Advice for the BC beauties

Upon seeing the picture of Adrienne clad in underwear and the Boston College pennant, my stomach turned and I felt suddenly aghast.

After taking some time to process my reaction, I have tried to pinpoint exactly what it is about this particular image that distressed me so much as I have seen hundreds of magazine covers exhibiting attractive young women dressed in next to nothing.

It is true that BC women are exceptionally beautiful, as Reynolds undoubtedly is. It is also true that BC women are exceptionally intelligent, as Reynolds must be to attend one of the top law schools in the country.

But I have always believed that most importantly BC women have exceptional integrity and think progressively, qualities that the images in Barstool Sports do not promote. I was shocked and saddened to see a woman with both brains and beauty exploit both herself and the name of BC.

It is no secret that the women of BC are indeed some of the most gorgeous of coeds across the country. I believe, however, the more important trait that distinguishes the women of BC is that they choose not to be objectified, instead seeking out their passions and pursuing them by relying on their intellect and convictions.

As a society, we are incessantly barraged with images of half-naked girls and it is increasingly difficult to thwart the negative impact they have on young women.

The proliferation of these images has resulted in more women seeking validation from how attractive they are to men instead of finding confidence from their accomplishments and voice.

The sexualized images of women used in the media propagate the idea that a woman's beauty is superior to her intelligence. I feel that this notion is a repercussion of patriarchy's continued impact on us and only contributes to the marginalization of women.

I do not proclaim myself to be entirely above the influence of the media and the significance it puts on a woman's appearance.

While an undergraduate, I did thumb through my fair share of men's magazines left on my friends' coffee tables and felt somehow inadequate afterward.

Also, after college, a modeling scout approached me and I seriously considered following through on the offer. I was fresh out of college, broke and unsure of my career path, and I have to admit that the thought of increased attention was alluring.

In a society that deems celebrity to be the pinnacle of success, it is no wonder that any woman would feel this way.

My hope is that you, the women of BC, continue to pursue your careers and passions with the veracity and fervor that you are capable of. Disallow further subjugation by promoting your intelligence as an asset far superior to your looks. Lead by example and inspire the young women of the next generations to do the same. In a time when women are excelling in top graduate programs and in every profession, we women need to be the ones to encourage each other to find validation within ourselves.

We do not need to soften the impact of our intelligence and opinions by exploiting ourselves in order to be accepted by others. I am certain that many of your male friends have posted the pictures of Reynolds on the walls of their respective Mods, residence hall rooms, and apartments.I'm sure you have overheard many conversations about how hot she is and how many men want to sleep with her. Do not be deterred by this, we are worth so much more than our sex appeal.

As intelligent women I'm sure you already know this, but at a time when exploitative images of women are as ubiquitous in America as J. Crew clothing is on BC's campus, it is good for us to reaffirm this truth. And as for Reynolds, you are both intelligent and beautiful and I hope that you use those assets to pursue something of interest to you, be it motherhood or the law, and not as fuel for men's fantasies.

Erin Murphy, M.Ed, graduated from the Lynch School of Education in 2001.