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MISS REPRESENTATION

Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom,  Miss Representation  exposes how mainstream media and culture contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.

The film draws back a curtain to reveal a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see – how the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls makes it difficult for women to feel powerful and achieve leadership positions.

In a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the collective message we receive is that a woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality, and not in her capacity as a leader. While women have made great strides in leadership over the past few decades, the United States is  75th  among 193 countries when it comes to women in the national legislature. And it’s not better outside of government. Women make up only  7.4%  of Fortune 500 CEOs and  21%  of directors, executive producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors working on the top 250 domestic grossing films.

Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists, and academics, like Katie Couric, Rosario Dawson, Gloria Steinem, Margaret Cho, Condoleezza Rice, Rachel Maddow, and Nancy Pelosi, build momentum as  Miss Representation   accumulates startling facts and statistics that will leave the audience shaken, but armed with a new perspective.

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In a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the message that young women and men overwhelmingly face is that a woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality and not in her capacity as a leader. Help challenge this status quo by hosting a screening of Miss Representation . With the right screening resources, you can arrange a screening in a few easy steps. Total Running Time: 1h 25m

The media is selling the idea that girls’ and women’s value lies in their youth, beauty, and sexuality and not in their capacity as leaders. Boys learn that their success is tied to dominance, power, and aggression. We must value people as whole human beings, not gendered stereotypes.

WHAT OUR VIEWERS SAY

“It is an uphill battle…” “I would urge any parent, teacher – or media executive – to watch Miss Representation” Read more Gillian Tett Financial Times

“Students Speaking Up” Seventy-three percent of students said watching Miss Representation changed their opinion about the way in which women are represented in the media. After seeing the film, sixty-one percent of students reported speaking up when seeing or hearing something derogatory towards women. Read more REACT to Film Survey  

“More men need to be exposed to this film” “More men need to be exposed to this film. Too many men like myself have gone far too long without seeing both sides of the themes brought forward in Miss Representation. Time for us to wake up.” Read more   Employee at Charles Schwab Screening, Denver, CO

“A powerful experience” “Sharing Miss Representation with our employees was a powerful experience. The film… generated an active dialogue… and empowered our employees to speak out when they see things that need to change. This film raises critical issues facing our society today, and I would encourage other companies to become part of this important conversation.” Read more Tracy Layney VP of Global HR Strategy, Technology & Operations, Gap, Inc.

“It’s starting a movement” “This powerful movie [Miss Representation] is not only educational, it’s entertaining, sometimes shocking, and really quite inspiring. Since our screening, I’ve heard a viewer talk about starting a media literacy campaign in her local community, another plans to run for office, and countless others plan to share this film with their friends, families, and most importantly, teenage daughters and sons. It’s more than a movie; it’s starting a movement.” Read more Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk Atlanta Independent Women’s Network

“Striking and insightful” “[Miss Representation] really helped me to better understand many of the difficulties women face today. It provides striking and insightful examples of inequalities suffered by women from the perspectives of both men and women.” Read more Meelap MIT Student

Common Sense Media : “Earnest, illuminating documentary about women and the media.”

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS

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• #AskHerMore
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THE MASK YOU LIVE IN

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A look at media, gender in 'miss representation'.

American teenagers devote an average of 10 hours and 45 minutes to media consumption each week. Filmmaker Jennifer Newsom says the overarching message for young girls is harmful. In Newsom's documentary, "Miss Representation," she exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence.

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Essay on Miss Representation: Analysis & Summary

Welcome to our Miss Representation film summary and analysis! This reflection essay sample will help you understand the themes and meaning of the film. Get some inspiration for your paper with the help of our sample on Miss Representation analysis and summary.

Miss Representation: Summary

Miss representation analysis: a fresh view on sexism.

Hardly a week passes by without a new scandal involving a woman appears in the headlines. Sometimes female celebrities commit something outrageous. But more often, famous ladies are accused of inappropriate outfits, controversial sayings, or dirty looks. Such accusations appear in the media with an unfavorable reputation. However, many people are interested in news of the kind. There is no doubt that the issue of public perception of women is a topical one.

One of the documentaries that touch upon this and other female-related issues is “Miss Representation”. It offers an unusual standpoint on sexism, gender, the representation of women, and more.

“Miss Representation” was released in 2011, but people do not lose interest in it with time. “Miss Representation” summary essay is quite a prevalent task at schools these days.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, managed to make it impressive and thought-provoking. The author offers spectators a complex set of ideas and subtopics to consider.

