Teen Years

Teen's video on gender roles will make you think twice about picking pink or blue

Ella Fields documented a film surrounding gender stereotyping and it will truly open your eyes.

In a world where we automatically associate pink with girls and blue with boys, it will make you think more about how you label people before they can even develop their own personality, and expect them to fulfil certain roles in society. 

The 13-year-old's remarkable short film was undertaken when she was assigned a project by the Cinematic Arts Academy at Millikan Middle School in Los Angeles. 

Titled, Stereo, the six-minute clip played a role reversal; reversing gender stereotypes.

Kicking off the film, the first clip states: "Ever since the beginning of time, things have been exactly the same. Boys wear pink, girls wear blue. Boys wear dresses, and girls can't…"

In the piece, boys who are generally expected to be strong and athletic loving are played by girls, wearing dresses and allowed to take part in school plays. 

Whereas girls, who are expected to be immaculately presented, enjoying singing and dancing, are depicted as sports wearing, athletic loving boys. 

Playing the role of a young boy who wanted nothing more than to wear a dress, and take part in the school play, Taya Fields, can be seen desperately struggling to hide her true feelings. 

Until one day she vents her frustrations to her mum, who eventually accepts her for who she is. 

The next day Taya who plays Jamie, can be seen walking into school wearing the dress she had longed for in the store, while her nails are painted, tearing a slip from the theatre board. 

But the striking piece was in the fact a sports loving teenage girl wearing her 'boys' baseball hat was inspired to grab a slip too.

The film gives inspiration to those who feel trapped in gender and societal approved roles, giving them a voice and it is hard to believe it was created and directed by a 13-year-old girl. 

We think this girl is going to change the world with her amazing talent. 

Would you like to be part of our Mums Who Inspire series? Simply email mumswhoinspire[at]magicmum.com and we'll feature your story (and, no, you don't have to be the best storyteller to get involved!).

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