Interesting link to this article in Salon–Rick Santorum wants to make all contraceptives illegal, even for married couples. How did he get so far in the Republican party? and does the GOP want to be taken seriously by women? The political process is one of the most effective ways anywhere of getting your thoughts heard–at that level it is certainly more effective than writing, starting a magazine, or having a cable TV show. By the time a candidate reaches that level in the political process he (or, very occasionally, she) is able to leverage the total power of the media. It gives a kind of credibility to the thoughts and opinions of people participating in the political process. We in the media and we as citizens need to hold them accountable for that. http://www.salon.com/2012/01/04/rick_santorum_is_coming_for_your_birth_control/
The “New” Domesticity
Has anyone seen the recent article in the Washington Post on the New Domesticity? It raises some interesting questions about balance of home and work, the obsession with perfection, finding safety through controlling the environment, and lots of other issues (the role of hobbies in ones sense of self worth, for example). I was left feeling, however, that the article itself might be just a bit too self-referential–as in, who cares if I spend my Saturdays making jam, writing a book, or windsurfing?
What do you think?
Women Are…
I find the various trailers for Miss Representation as fascinating and powerful generators of dialog each in and of themselves. The Women Are… one that was just forwarded to me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z-hr6IS9_w) especially interested me because of the comments generated. Several people took exception to the comment: “and they do it in heels.” What do you think?
Hear Me Now?
As a feminist who came of age in the 70s I’ve spent much of my life trying to upend the status quo that simultaneously diminishes the challenges women and girls face and trivializes our actions and accomplishments. I’ve long since tired of the offerings of the corporate media, television, movies, and even my own industry (publishing) that so often miss represents “reality”. I know I am not the only one who has consciously sought out progressive voices in books, music, film, and art, for ideas and entertainment that reflect on our world with a passionate and creative female voice. Despite the considerable effort made by many to increase the diversity of voices, there is damning evidence that we have seriously lost ground against the juggernaut that is the global consolidation of media corporations. The misrepresentation of women has contributed not only to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence but is a reversal of the gains made last century.
That is the message of a powerful new documentary called, Miss Representation, written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. This film premiered in 2011 at Sundance and aired nationally in October on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and reports in a dramatic and relentless fashion how awful the present situation really is for girls and women. In a recent post by Marianne Schnall, founder of feminst.com, she said the film prompted “an inner tsunami of epiphanies and emotions”. I too, felt the essential truth of the message and still hear many of the words from the film’s speakers, including Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Caroline Heldman, Jean Kilbourne, Jennifer Lawless, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer L. Pozner with the largest impact for me coming from the young and articulate men and women interviewed in the film. As part of the curriculum for media literacy that is flowing from the film’s producers, supporters are encouraged to take the pledge.
“I pledge to use my voice to spread the message of Miss Representation and challenge the media’s limiting portrayal of women and girls”
EWIP will screen this film in San Francisco, in January. (Details to be announced soon.) We know it will be an emotional and insightful experience. This documentary is important and we intend to make a special effort that boys and men will be there to see it too. In the meantime, check out the trailer and take the pledge. Miss Representation Trailer (8:52 min.).