The motto of the film is: You can’t be what you can’t see. This phrase reflects several fundamental aspects of the movie’s message. Firstly, it states that a role model is crucial for the development of a person. Our intrinsic qualities appear to be a reflection of what we regularly witness in others. Secondly, it highlights the media’s failure to provide positive role models. Thirdly, it encourages us to look for positive examples to become a better person.

The central sociological theme of the film is women portray in the media. The way female abilities are reflected in newspapers, magazines, commercials, TV programs, etc. influence women’s lives. Women depend on the stereotypes existing in society. The media can develop those stereotypes, or, on the contrary, weaken them.

The film is a mix of exciting and provocative interviews with ladies of different ages and backgrounds. The interviewees are both teenage girls and respected and influential ladies. Nancy Pelosi, Lisa Ling, Condoleezza Rice, Paul Haggis, and Katie Kurik tell their stories. The film also provides us with statistics and facts to give the full picture.

“Miss Representation” features Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Simpson, and others. These women are famous for different reasons, but they have more in common than just their gender. They were all “victims” of subjective journalists’ opinions. It is the media that creates a large part of celebrities’ public image. It goes beyond the person’s control. Women have to deal with the image imposed on them by someone else.

A remarkable episode is dedicated to statistics on gender inequality in the US. Several professionals provide frightening information about the role of women. They tell how the media portray them in political, economic, and cultural aspects.

AAUW, an influential convention empowering women, has used the film in one of their discussions. It let the participants gain a fresh perspective on sexism, gender inequality, media abuse, etc. The community members point out that “Miss Representation” is one of the most notable films on those topics. It conveys an encouraging and inspiring message.

The movie incited public initiatives to combat the misrepresentation of women in the media. One of the positive movements encourages those who viewed the film to start using hashtags like #RepresentHer and #DisruptTheNarrative. This helps create a more favorable online environment. Misrepresentation exists in virtual reality. That’s why such initiatives are of prime importance.

“Miss Representation” also inspired The Representation Project. It is a non-profit organization that spreads the messages of the film through celebrity ambassadors. The participants also created an award-winning documentary, “The Mask You Live In.”

“Miss Representation” analysis proves that it is worth watching. It covers some very topical issues.

On the one hand, the media reflect the state of society. On the other hand, culture can be manipulated by the media’s rethoric. There are always subjective views, and perceptions spread about through various channels. When it comes to portraying women in the media, misrepresentation causes serious issues. They concern females’ social and professional lives.

The documentary proves that the way the media portray women is one of the causes of gender inequality in society. The documentary offers us important lessons about the necessity of promoting media literacy. With the increasing speed of communication linked to technological advancement, underestimating the role of the media is becoming dangerous.

What is Miss Representation about?

The film explores how mainstream media cause misrepresentation of women in various environments. Females are socially, professionally, and even politically influenced by their public images. The documentary proves that too often, those images are created by someone else. The movie shows how journalists and others often form their judgments based on limited information, gossips, and stereotypes.

How long is Miss Representation?

If you are going to write a “Miss Representation” essay, you are probably wondering: “How much time do I need to watch the film?” Do not worry. It is only 85 minutes long. For a documentary, it is quite a lot. However, the exciting and dynamic set of interviews, recordings, statistics, and other facts will not leave you bored!

Who directed Miss Representation?

The screenplay writer, director, and sponsor of the documentary are all one person. Unsurprisingly, the person is a woman who got interested in the topic based on personal experience. Her name is Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and she is currently the First Lady of California. She combines filmmaking with the activity on social projects. Moreover, she has four children.

Where was Miss Representation produced?

“Miss Representation” is an American documentary. The production company has an original name that related to the topic of the documentary – “Girls’ Club Entertainment.” An estimated budget was $750,000. The release date was January 22, 2011. The first opportunity for the public to see the film was within the Sundance Film Festival, and it was a success.

Who narrates Miss Representation?

“Miss Representation” documentary analysis would not be complete without mentioning the narrator. Apart from writing the screenplay, directing, and producing the documentary, Jennifer Siebel Newsom was the one to narrate the story as well. She speaks with a very honest, gentle, yet persuasive voice. She relates her own story, as well as many stories of other prominent women.

“Miss Representation”: Analysis of Stereotypical Images of Women in the Media (Academia)

Jennifer Siebel Newsom – First Partner (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom)

Thoughts on Miss Representation: Introduction to Film and Media Studies

Beyond Miss Representation: You can’t be what you can see (Arizona State University). Web.

