"Miss" Represented in Society

                 

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” is the saying the film Miss Representation constantly used to express the fact that there are little to no positive women role models in society, and that in order to be a powerful, and impactful leaders in society as women, we need to create the image of them ourselves. The movie uses successful women in politics and the media who created a positive image for themselves to talk about the influence on young women in the media and what needs to be done in order for change. Role models such as Nancy Pelosi, Lisa Ling, Marissa Mayer, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, etc.

Throughout generations and generations of media produced, it remains portraying men as the protagonists in an overwhelming percentage of movies. It gives the message to viewers that women are less in society and can’t achieve the same destinies that men can. With there being so many outlets of media accessible at such a young age, girls are given the message early on in their lives that their body image is important and so is how they look. These destructive thoughts lead towards eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and are direct results of what society tells us everyday.

Women, as a result of men, and societal standards are only seen as objects and are over-sexualized in the media only for the desire of men. When men see the images of girls being sexualized so frequently and explicitly in media, (even in G-rated movies; as shown by the film) they see girls as more vulnerable and as a result the amount of rape and violence towards women increases.

By watching this film, I have a deeper understanding to how people of color and women especially are undermined in society. As being both a minority and a woman myself, I understand how my peers are affected in this society and I can say that I am fortunate to feel as empowered as I am today and how respectful I am of myself and other minorities and women in society. The hardships that women have to face every day as compared to men are unfair and traumatizing to some, and can no longer be ignored. I think that this film was a great representation and message to young girls and older women in society that we are worth more than we believe, and we can stand up to make a change in our lives and others.