I agree with the sentiments expressed in the movie Miss Representation. I knew women were underrepresented in many outlets, such as the media and politics, but I had no idea it was to the extent it is. It shocks me that America has so few women in politics, especially compared to countries such as Afghanistan.
It saddens me that US advertisers spend more money on advertising that many countries annual GDP's. It disgusts me that women spend so much money on beauty products a year, between $12-15 thousand, just to feel accepted. This amount of money could pay for two years of tuition at a state college!
While watching the movie, I made a direct connection with the beauty products and advertising budgets to my girlfriend. She constantly reads celebrity gossip sites, watches reality TV, and reads tabloids and magazines All of these media outlets have a ton of advertisements full of skinny, photo shopped women, which make viewers feel inferior. To feel better, they must buy the product advertised. My girlfriend is a direct product of this media scheme. Our entire bathroom is filled with beauty products. She has multiples of everything: mascaras, shampoos, foundations. And she always feels inadequate and like she needs more and more products to be up to par.
If she, and all other American women, spent the effort they spend on beautifying themselves on their education or volunteering, the world would be a better place, just like Katie Couric said. Unless the media changes and women in power each other, it will never change.
And although my girlfriend comes from a family of powerful women, she will never know her potential until negative media isn't as shoved in her face.
I, on the other hand, do not feel how my girlfriend does. I am not as effected by the media; the advertising doesn't hold me back. With all the men in power, I am in powered.
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