Miss Representation: Eye-Opening, Life-Changing (Loma Linda University)

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Miss Representation: A Critical Examination of Women's Portrayal in Media and Power

The film exposes the media's role in the systemic underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women in power.

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Keywords: Miss Representation, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, gender inequality, media representation, power dynamics, women in power, societal perceptions, gender stereotypes, feminism, sexism., Three Words: 'Eye-opening', 'Powerful', 'Documentary'

Introduction

"Miss Representation," directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom and released in 2011, is an incisive documentary that delves into the under-representation of women in positions of power in America. It throws light on the media's limited and often skewed portrayal of powerful women, a subject that holds immense relevance in our contemporary society striving for gender equality.

"Miss Representation" presents a compelling narrative that unravels the systemic sexism prevalent in American society. It highlights how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in influential roles, thereby reinforcing gender stereotypes.

More Film Analysis

  The documentary follows an investigative approach, backed by extensive research and in-depth exploration of the subject. It effectively uses interviews, statistics, and real-life examples to present its argument, making for a thought-provoking viewing experience.

  The documentary situates itself in the broader context of the feminist movement and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It explores how media stereotypes have evolved and continue to persist in the 21st century.

Key themes in the film

• The pervasive influence of media and its role in shaping societal perceptions
• The detrimental effects of gender stereotypes
• The importance of equal representation in positions of power

Film Comparisons

Unlike other films on iWonder that touch upon gender issues, "Miss Representation" uniquely focuses on the intersection of media, power, and gender. It provides a fresh perspective on the issue of gender inequality.

Noteworthy Moments

The documentary is peppered with powerful moments, such as the revelation of startling statistics on women's representation in media and politics and poignant interviews with influential women sharing personal experiences of sexism.

"Miss Representation" was well-received by critics and audiences alike for its stark portrayal of gender inequality. It holds a respectable IMDB score of 7.5 and has a win and a nomination to its name.

"Miss Representation" is an essential watch for anyone interested in media studies, gender issues, and social justice. It offers a critical examination of the media's role in perpetuating gender inequality.

More film information:

Film summary.

• IMDB Score: 7.5
• Awards and Festival Summary: 1 win & 1 nomination

PERSONALITIES

• Jennifer Siebel Newsom: Director and activist
• Condoleezza Rice: Former U.S. Secretary of State
• Nancy Pelosi: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Various media houses and newsrooms
• Political offices and institutions

Key questions raised by the film:

• How does media portrayal of women influence societal perceptions?
• How can we challenge and change these stereotypes?
• What role can individuals play in promoting gender equality in media and politics?

Links for Further Exploration

• The Representation Project
• Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media

I wonder what the film would be in another art form

• A famous book, it would be "The Second Sex" by Simone De Beauvoir - both critically examine the position of women in society.
• A famous song, it would be "I am Woman" by Helen Reddy - both are powerful calls for gender equality.
• A famous piece of art, it would be "The Dinner Party" by Judy Chicago - both spotlight women's contributions and challenge societal norms.
• A famous celebrity, it would be Emma Watson - both use their platforms to advocate for gender equality.
• A colour, it would be purple - a colour traditionally associated with the feminist movement.
• A music style, it would be protest songs - both challenge societal norms and advocate for change.

Jackpot: The Curious world of hardcore Bingo players

Cyborgs amongst us: biohacking and human enhancement, mumbai the infernal megapolis: population growth vs infrastructure, extraordinary powers of the human body: the brain, mental and physical limits, iwonder may highlights: music & activism, iwonder april highlights: defenders of the earth, iwonder march highlights: women of the world, iwonder february highlights: valentine’s done different.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Jennifer Newsom on Her New Documentary, Miss Representation

By Molly Creeden

Four years ago, when Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a onetime businesswoman and actress, decided she wanted to have a baby with her husband, Gavin Newsom , former mayor of San Francisco, she looked at the world into which she would be bringing a daughter and saw a bleak picture. Around her, a tabloid culture in which women were prized for cattiness and overt sexualization was thriving, and in the political realm, things didn’t look much better. “I witnessed the sexism that was directed at Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential campaign and I made a connection between the misrepresentations of women in the media, which I’d already witnessed in Hollywood, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership,” says Newsom, who viewed newscasters’ sexist commentary as extremely damaging for American culture, and young children in general. She felt compelled to act, enlisting dozens of power players and young women alike to weigh in on the way women are portrayed in the media for her documentary, Miss Representation, created in hopes of getting the attention of government and business entities. Vogue caught up with Newsom over the phone: You interviewed an impressive range of people—from Condoleezza Rice to Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem, Cory Booker, and high school students—about their thoughts on female representation in the media. What was that process like?

