For some time reality TV talk shows soap-operas and sitcoms have turned their spotlights on women and girls who thrive on competition and nastiness. Few fairytales lack the evil stepmother wicked witch or jealous sister. Even cartoons feature mean and sassy girls who only become sweet and innocent when adults appear. And recently popular books and magazines have turned their gaze away from ways of positively influencing girls' independence and self-esteem and towards the topic of girls' meanness to other girls. What does this say about the way our culture views girlhood? How much do these portrayals affect the way girls view themselves?

In Girlfighting psychologist and educator Lyn Mikel Brown scrutinizes the way our culture nurtures and reinforces this sort of meanness in girls. She argues that the old adage girls will be girlsgossipy competitive cliquish backstabbing and the idea that fighting is part of a developmental stage or a rite-of-passage are not acceptable explanations. Instead she asserts?? girls are discouraged from expressing strong feelings and are pressured to fulfill unrealistic expectations?? to be popular?? and struggle to find their way in a society that still reinforces gender stereotypes and places greater value on boys. Under such pressure?? in their frustration and anger?? girls (often unconsciously) find it less risky to take out their fears and anxieties on other girls instead of challenging the ways boys treat them?? the way the media represents them?? or the way the culture at large supports sexist practices.

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