Girls, Race, and Representation

On this panel, we will discuss racial identity and representation in girls’ cultural, social, and political lives. Based on an intersectional feminist approach, we examine the racial landscape of girlhood studies drawing attention the possibilities for social justice when seen through the lives of American girls. Professor Emilie Zaslow will share her work on racial representation in the American Girl doll collection. Professor Elodie Silberstein will present on the evolution of Black femininity in Barbie dolls. Professor Emily Bent will present on the roles of race, ethnicity, age, and gender play in girl-activist politics from March for Our Lives, specifically thinking about Emma González, Edna Chavez, and Naomi Wadler as the new public face of the feminist movement