It was funny. There were many interviews where the interviewee said to me, “Thank you so much; I’ve been wanting to talk about this, and I really enjoyed myself.” I would say that feedback was more prevalent among the youth. Some of my favorite interviews were with 30 young girls that came to a conference that I hosted with the professional businesswomen of California.

The film is rife with examples of females in very compromised portrayals on TV and in film. Do you think there are women who receive media attention who are positive counterexamples to this trend?

I do. I was just with Christy Turlington at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, and I think she’s a phenomenal role model for young women. She’s doing so much for maternal health with her new documentary, No Woman, No Cry. She’s done so much with her yoga line and ayurvedic company. She’s gone back to school, and she’s a really healthy inspiration for girls. I met Barbara Bush at the Fortune conference. She’s doing global work in the health arena—I was excited to hear about her leadership in that area.

By Hannah Jackson

By Margaux Anbouba

You’ve brought up reality television quite a bit. Would you say it’s one of the main culprits?

I would. I think The Hills was a major culprit. I think the reality shows that take the extremes and the worst of what it means to be a man and a woman are dangerous. There are some great reality shows about house-hunting and helping people find their new homes and giving people a lift up, there’s American Idol . . . but I definitely am saddened by the ones that are very plastic surgery–oriented, or those that are more gossipy and catty.

One of the main criticisms in your film—coming from male filmmakers like Paul Haggis, no less—is that mostly men write and direct movies, and so the perspective is limited, with female characters that are frequently two-dimensional. Are you encouraged by the Kristen Wiigs, the Whitney Cummings, and the Elizabeth Meriwethers of the industry?

I thought Bridesmaids was hysterical, and I think Kristen Wiig is brilliant, I really enjoy watching her. I do feel like at the end of the day we need to reach a tipping point in terms of storytelling in Hollywood. About seven percent of the directors in the past year and ten percent of the writers in the top 250 grossing films were women. Until you have 30 percent of those top-grossing films written, directed, or produced by women, we’re going to continue to see material that is not fully reflective of females and the stories they want to tell.

Were there particular turning points in your own experiences as an actress that got you thinking about this?

Definitely. I started acting when I was 28, and I was told that I was old. I was encouraged to lie about my age and take my MBA off my résumé, and I didn’t do either. But all my friends were lying about their age, and I thought that that was really weird. I was sort of shocked.

What do you make of the recent “Intelligence Squared” debate held in New York City, in which panelists discussed the idea of the “end of men,” prompted by an article in the Atlantic last year in which Hanna Rosin considered the fact that women are outpacing men in higher education, and in the office, in particular as managers.

Well we’ve been outperforming men for 40 years in schools, but I feel like we’ve recently gotten stuck. We haven’t made progress as a culture for the past ten years.

So you think this is a recent phenomenon.

I think that we’ve made strides since the 1980s, but I think there was a backlash in the early-twenty-first century. I think there is a kind of mommy war, pitting women against each other, and sending women who were in the workforce back to the home to be full-time, type-A moms, and fostering competition between women. So the step backwards has worsened as we’ve seen more women achieve success in the real world because in the media space we’ve hypersexualized women, which ultimately kind of strips power away from all of us.

And so you see a discrepancy between what women are actually doing in the world, and what is shown on television.

Yes. So I think two things are going on. Young girls are graduating college and graduate school at high rates, but they’re paid less than their male counterparts; they don’t ask for promotions at the rate that men do. And then they opt out sooner because they think they want to get married and have kids, and, as Sheryl Sandberg says, “They leave before they lead.” Often the industry that they’re in doesn’t provide enough support for them to be a mother as well as have a job. One of the statistics from the documentary that remained with me was when Pat Mitchell, the CEO of the Paley Center said that 80 percent of the purchasing power is in the pockets of women. I’m wondering how in a practical sense women can use this to go forward and affect change.

We do have 86 percent of the purchasing power, and there’s a lot we can do. One thing I’m doing is encouraging women to do is go to missrepresentation.org and commit to take on three simple individual actions that are better for you and our culture:

Stop buying tabloid magazines and watching shows that degrade women to decrease their demand in the marketplace.

