Young American Women’s Role Models

I think a campaign led by our First Lady and Tyra Banks could accomplish just about anything. Add Angelina to the mix and the effects could be felt to Uranus (poor Pluto.)

My real point here is that these women are beloved and admired by women of EVERY color and background. The outdated and completely ridiculous idea that marketers put a tiny, almost meaningless budget towards communicating with people of color – and that it’s somehow a good use of funds and good strategy – NO NO NO!

FORTY PERCENT of American adults under 30 define themselves as something other than just white/Caucasian – FORTY PERCENT. Tyra’s show beats Oprah for delivering 18-34 year old women, not just Black women. Can you even count the number of articles and media features you’ve heard where women talk about their desire to be like Michelle Obama? Angelina is our society’s embodiment of an independent woman having it all through her own efforts – nobody handed anything to her – she’s not simply the white woman’s idol.

Tyra was just named to Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business.

The former model has built a distinct brand — and media empire — by presenting herself as the fun, driven mentor to a young, multiethnic, and aspirational female demographic. No idle pretty face, Tyra Banks, 35, has taken a hyperactive hand in creating several reality programs, including America’s Next Top Model and Stylista, and produces those along with her successful daytime talk show. Top Model, now filming its 13th season, is syndicated in 100 countries and has more than 30 international editions. The Tyra Banks Show, which aired its 600th episode this year, regularly bests Oprah Winfrey’s show among 18- to 34-year-olds.

I read this article on her a year ago and taped her quote “I love being underestimated” on my refrigerator.

I loved Naomi Wolf’s breakdown on why we love Angie – we’d be her girlfriend AND we’d like to be her.

Who are our female film legends these days? Rare are the sultry, dangerous, and highly individualistic Hollywood goddesses who were so prevalent in the 1930s and 1940s.

Of these few exceptions, one thinks right away of Ms. Angelina Jolie. Ever since about 2004 — when she started crafting a new and revolutionary persona out of her prior story line as an eccentric ingenue, a story line that had been erratic and filled with missteps — she has resonated in a way no other modern female star has managed.