Change How Women are Portrayed in the Media

How can I use my power to change women’s image in the media?

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Our media denigrate even the most powerful women in our country such as Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Sarah Palin and Nancy Pelosi.
Commentators focus on whether they had plastic surgery, what they wear, and how old they look.
What chance does an ordinary woman have to be seen and appreciated as a whole person?

Steps needed to change women’s images in the media

Below are the steps to power that were outlined in the first email we received after we signed up…
Thanks for joining our movement to end sexism! Now that you’ve taken the MissRepresentation.org pledge, here are some actions you can take immediately to make a difference:

  1. Tell 5 people about the film and share one thing you learned from watching it.
  2. Parents- watch TV and films with your children.  Raise questions like “What if that character had been a girl instead?”
  3. Remember your actions influence others. Mothers, aunts and loved ones- don’t downgrade or judge yourself by your looks. Fathers, uncles and loved ones—treat women around you with respect.  Remember children in your life are watching and learning from you.
  4. Use your consumer power. Stop buying tabloid magazines and watching shows that degrade women. Go see movies that are written and directed by women (especially on opening weekend to boost the box off ratings). Avoid products that resort to sexism in their advertising.
  5. Mentor others! It’s as easy as taking a young woman to lunch. Start by having open and honest conversations with a young people in your life.

You are now dialed into a national movement to stand up to sexism and challenge the media’s limiting portrayals of gender. Together we will make a huge impact on contemporary society.
Don’t forget to visit missrepresentation.org for frequent updates and other ways of getting involved.
Each week we’ll send you additional steps you can take to make change. Thanks!
Warmly,
Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the MissRepresentation.org Team

Take the five steps to changing women’s image in the media at missrepresentation.org.

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