The Power of Fictional Archers: How Katniss and Merida Inspire Young People to Take Up the Sport

In recent years, archery has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with many young people taking up the sport as a result of being inspired by fictional archers on film and television. A new study conducted by the Institute on Gender in Media, led by Geena Davis, reveals that across age groups and genders, many individuals report that their interest in archery was sparked by watching characters like Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games and Princess Merida from Brave.

The study, which surveyed members of USA Archery, found that nearly half (48.5%) of female respondents under the age of 18 reported that Katniss had a significant influence on their decision to take up archery, while one-third (36.4%) credited Princess Merida as their inspiration. These findings suggest that the portrayal of strong and capable female characters in popular media can have a profound impact on young people's interests and passions.

The study also found that 7-in-10 girls reported being influenced by Katniss and Merida, highlighting the significant role that these characters play in inspiring young women to take up archery. This is particularly noteworthy given the traditionally male-dominated nature of the sport.

The research highlights the importance of representation and portrayal in media, as well as the potential for fiction to inspire real-life actions and interests. By featuring strong and relatable female characters in archery, filmmakers and television producers can help to promote the sport and encourage more young people to take it up.

In conclusion, the study's findings demonstrate the power of fictional archers like Katniss and Merida in inspiring young people to take up the sport. As archery continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how media portrayals of female characters in the sport evolve and continue to inspire future generations of archers.

Brave 2012 archery