Go see movies that are written, directed, and produced by women on their opening weekend.

Write to media and advertising companies and let them know that you think. We have a campaign with the Women’s Media Center called “Sexy or Sexism” that challenges the media that portrays women in degrading ways, and then champions good media that celebrates the diversity and complexity of women. We’re also encouraging young people to put together short video messages in which they tell media and advertising how they want to be represented. When we receive 1,000 videos, we will share them with top media and ad executives and continue to do so until we are heard.

Miss Representation opens this Friday at the Paley Center for Media in New York and premieres on the Oprah Winfrey Network on Thursday, October 20 at 9/8c. missrepresentation.org

Miss Representation

How Media Influences Self-Image and the Gender Gap

2011 | Running Time: 85 minutes | Rating: NR

MISS REPRESENTATION exposes how mainstream media and culture contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film draws back a curtain to reveal a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see – how the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls makes it difficult for women to feel powerful and achieve leadership positions. Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, like Katie Couric, Rosario Dawson, Gloria Steinem, Margaret Cho, Condoleezza Rice, Rachel Maddow and Nancy Pelosi, build momentum as MISS REPRESENTATION accumulates startling facts and statistics that will leave the audience shaken, but armed with a new perspective. The film premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Director/Producer/Writer: Jennifer Siebel Newsom; Co-Writer/Editor: Jessica Congdon; Executive Producers: Geralyn White Dreyfous, Sarah E. Johnson, Regina K. Scully

therepresentationproject.com

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WATCH MOVIE

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Director, Producer, Writer

Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a filmmaker, CEO, advocate and thought leader. After deciding to have a child, Newsom looked at the world into which she would be bringing her daughter – one with all-encompassing misrepresentations of women – and she was compelled her to create MISS REPRESENTATION (2011). Inspired by the impact of MISS REPRESENTATION , she launched The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization using film and media as a catalyst for cultural transformation. She also directed, THE MASK YOU LIVE IN (2015), exploring how America’s narrow definition of masculinity is harming boys, men, and society at large.

Jessica Congdon, Writer, Editor

Jessica Congdon has been a filmmaker for nearly 20 years. She also collaborated with Jennifer Siebel Newsom on THE MASK YOU LIVE IN (2015) as a producer, writer, and editor. Her documentary credits include directing EMPIRE ON MAIN STREET (2017), editing DOLORES (2017), and co-directing and editing RACE TO NOWHERE (2010). Other editing work includes the Sundance award-winner DOPAMINE (2003).

Sundance Film Festival 2011: Grand Jury Prize – Documentary (nomination) Women Film Critics Circle Awards 2011: Best Theatrically unreleased Movie by or About Women

“Exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence.”

Tags: Documentary , Feature , Gender

Miss Representation: An Interview with Writer & Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Writer and interviewer

Featuring an interview with Writer/Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom and exclusive remarks from Barbara J. Berg, M. Gigi Durham, Caroline Heldman, Jean Kilbourne, Jennifer Lawless, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer L. Pozner and Marie Wilson

When I first heard about the film Miss Representation , I knew, as the founder of the 16-year- old women's site and non-profit organization Feminist.com and a journalist who covers women's issues, that it would be essential viewing. The film features an impressive roster of participants, including Nancy Pelosi , Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow , Condoleezza Rice, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem, among others. What I anticipated was an insightful film on the subject of the harmful portrayal of women and girls in the media. Having now seen and experienced the film twice, I found that it not only met all my expectations, it exceeded them, reaching through to my heart and stirring up the very depths of my humanity, prompting an inner tsunami of epiphanies and emotions. It is impossible to watch this film without being deeply affected, inspired and forever changed.

The film, which premieres on OWN - Oprah Winfrey Network , tonight (Thursday, October 20th), features stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, interspersed with eye-opening statistics, images and film and video clips. It is not just the textured illustration of the problem that has such an impact, but the interconnected web that visionary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom astutely is able to weave between how depicting women and girls as objects, valuing them only for their youth, beauty and sexuality, can lead to the suppression of women who are rendered voiceless, disempowered, dehumanized and objectified. This ultimately leads to preventing them from realizing their full potential to the detriment of themselves, our democracy, and society.

