"Media is tough on women. Especially college women. That's why we are making it our mission to pump up some much needed positivity in the media today."
The previous quote was taken from The Lala's website. As a publication that was started here at Purdue by two wonderful ladies, Molly Longest and Katherine Crowley, the magazine makes it their mission to publish real articles about real life college girls. The Lala aims to empower the women that are about to enter society and make a serious and lasting impression, instead of breaking down their minds with media about appearance and unhealthy societal standards. Of one of the many publications aimed at millennials, this one is unique in the fact that it is aimed at female millennials in an entirely positive way. You can go to the Lala and find articles about anything from cute DIY dorm room/apartment tricks to the latest trends in women's fashion to lifestyle advice.
With an editorial team from all over the country, the articles have perspectives from colleges and regions all over the United States. Creating a new media genre entitled 'empowered media' the Lala publishes articles that are focused on style, substance, and spirit.
In a recent interview with an on-campus intern for the Lala, Brittany Bakkum, I asked her about what the Lala means to her. When asked what the Lala was to her she answered, "The Lala to me is a creative outlet and media for all types of college women. It makes my day reading all of the articles and scrolling through the Insta page." Her favorite part about working for the Lala is "getting to know the girls from all over the country and all having so much in common. I have made so many lasting connections already."
The Lala is a great idea and a great way to unite strong and powerful women all across the country. With articles that can relate to a large portion of girls in this country, the Lala gives women an outlet to express their feelings and aspirations in an encouraging outlet. It is tiresome to search "college women" on the internet and get demeaning results such as "BigTen10s" Instagram page and weight loss ads and other negative articles. The Lala is working towards a media world where for every negative post there are two positive ones.
As a society, we can always use improvement and abolishment of the negativity that surrounds so many of us each day. The Lala is getting a great start on causing college women to feel as though they have a real voice in the media. I would highly recommend checking out their website and Instagram (@followtheLala). You will not be disappointed, ladies!
