually exploit themselves, and even
bully one another. In short, social media is openly hostile to
young women. But what can be done to help them? What should teenage
girls know about the dangers of social media?
For this assignment, you must identify three distinct steps teenage
girls can take to not only protect themselves from the harms of social
media, but to empower themselves to become discerning users.
You will not submit this as a finished, 750-word essay. Instead, you will submit only an outline
of the essay. Despite only representing the “skeleton” of your essay,
it should still be as detailed as possible, including a solid thesis.
Use any outline form you like (e.g. Roman numerals, bullet points,
graphic organizer), but it must include all the quotes (and citations)
that would’ve been included in a fully-composed essay. Cite only from American Girls to support your thesis.
Requirements:
- MLA Style, including parenthetical citation and works cited page
Due: Thu 10.28-Thu 11.4 (via Canvas)
