A CHANCE TO HAVE SOME FUN

13 Going on 30 (Winick, 2004) was one of my favorite movies growing up. It had everything seven-year-old me was interested in: fashion, romance, New York City, upbeat girl power tunes, existential crises...all the essentials. No, this isn't going to be an in-depth critique of the film (though I wouldn't be opposed). Aside from the iconic Jennifer Garner-Mark Ruffalo pairing, the cast dance of Thriller, and the "thirty, flirty, and thriving" mantra, one particular aspect of the movie continues to resonate with me today: the concept of 'redesign.' 

If for some reason you haven't seen this early 2000's cinematic treasure, here's a low-down of the particular plot point I'm referring to:

*SPOILER ALERT* Garner's character's magazine, "Poise," has been competing with another women's magazine, "Sparkle," for print sales. Richard, the editor-in-chief, has gathered the staff to discuss Poise's losing status to Sparkle. Among various reasons (namely, a certain character who's selling Poise concepts to Sparkle), Richard brings up the option of redesigning the magazine and the next issue's layout. In response, a staff member says, "Richard, redesign is a death sentence." And this is what I'll be chatting about.

As the digital media native generation, we've been convinced of the need to redesign ourselves. Whether it be clothing style, social media aesthetic, beauty/self-care regimen, professional aspiration, social circle, physical appearance... you name it - there's this constant, ubiquitous pressure to consume, erase, and create. Consume- other people's lives and ambitions through online statuses and feeds, Erase- our own identities and self-worth to then, Create- new and socially acceptable versions of ourselves to fit in and appear 'on trend.' As a Communication and Film and Media Studies major, I've become a strong advocate for media's (also, social media’s) connectivity potential. However, this is an issue that goes beyond just media uses and effects. Certainly, social media's allowance into other people's lives (or rather, fake lives) has amplified this issue; but it really speaks to a larger issue that's been engrained in today's younger generations. 

The concept of redesigning in itself, is not inherently dismissable. From a young age I've worked to redesign, or rather- reformulate and reinforce, my career ambitions, the tools through which I invoke and present self-expression, and my overall approach to navigating life. Redesign is a cyclical phenomenon and drive that exists within ourselves, our relationships, and in Earth's natural cycles. It's inevitable and essential to both human nature and our planet's well-being. 

The problem though, is when the motivation to redesign ourselves is founded on others. Obviously, our self-improvement can be encouraged by loved ones and benefit those in our lives. Redesigning becomes toxic though, when we we choose to deny ourselves for others. When we neglect and demolish our goals, our hopes, our identities, for the sake of appeasing the goals, hopes, and identities of others (whether they be in our immediate or social media circles).  

When characters in 13 Going on 30 express backlash over the redesign idea, it's because they're taking on the toxic approach to redesigning. Rather than view the option as an opportunity to create personable and dynamic content, they're acting out of fear and neglecting the Poise brand to fit what Sparkle readers want. Granted, in this context, they’re responding to commercial interests and need to consider the competition. But, as Garner's character later shows, Poise's success comes when the staff lets go of that fear and self-imposed need to conform to others' identities (i.e. Sparkle's brand) and redesign, by accentuating their existing identity.  

Now that I'm approaching the last year of my undergraduate education, I've had to truly determine what redesigning means for my life and current path. I've noticed that I tend to both fear and crave change. Meaning, I enjoy stability in my relationships, identity, and professional objectives. At the same time, I seek dynamism in my relationships, identity, and professional objectives. At 21 years old, I'm at the point in my life where I'm eager for all the answers. I've had to remind myself to enjoy the present moment and prepare for the future, rather than preoccupy about what's to come. It's not only normal to not know exactly what our future holds, it's impossible.

Redesigning doesn't have to mean letting go of everything we know to leap into something completely new. Though, sometimes it can. And that's okay. Again, redesigning is inevitable and essential to our self-growth and progression in life. It comes in many forms and varies from person to person, according to their specific needs and context. The important thing is to consider our motivations for doing so and challenge ourselves to base self-improvement off authenticity and kindness.

In the wise words of Jenna Rink, (AKA Garner's character) redesign isn't a death sentence, "it's a chance to have some fun."

ALL IMAGES VIA WIX