The problem itself is systemic, underscored by the fact that women are vastly under-represented in top positions within the media industry itself, in a corporate culture driven by advertisers and profit. It is a socially and economically-complicated predicament with no simple solutions. Thankfully, the film offers up an ample dose of education, inspiration and hope by providing tips, resources and a social action campaign through the Miss Representation web site , as well as an educational curriculum for schools to help younger generations to become more media literate.

I believe the impetus for change can be sparked by going beyond intellectually understanding the situation to becoming acutely aware of its real world manifestations and how it is insidiously and subliminally affecting the people in our life, ourselves, our loved ones and the world. During the film, I deeply related to the personal story of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, whose personal experience as a young girl included low self esteem, eating disorders and an incident of sexual assault. And I connected to how as mothers of daughters, we feel even more passionately committed to wanting both their present and future to be different.

What follows is my interview with Jennifer Siebel Newsom from last week's East Coast premiere of the film at the Paley Center for Media , as well as some other exclusive insights I collected from some of the amazing women featured in Miss Representation . I hope that these thoughtful and inspiring answers will encourage people to watch this wonderful film, and then participate in its recommended actions . As Pat Mitchell, Paley Center President and CEO says in the film, "The media is the message and the messenger -- and increasingly a powerful one. " Journalist Katie Couric sums it up this way, "The media can be an instrument of change. It can maintain the status quo and reflect the views of the society or it can, hopefully, awaken people and change minds. I think it depends on who's piloting the plane. " Interview with Jennifer Siebel Newsom, writer and director, Miss Representation

Marianne Schnall: What is the message you are most hoping to get out with this film?

Jennifer Siebel Newsom: I'm hoping that we can start the discussion, and actually the discussion turns into action around valuing women in our culture. And that's huge. Because we don't value women, we don't value motherhood. If we valued women and motherhood, we would see more women in leadership. We'd actually allow women, not only to sit at the table, 50 percent representative of our population -- or 51+ percent. But we would actually let their voices be heard. And we would see more women in leadership, across the board -- not only in government, but in the private sector. And at the end of the day, I think once we start valuing women, and valuing the feminine, you're going to see a huge cultural transformation. So that's really my goal.

MS: This whole topic of the media's portrayal of women can feel very abstract. How do you view its tangible implications for what's happening in the world right now?

JSN: Well, the media is this huge pedagogical force of communication -- it's dictating our cultural values and our gender norms. And it's doing it in such a way that it's communicating to us that a woman's value is limited, and that her value lies in her youth, her beauty and her sexuality. You and I know that's not true. But what unfortunately happens is girls and boys buy into this belief system, this construct, and then boys continue to perpetuate it, by objectifying women and not valuing women or giving them the seat at the table, or making sure that they're fully represented. And that's ultimately, at the end of the day, we're going to have a better media system, we'll have a healthier culture, and we'll have a culturally-healthier nation once we have women represented 50 percent, or 51+ percent, and speaking their minds, and telling their stories. And I think then corporate America and everything will follow suit. And I think that this is so huge that it will impact the environment, health care, education -- I just think it's the solution to so many of our problems in this country.

MS: It is amazing the people you got access to for this film. Did you find that people were really eager to talk about this topic? What was your experience in making the film in terms of the response?

JSN: You know what's really interesting is that not only did the interviewees really enjoy speaking, but I had a crew that was comprised of both men and women, and most of the gaffers and the sound crew ended up being men -- those were the people that were available. And they would come to me afterwards and say, "Oh, my gosh -- thank you so much. I learned so much -- these women are so amazing, and this conversation makes me want to be a better father, this conversation makes me want to be a better man." I just feel like this dialogue -- and really, it's sort of been the elephant in the room -- but if we could just sort of get to the truth and the root of there's a huge gender gap in our country, and the media is --whether it's wittingly or unwittingly -- perpetuating it, and women's voices need to be heard. And women need to be treated as equal. And I think once we have that, I will be so excited to see what happens in this country once we really achieve parity.

MS: I thought it was great that there were a lot of men were featured in this film. At the website I run Feminist.com , we're very aware of the need to include men as allies -- that we need to stop seeing these types of topics as "women's issues." Was that important to you?

JSN: Yes, it was so critical to me. Just as we all come from a woman, we all come from a man as well, and we all have a man in our life that we care about. I just gave birth to a son and I'm particularly concerned about the culture that he's being raised in, and the kind of man he's going to be. And for me, you know, my husband [Lieutenant Governor of California, Gavin Newsom ] has been a big champion of human rights in general, and I would say it sort of fits with both us -- this is about equality across the board. In other words, it's not a "women's" movement, it's kind of a human rights movement that we are really embarking on, and that's for me why we needed to interview men. I think in some regards men are more enraged -- fathers of daughters are more enraged right now, and more concerned about the future for their daughters. And so I think we're going to start to see more and more men speak up and out against this.

