Educational Media Reviews Online

This short video has a series of vignettes that illustrate the maturation changes that occur in females during adolescence. The title, CUSP, is indicative of the change that this period of time represents as a critical stage for females - it determines their future strength to identify themselves in relation to others. The video depicts the mixed messages that are given to females by society and how the content of these words mold the identity of girls determining how they will feel about themselves as young women. It is important to notice the ever-changing friendship struggles between girls due to awareness concerning the importance of “fitting in.” The obvious topic of peer pressure is introduced and its importance in shaping the self-esteem and choices of females. The character’s reactions to each other are dependent on the popularity of the person. In the end of the video the main character, Alice, determines that she will not “follow the crowd” and, thus, establishes that she is comfortable with herself. This awareness sets her free. This video has some very strong messages about the push on adolescent females to take on the responsibilities of women, but still stay children.

Although research has shown that age ten is when many females begin to lose their self-esteem and subsequently lose their identity, this video might be controversial if used for an audience of middle school students. The language of this video may offend some and, therefore, it would have to be used with much caution and preparation concerning the topic. CUSP could be introduced in a health education class and would make a nice compliment concerning the topic of dealing with peer pressure.