On a brisk Friday evening in October, a group of JLA members came together for an E&T event– Movie and Conversation.

After catching up with each other, the members changed gears and watched Miss Representation, a documentary that focuses on how women are depicted in the media within our country, and how that representation influences women’s roles in society.  The documentary interviews a number of women and men, from high schoolers who feel pressured by the media to act and look a certain way, to career women, who provide examples of how the media sexualizes other women in their profession.  According to MissRepresentation.org, “The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman or girl to feel powerful herself.”  The 90 minute documentary proved to be both attention-catching and thought-provoking.

After the movie, the members discussed the documentary and what they will take away from the viewing. Many stated that watching the documentary helped them to see the importance of discussing the issue with their children, who may be influenced by what they see on TV and in the news.

If you did not have a chance to attend the event, we encourage you to watch the movie. If you are interested in borrowing the film, you can contact Pam Flake.

You can also learn more about the documentary and the corresponding social action campaign at www.missrepresentation.org.