And so many men, including my husband, will say that women are better managers or -- this is interesting, the research has come out recently to prove that the more diversity and more women you have in leadership, both in government and business, the greater the productivity, the creativity and the bottom line. And that's a fact. And I don't know why in this country we're not recognizing the value in that, but that's the truth. So if that's the truth, then we need to get women into the pipelines.

MS: One of the things I think is important about this film is that it's not just about delivering bad news, it offers its viewers concrete solutions and hope, that there's a comprehensive action campaign as part of this.

JSN: Yes -- we didn't want to reinvent the wheel -- we're just doing our little piece in this huge complex web that is challenging women's representation and looking for parity in our culture. But what we've launched is Miss Representation.org , and basically we're encouraging people to take the pledge. If you go to missrepresentation.org , take the pledge , join the movement, join the campaign. And there's little things that we can do individually, every day, to start to create not only dialogue, but action, simple steps to actually influence cultural change. And then there's everything from getting the film into educational institutions across the country, through ro*co films, our education distributor, we have K-12 and then university level, age-appropriate modules, video modules available with the curriculum and everything. We're also talking to corporations about best practices to empower women, not only internally, but when looking at who their advertising partners are and who their media partners are, and how they're portraying gender in those.

So we're tackling it at all levels and we're also going to do some FCC government and Congressional screenings later in the fall. So I'm really excited -- I think we're just going to hit it from all angles.

MS: What would you most want to say to people, to leave people with?

JSN: I want people to recognize their own unique power. I want women to remember that we are 86 percent of consumers, and so we have a choice. We don't have to consume that TV show, we don't have to consume that tabloid magazine. We need to support good media, healthy media, and this is just beginning I think of a revolution! And a re-balancing of what has been an imbalance in our country.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom Writer | Director | Producer Miss Representation Jennifer graduated with honors from both Stanford University and Stanford Business School. She worked overseas for Conservation International, a global environmental organization, where her primary focus was providing micro-enterprise opportunities to women. Upon graduation from business school, she moved to Los Angeles where she performed in numerous films and TV shows. Jennifer founded Girls Club Entertainment to develop and produce independent films that empower women. She and her husband, California's Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, have a young daughter, Montana, and a son, Hunter.

In alphabetical order: Barbara J. Berg, M. Gigi Durham, Caroline Heldman, Jean Kilbourne, Jennifer Lawless, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer L. Pozner, Marie Wilson Barbara J. Berg, PhD Historian Author, Sexism in America

What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? BB: The media stereotypes, hypersexualizes and grossly under-represents girls and women. This is true in a range of industries--advertising, news broadcast, movies and television. Women are generally not valued to their accomplishments or achievements but for their youth and appearance. As I wrote in my recent book Sexism in America, Popular culture is our shared social reality, communicating stories, images and ideas about who we are and how we should feel, think, and act. It powerfully reflects the most salient features of our society. But the images women see of themselves are as distorted as those in "funhouse mirrors."

Women make up 51% of the population yet only 17% of Congress and 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are largely still underrepresented in the political sphere, executive levels of business and media as well as in the boardroom. What do you see as the root cause of this imbalance and what role, if any, does media play? BB: This is a complicated question for which there is no quick answer. Since 9/11 there has been a noticeable pushback against women's rights and opportunities in America. And, of course, the poor economy has also contributed to this trend. The concentration and consolidation of the media into super monopolies and the fact the women own less than 5 percent of commercial broadcast TV stations have all added to the marginalization of women in the political sphere. Women who do run see themselves characterized in the worst way, demeaned and diminished.

What do you believe are some of the most important changes that need to happen for women and girls in America? BB: We need more leadership training programs, more emphasis on teaching young women their history in schools, more access to positions of authority in government and in the media, a real pitch to stop the media from showing women as competitors and rivals and show them instead as friends and supporters. Women must mentor younger women and girls in every way possible to enhance their self esteem and to create positive identities for themselves that are not reflected in the media.

How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? BB: Films like Miss Representation can make a huge impact by clearly identifying the problem, exposing all its components and working for media literacy in the schools and population at large.

