Recently, an insightful and discerning friend told me about Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s documentary “Miss Representation.” One night when the HOTY was out of town and our daughter a/k/a Excitedly Eight was snuggled in her bed, I rented it. Wowsy bowsy is it ever good. I was blown away, actually. I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone who is either a parent or spends time with children. Scratch that. This film is for EVERYONE!
In a nutshell, “Miss Representation” brings together some of America’s most influential women in politics, news and entertainment – including Condoleezza Rice,Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow,Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem – to give audiences an inside look at the media’s message and depiction of women and further, how the media contributes to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
“Miss Representation” takes the stand that the media is portraying women’s primary values as their youth, beauty and sexuality rather than their capacity as leaders. I have to say that I agree, but witnessing it in this capacity opened my eyes – BIG TIME.
Check out these statistics: American Teenagers spend:
- 31 hours watching television
- 17 hours listening to music
- 3 hours watching movies
- 4 hours looking at magazines
- 10 hours online
- This equates to: 10 hours and 45 minutes of media consumption a day
Based on these numbers is there ANY doubt that the media is shaping society and, more alarmingly, shaping our children’s lives?
The film also suggests that girls and women are measured against an impossible standard (as in super-skinny, super-gorgeous, super-flawless), which leaves them wanting. Additionally, girls get the message that what is important is how they look and that their value and worth depends on that.
Here are some more eye-opening statistics:
- 53% of 13 year old girls are unhappy with their bodies. That number increases to 78% by age 17.
- 65% of women and girls have an eating disorder.
- 17% of teens engage in cutting and self-injurious behavior.
- Rates of depression among girls and women have doubled between 2000 and 2010.
As the Mother of an eight year-old daughter, this information makes me cringe…and breaks my heart. However, the Silver Lining for me is awareness. This awareness motivates me to have conversations with Excitedly Eight about body image and what she thinks about what she sees. It also motivates me to be a good role model (and not freak out over my wrinkles!). So, this film has also been a great gift to me. I am a firm believer that when we know better, we have the capacity to do better.
These statistics are alarming: 78% of 17-yr-olds are unhappy with their bodies, 65% of women and girls have eating disorders, rates of depression for women and girls has doubled between 2000 and 2010.
Women and girls need empowerment and positive role models. "Miss Representation" gives them the positive influences of some great women leaders. It's definitely a step in the right direction.
The statistics are indeed alarming! I also agree that the film and online campaign is a step in the right direction. Thanks, Carolee!
I really enjoyed that film, and all they've been doing online with their #notbuyingit campaign. Its great that you are bringing more attention to the film.
Thanks, Catherine! I think the work is fantastic!
My gosh – this is a must-see! Thank you for bringing it to us. xo Frances
Absolutely! xo