Monica-Elese Daos

To all the girls watching this move: We watched this movie as a group of six college-aged women. Having recently been high school girls ourselves and knowing high school girls who struggle with many of the same (even worse) challenges than we did, we were very disappointed with some of the representations of romantic love portrayed in the movie. Peter and Lara Jean's relationship was very toxic and sends a false message to young girls and boys. The over sexualization of our culture affects young girls/women in an especially harsh way. To have the loss of the protagonist’s virginity be such a major plot point in the movie puts unnecessary pressure on girls who have not finished developing not only physically but also psychologically. We were impressed with Peter and Lara Jean’s initial decision to not have sex, as it shows how the sexual act is not a tool to emotionally manipulate your significant other in times of distress but rather a free and total gift of self. Additionally, we are concerned with how intense some of the physical affection displayed was, especially considering this movie is marketed towards young girls: although we’re sure this wasn’t an intention, watching as an adult these scenes seem like a grooming tactic. Truly empowered women know their worth and know that it is not based on their sexual availability or desirability. We have enjoyed the artistic detail obviously implemented in all three films.