Maiden USA

The Author: Kathleen Sweeney teaches Communication Arts at Marymount Manhattan College and Media Arts at The New School and has been artist-in-residence at DIA: Beacon, Children's Media Project, and Reel Grrls. A media artist and writer, her Maiden USA lectures have been presented at various colleges in the U.S. and her award-winning video art has screened internationally.

«An expansive survey of girlhood in contemporary American media culture, 'Maiden USA' is a welcome sequel to Susan Douglas' 'Where the Girls Are'. Written in a fresh, accessible voice, Sweeney's insightful explorations of today's teen girl iconography and impassioned discussions of girls' media literacy and digital media-making are must-reads for anyone interested in girl culture.» (Mary Celeste Kearney, The University of Texas at Austin; Author of 'Girls Make Media')
«This timely and important book illuminates the significance of the powerful but often puzzling pop culture female icons that have arrived on the American scene (and screen) in the past decade. The spirited discussion of the positive alternatives already out there offers real hope and inspiration.» (Jean Kilbourne, Visiting Research Scholar, Wellesley Centers for Women)
«Kathleen Sweeney knows girl culture. Her experience as a filmmaker working directly with teenage girls informs this book with keen insight and authentic observation. She gives us an insider's peek into the rich landscape of girl media culture from someone who intimately knows the terrain. For anyone wanting to explore this world, this is your road map.» (Malory Graham, Founder and Director of Reel Grrls)
«At a time when girl icons have agency, driving industries the world over, ‘Maiden USA’ invites those of us invested in 'ordinary girls' living and breathing outside the media's gaze to take action. It reminds us that the tools needed to rebel against the media machines are within girls' reach. It is our simple job to show them the route and get out of the way. What results is pure magic.» (Purva Panday, Girls' Programming Consultant)
«'Maiden USA' is an insightful book with constructive, practical approaches to media literacy to help girls re-image their true strengths and voices. Parents, educators, and media professionals will benefit from the ideas presented, whether they have teenage daughters, were teenage girls or are