An African-American grandmother, a Latin-American feminist, the events coordinator for PRISM and an individual who identified herself as a “minority within a majority” were the women who represented Monday’s panel on young feminists. The panel presented to a classroom of about 20 people.

Regina Curry, a counselor for the CHANCE program, replaced her daughter due to a last minute change.

“The purpose of this panel is to … explore how women from different perspectives, ethnicities and cultures express their views about women, feminism and womanism,” said Jolene Skinner, program coordinator for the Women’s Studies Program.

The panelists discussed issues of body display, body image in the media, empowerment and social norms.

Junior sociology major Rachael Schneider believes hyper feminization has created a heterosexual white ideal female in society.

Children are growing up so fast, little girls are walking around the mall with lots of makeup and revealing clothing chasing after little boys, said senior jewelry major Luz Gonzalez.

The panel agreed the media plays an enormous role in body image and setting standards.

By simply looking at the toys on the market such as Bratz dolls, which depict a lot of makeup and very skimpy clothing, one can see the media is saying this is how women should look, Gonzalez said.

Curry grew up with a mother who told her to cover everything, even when she wanted to wear an miniskirt.

Today, she said she feels it is acceptable for girls to experiment with fashion but in moderation.

Body image plays a bigger role in society than it should, said Jennifer Hubbard, a junior psychology and sociology major.

Hubbard said she once had a hard time accepting her body but today accepts and appreciates it.

The panel had varying opinions about the term “girlie girl.”

Being a “girlie girl” is a positive thing – it means a woman is comfortable with her femininity, Curry said.

Due to the hype of femininity, the term “girlie girl” is limiting and there are many degrees to femininity, Schneider said. The concept of the “girlie girl” is on one end of the spectrum and masculinity is on the other side.

When asked about her definition of a “girlie girl,” Hubbard laughed and said she thought of a male friend who spends a lot of time in the bathroom getting ready in the morning.

The overall message the panelists presented was to be comfortable with one’s self, no matter one’s sex, gender or sexual orientation.