Miss Representation Screening - Take the Pledge - Become Empowered

Steph and I went to the screening of Miss Representation. It is a MUST SEE for all women and teenage girls. Visit MissRepresentation.org to learn more, take the pledge to spread the word and see what you can do.

I was a little disappointed that the panel discussion did not follow. I guess it was only for the premiere screening. The two ladies from the YWCA did say a few words and asked for mentors and mentees to sign up for their new mentoring program. I jumped at the chance. I have been running our intern program at work and I feel like starting a mentoring program is a good next step. I was surprised only two other women signed up out of a very crowded room. I also excited and flattered that they asked for my help and input since I have some experience running the intern program and this is a new program that they are launching. This is the kind of thing I have been wanting to do.

Steph and I had gone to the Boys and Girls Club a couple years ago to volunteer but things didn't pan out then. Recently I wanted to start a new program to speak to young girls and encourage young girls to strive for more. So this seems like the ideal opportunity to start getting involved in the community and helping young girls to become empowered.

It was a very inspiring movie. It was good to feel validated and justified in being opposed to the exploitation of women in the media. We have always felt like we were the oddballs in being offended but now we know we were not and that women are demoralized, demeaned and disrespected.

Now we are even more empowered to speak our minds in our blog and tell it as we see it and not be afraid to speak out.
Jan

Miss Representation

Steph and I will be attending a screening of Miss Representation at our local library. I heard of this movie through OWN and saw about the first 20 minutes of it. The topic of how women are portrayed in the media is something that we have discussed for years. Actually since college. We have noticed how much worse it is now more then ever and how every year it seems to continue getting worse with more and more exploitation of women. The fact is Hollywood is predominently run by men so naturally sexualizing women on screen is common. Women are shown with less and less clothing and often none at all when there is no need for it except to attract the male viewer.

We are excited to see this movie because honestly we thought all these years we were alone in our views. It seems no one else seems to be bothered by the portrayal of women in the media and we feel like we were the abnormal prudes that find it offensive, disgraceful, embarassing and unneccessary. Honestly I am embarassed for the girls that star in Hollywood that show it all and conduct adult relations on screen and don't know how they can feel comfortable having friends and family and the rest of the World seeing all their Worldly goods. A local celebrity, Chloe Savigny, had a very explicit scene in an independent movie and I always wondered how she could face her parents. This is a very conservative, affluent town and although she defends this graphic scene by the fact that she had dated the actor/director prior to the movie so it was easy for her to do, but what about the fact that it is now on film forever and her family, friends, and someday children and their friends may see this.
We will report back on the screening and recommend watching "Miss Representation". You may still be able to catch it on OWN or look for or request a local screening at your library or theater.

Jan