Miss Representation, a film written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, starts with the director expressing her concern about raising a girl in a society that objectifies women so absolutely. She states that these constant images not only damage self-esteem, but they undermine how capable women feel. The film is packed with many video clips, photos, and statistics, to demonstrate these points; many political figures, actors, and other people in the public eye give sound bites and interviews also.
Good points are raised throughout the film. It emphasized that very few women are in positions of power, and thus women’s interests are not adequately addressed. With few women to emulate, future generations of woman will also be underrepresented and unempowered. It denounces the false “strong female characters,” prevalent in media, revealing these character’s over-sexualization and lack of substance. Miss Representation also outlines the devastating sexual violence that can occur when men have grown used to seeing women as objects.
The film is fast paced. It is an entertaining message created for those unfamiliar with feminism and the effects of media on society. At times it is a bit simplistic. However, a simpler view may be necessary for those who have not considered these messages before, and this film would be a good initiation.
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