I think the actual root of the problem is the concept perpetuated through the media that a woman's only value and power comes from her ability to be sexually attractive. What purpose does a female character have outside the love interest of the often not-so-good-looking-but-with-other-adorable-qualities leading male? Are there EVER normal looking women on TV? No really, take Fox News. The women are insanely beautiful. It's out of control. The men? They don't need to be, their serious reporters.

I'm no fan of Gilman's socialistic views, but some of her commentary on women in the early 20th century is still disgustingly appropriate for today: (of failing to be sexually attractive) "What else is the creature good for, failing in the functions for which it was created? The scorn of male and female alike falls on this sexless thing: she is a human failure."

And people wonder why girls are killing themselves to be "beautiful"? What other value are they told they have?

Bah.