CRITICAL SUMMARY - DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CRITICAL SUMMARY - DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS - Essay Example work illustrates the physical and psychological transformation in females as they reach their puberty and the estrangement they feel in the process as well as their quest for relationships with men using their physical image. The author purpose is to inform the audience about the complexities of the transformation from childhood to pubescence and from there to teenage and adulthood. To illustrate her thesis, which mainly focuses on the influence of media and culture in formulating the concepts about females and their relationships, the author uses a wide variety of evidence both from research studies as well as personal experiences of female subjects. She has also used a wide range of statistical data to support and validate the claims she makes. Cohen uses a simple, straightforward narrative that makes the reading easy while being interesting. Her use of anecdotes to illustrate her ideas enables the readers to clearly understand the points she makes. This becomes evident in the way she describes the detachment of the father as his daughter attains puberty as â€Å"subtle†¦but clear† (26). The author eloquently demonstrates the anguish of pubescent girls through the characterization of Faith, who feels uncomfortable at the swimming pool about how the boys might perceive her. On the other hand, Lara thinks that before girls grew up into women, they were â€Å"whole, energized, excited† (27). Thus, the author deftly depicts the anguish and confusion of the girls as they grow up into adulthood, especially with the drive to feel wanted. Referring to other studies, the author contends that the secondary sex traits in girls, such as breast development and appearance of pubic hair, now appear earlier by â€Å"ag e 8† though there has been no change of status in their first menstruation (28). However, according to Cohen, while their physical development occurs in a hastened manner, their mental growth does not keep pace with these changes. Therefore, they lack in the