There has been an increase in awareness about sexual violence and harassment in popular culture. As such, many filmmakers have sought to create movies that explore these topics through teenage protagonists' experiences.
It is important to analyze how these messages are presented in relation to real-world scenarios involving actual teenagers. Teen-targeted films portray both sexual negotiation and relational power, but they do so in ways that can be problematic.
Sexual Negotiation
Teen-targeted films often present sexual negotiation as a necessary part of growing up. In some cases, this may be true; however, it also implies that all teens should engage in sexual activity regardless of their feelings. The pressure to act sexually is even stronger for female characters who face societal expectations based on gender norms. This could result in young women feeling like they must always acquiesce to male desires or risk being judged negatively.
In the movie "Easy A," Olive Penderghast (played by Emma Stone) pretends to lose her virginity to boost her social standing among peers. Her lie quickly spirals out of control when others begin believing she is promiscuous. While this film ultimately redeems itself by highlighting the dangers of slut-shaming, it still sends mixed messages about what constitutes acceptable sexual behavior for young women.
Relational Power
In addition to sexual negotiation, teen-targeted films often depict relational power dynamics between characters. This includes everything from controlling behaviors to manipulation tactics designed to keep partners under one person's control. Many times, these movies show how such actions are harmful and damaging, but they rarely provide realistic solutions for those affected.
In "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," protagonist Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) struggles with an unrequited crush on Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). When he discovers a letter she wrote him years ago confessing her love, he uses it as leverage to make her his girlfriend. Throughout their relationship, Lara Jean allows herself to be treated poorly because she fears losing him again. As such, she internalizes the message that healthy relationships require giving up personal agency.
Internalization
The messages presented in teen-targeted films can become internalized if they go unchallenged.
Many teens may believe that refusing someone sexually makes them less desirable or even leads to being labeled a prude. They might also come away with false ideas about what true intimacy means, such as physical attraction or emotional dependency. These misconceptions can have lasting effects on self-esteem and interpersonal communication skills.
It is important for parents, educators, and other adults to discuss the topics explored in these movies openly and honestly with teens. By doing so, young people will develop a better understanding of healthy sexuality and learn to respect themselves and others.
They should never feel pressured into engaging in any kind of sexual activity without full consent from both parties involved.
How do teen-targeted films portray sexual negotiation, relational power, and consent, and how are these messages internalized?
Teen-targeted films tend to depict sexual negotiation, relational power, and consent with an emphasis on romance, passion, and attraction between characters of different ages and backgrounds. The messages conveyed through such representations may influence adolescents' perceptions of sexuality, relationships, and gender roles, potentially leading to misconceptions about consent and healthy intimacy patterns.