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Odd Girl Out
By Meghan McCoy
Northwestern Regional High School’s Little Theatre was packed with people interested in learning about hidden aggression in girls. The presentation by Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out, was held on October 16. Ms. Simmons is a graduate of Vassar College and Oxford University. Her book is based on research conducted by her after she realized how little was known about aggression in girls.
Ms. Simmons began by speaking about her experience with bullying and the experiences of those in her research group. She went on to explain how girls are perceived as perfect little angels and aren’t taught how to do deal with aggression or anger they may actually be feeling. She told the group about three different types of aggression: indirect aggression, social aggression, and relational aggression.
Anger or aggression in girls is usually brought out through spreading rumors, telling secrets or by body language, as opposed to the physical way boys deal with it. Ms. Simmons wants schools to realize that boys aren’t the only ones with anger, they just show it in a more obvious way. She explained the need for attention towards aggression in girls and how it should be handled. The evening ended with an active question and answer session.
On a personal note, I think it would be a good idea for there to be a follow-up presentation that would be school-wide. It could include some ways for girls to learn how to handle aggression. It would help for all girls to realize that at some point we all are the "odd girl out."
Meghan McCoy is a 7th grade student at Northwestern Regional Middle School in Winsted.
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