If you go to Teen Vogue’s website, under the section “My Life,” you don’t expect to find news stories like the reporting of the 24-year-old who was killed by her boyfriend over a nonexistent tinder message and political updates like the story about Arizona's efforts to criminalize protesting. You may not be expecting it, but trust me and read on; it's some of the best political reporting you will see out there today.
In May of 2016, Teen Vogue hired a new editor, Elaine Welteroth, and with the change in management came an increase of political coverage. Welteroth also increased the coverage of black actresses and singers by the magazine, and have increased articles about sexual identity, fluidity, and sexual health. Since the change in leadership, Teen Vogue has made waves with that blistering op-ed about Donald Trump, and it will continue to with amazing content like an op-ed entitled "I'm 16 and Trans, and I'm not Fake News." There is something odd about people's reaction to Teen Vogue’s ramped-up political coverage. It is that everyone seems SO shocked.
Why are we so shocked that a teenage girl’s publication is getting political? Newsflash: Teenage girls have a hell of a lot at stake during this current political climate.
And yes, there are articles about denim trends to wear in summer and "Beauty and the Beast" skin care(which are great as well -- solid work, Teen Vogue), but that does not negate the great political work that the publication is doing. Here is the thing: Teenage girls can care about clothes, makeup AND politics. They are not mutually exclusive!
Let teenage girls be activists and care about clothes, make-up, boys (and girls), and homecoming. Why is that double standard there? It's just silly. Self-care is important and valuing teenagers interests are important.
Phillip Picardi may have said it best, “To tell a teenager that she should stick to lip gloss when she’s being directly impacted by policies affecting her lifestyle and the lifestyle of those around her is frankly irresponsible.”
The world is kind of scary, so I am thankful (if not surprised) that Teen Vogue is fighting back. Even more so than the amazing work that Teen Vogue is doing is that there are amazing, smart, savvy teenage girls at the forefront of the political arena; teenage girls, like Detroit student, 17-year-old Dannah Wilson, who is making waves by the promise to keep Betsy Devos accountable.
Because an unqualified Secretary of Education, won’t have any impact on teenage girls, right?
Thank you, Teen Vogue. For taking a stand and making this change.
