Missrepresentation

                                                      Missrepresentation

Representation of women in the media is such a concerning topic of mine. We’re especially seen in advertisements which is exposed while were walking around in the city, watching TV, or shopping at a store.  It is seriously everywhere. But we’re not represented or treated the way we should be treated. Women are treated unfairly than men and most likely treated as sex objects in advertisements. 

When I first saw the movie Missrepresentation, I was in my social justice class. I immediately fell in love with the movie. In the movie, they gather inspiring leaders who have accomplished many succeeding things in life to prove to young women it is possible.  They display statistics in the movie that women make up 51% of the population, yet comprise of only 17% of congress. These statistics show that the media really shapes politics, our minds, and the emotions of children.   I was inspired by every aspect and message it displayed in the movie and was engaged in all of the possible concerns it can have on us women and young girls. As it really changes the emotions of children, Missrepresentation raises many concerns. It’s hard for girls to become these empowering successful women when they are constantly exposed to such sexual images. It shows in order to get what you want; you have to wear makeup, have a thin body, and wear fewer clothes. It becomes distracting to many young girls trying to focus on getting an education.

It greatly impacts young children by displaying a message in advertisements which shows it is important how you look. In the movie, a young student points out that there is absolutely no appreciation for women intellectuals. When you’re at school to learn, worrying about how you look becomes a major distraction for everyone.  I remember at an early age in school, I was too busy worrying about the way I looked. I can really relate to those girls because it became such a distracting concern of mine to prove I can look good. I struggled with my weight, worried about my makeup, and tried to keep up with the latest trendy clothes.  These images that are exposed to us at an early age really do impact young girls and it displays the wrong message.

One of the empowering leaders points out that we can shape the way media portrays women, but it depends on who is piloting the plane. Bringing awareness is important but also, educating younger girls more about advertisements in the media and how it misrepresents women in this industry will help shape the way society thinks.