"Miss Representation" is a documentary film written and produced by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. It premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and was quickly bought by Oprah Winfrey. It now airs on OWN. The documentary features several very accomplished women including Senator Dianne Feinstein, Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem, Katie Couric, Lisa Ling, Geena Davis, yours truly, and more. The premise of the film is that the media tends to devalue women and girls. It suggests that their value lies in their youth, beauty and sexuality. It places no value on talent, accomplishments or contributions to society.
The media tends to perpetuate gender bias and gender stereotypes. Sexism is the stock and trade of the tabloids and reality TV. Challenging it strikes at the very chord of their business model. But it's time we challenge these companies and take steps to eliminate this kind of behavior.
There are many ways to do that. But first take a look at this eight minute trailer for "Miss Representation" and tell me if you aren't absolutely stunned by some of these images.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2bnyjL/vimeo.com/28066212
