The Problem With the 'Most Powerful' Girl Ranking

Seventeen released its "17 Most Powerful Girls Under 21" in anticipation of their March issue, I was taken aback a bit looking at the list. Where are the real girls? Each girl chosen is a TV star, film star, musician, athlete (there's one), or model and is labeled and put into a category beginning with the word "The," like how all the Friends episodes are named. "The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break." "The One Where Mr. Heckles Dies." You get the picture. According to Seventeen, Selena Gomez was named the most powerful girl under 21-years-old, and was labeled "The Mogul." I hate the idea of these 17 girls being labeled because of the one thing they happen to be known for, and that Gomez, who has the most fame, the most charitable cause, and the most platforms, has been named "The Mogul."

Of course, the list is meant to inspire girls within Seventeen's target demographic, and by and large, the majority of their list is comprised of hard-working role models — but I don't think there is any reason to label them or stack them in a certain order. And also, there are tons of girls who are well-known in the media and are doing wonderful things and aren't on here. Case in point? Miley Cyrus taking the bronze at number three as "The Rebel."

Here's the list, and a snippet of what each girl had to tell the magazine regarding her title. You can decide for yourself if this list rings true or, or if it doesn't.

1. Selena Gomez — The Mogul: “This year is when I really started feeling powerful.I'm glad it's taken me this long to get where I am because now I am ready for it."2. Demi Lovato —The Cool Chick: "I could keep my self-harm and addiction issues private, or I could use them to help other people.”

3. Miley Cyrus —The Rebel: "I want to make my own path."

4. Victoria Justice — The Philanthropist: "I'm in a position where I can make a difference and that's a powerful thing."

5. Chloe Grace Moretz — The Bodyguard: "I will delete you and I will block you, and you will not be a part of my life if you ever say anything bad about my brothers.”

6. Karlie Kloss —The Model on a Mission: "For me, being powerful is way more than this career built on physical beauty."

7. Gabby Douglas — The Champion: "Every time I had a bad competition or set back, I would just be even more motivated to go into the gym and work extra hard."

8. Ashley Rickards —The Activitst: "I don't believe in failure."

9. Lorde — The Badass: "The power and control is with young people now."

10. Cara Delevingne —The Free Spirit: "I'm aiming for an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Nobel Peace Prize. And maybe Prime Minister."

11. Ariana Grande — The Social Superstar: "I'm proud of my accomplishments as an artist, but I'm most proud of myself as a daughter, a granddaughter, sister, and a friend."

12. Zendaya Coleman — The Triple Threat: "I have set huge goals for myself, like winning awards and breaking records, but the most important is making an impact on humanity."

13. Kate Upon — The Cover Girl: "If I can help and influence girls who are going through body-image issues, then I think that's amazing."

14. Ariel Winter — The Brave One: "Intelligence Is the most beautiful thing you have."

15. Abigail Breslin —The Veteran: "It's about staying on the path that you want to go down and not just conforming to what people think you should be like or should be doing."

16. Carly Rose Sonenclar — The Voice: "When you're doing something that you really feel confident about and excited about, that's when you feel the most powerful."

17. Bridgit Mendler — The Rising Star: "I appreciate having gone through that process [of auditioning and getting rejected], because it makes you want what you want that much more and get better at what you do."

We understand Seventeen's mission and we're hopeful that this list of young women will inspire others, but in this case, it's hard to see past the labeling and the ranking.