Graves Blog Post 3, 1073

Miss Representation

After viewing the documentary on feminism, "Miss Representation," my thoughts and attitudes have changed towards the media. Never before have I noticed how influenced our society is by watching television, seeing all those advertisements about how we should be and look like, especially our women. "The media can be used as an instrument of change." – Katie Couric. In the documentary she, along with many other known women, explained how our society is shaped to view and accept women by their figures, that their power derives from their appearance and that it is the only way they are accepted. Women are influenced to believe that knowledge and greater education isn't enough to strive in this society. Many older men believe this because they come from a generation of discrimination, whether it was towards women or colored people, so having been raised a way to look down on others has made it difficult for the discriminated to be represented, especially in this country. I believe that this generation is more supporting towards women's rights because we are seeing more women in career positions that are more likely for men. Like the military. There are more women serving in uniform now than there ever was before. Although women might still suffer from discrimination, I believe the future will bring equality, that is, if we continue to focus on the media and teach our children about it.

What surprised me the most was the fact that countries like Cuba, China, Iraq, and Afghanistan have more women running in office than the United States do. According to the documentary, only 34 women have ever served in congress compared to over 2000 men. At a young age women are influenced to be self-objectified to where they see themselves as objects instead of a person of matter. Because women view themselves in such ways, men will view them in similar ways. This may lead to political efficacy where less women are likely to run for office. I believe we need more women in congress, not only for equality, but to balance our beliefs. It's nature. We need women's views, opinions, insights, and perspectives on things to create a better, more equally represented society. If we can do that, our nation will be a stronger one, united. Men don't quite understand the struggles that women, and "colored people," have to face from discrimination because men have always been superior, but there is still so much more we can learn from it.