Is there anything else you would like to add? BB: I've spent my whole professional life working on behalf of women and girls often feeling despondent about our future. Miss Representation and all the women I've met connected to it give me a great deal of hope. I'll be happy to promote the film however I can.

M. Gigi Durham, PhD Author, The Lolita Effect Associate Professor of Journalism University of Iowa

What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? MD: In my view, representations of women have regressed so much one would think feminism had never happened. NBC's new show The Playboy Club springs to mind, as well as the many mindless cable programs featuring walking Barbie dolls like the Kardashians and the so-called "real housewives." In these shows, women's intelligence and social consciousness are certainly not highlighted; nor are women's artistic, literary, civic, or political contributions featured in any way. Media representations of women are pretty much focused on "hotness" -- and a narrowly defined concept of it, at that. Women in the media are so stereotyped and one-dimensional they may as well be plastic figurines. For girls growing up in this media culture, it's a terrible message: that women are only valued for their looks, and only then if their looks conform to some ideal constructed by the corporate media purely for profit. This is all happening at a time when women still hold little political or economic power, are sorely underrepresented in fields like science and engineering, and are victims of violence in epidemic proportions -- and these media representations aren't helping to change any of that.

What do you believe are some of the most important changes that need to happen for women and girls in America? MD: So much needs to change socially: women need to be represented in all spheres of social and economic life, violence against women needs to be recognized as a pressing issue, women need equal access to health care, to education, to opportunity. We pay a lot of lip service to those ideas in this country, but the statistics show a really bleak picture: we lag behind most other industrialized nations on all those fronts. We need to see real-world action on those issues. And we really need progressive, thoughtful, diverse representations of women in the media to help change the gender ideologies that hold women back.

How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? MD: Miss Representation , and other films like it, can bring these issues to the surface, ensuring that we confront them and engage in public discourse about them. I think the media can be powerful tools for pro-social change, and Miss Representation is a film that can catalyze women and men to first, think more critically about the media environment, and second, work on ways to change not only systems of representation but the world they live in.

Caroline Heldman, PhD Associate Professor of Political Science Occidental College

What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? CH: Girls and women are vastly underrepresented in roles in entertainment media, and when they do appear, they are usually sidekicks and sexual props for male characters. The rare female protagonist is almost always highly sexualized in a way that reminds viewers that women should exist for male (viewing) pleasure. Entertainment media almost exclusively tell stories about men's lives, and on the rare occasion they tell stories about women's lives, these stories typically revolve around romance and "getting a man," and are accorded less importance as "chick flicks." Little girls get the message that their lives and interests are not valued by broader society, and that their primary goal should be to get male attention. These messages are incredibly damaging in their effect on girls' self-esteem, body image, ambition, and cognitive functioning. Few women are involved in the production of entertainment media, so it's not surprising that women are virtually erased and portrayed in objectifying, secondary roles in this medium that is so influential in shaping societal norms.

Women make up 51 percent of the population yet only 17 percent of Congress and 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are largely still underrepresented in the political sphere, executive levels of business and media as well as in the boardroom. What do you see as the root cause of this imbalance and what role, if any, does media play? CH: The root cause of the vast under representation of women in positions of power is patriarchy -- the assumption that men are "natural" leaders and the higher value placed on their lives and activities. Patriarchy is apparent in gender gaps in party recruitment and grooming of political candidates; discrimination in corporate hiring, promotion, and compensation; girls being raised to think of "ambition" and "power" as dirty words; openly sexist media coverage of female leaders defining them as less capable "tokens;" and the more subtly sexist but highly damaging messages from entertainment media. Media are highly influential in creating and communicating societal norms about proper roles and behaviors for men and women. If more women were involved in the production of entertainment and news media, we would see more women on screen and better roles portraying women as powerful subjects instead of passive sexual objects. More images and more diverse images of women in media would lead to a revolution of identity and leadership if millions of little girls grew up thinking of themselves as fully capable, ambitious human beings instead of bodies to be worked on in order to get validation through male attention.

What do you believe are some of the most important changes that need to happen for women and girls in America? CH: Because Americans are now bombarded by thousands of images on a daily basis, marketers cut through the information clutter by amping up the shock value with more sexually objectifying and violent content. This has led to increased acceptance and use of violence among boys and heightened body hatred issues with girls. The national epidemics of violent masculinity and self-hating femininity can only be addressed if we go after the source of the problem: shock media/marketing. Consumer activism targeting offensive marketing is an effective way to interrupt these damaging media messages. The recent campaign against Abercrombie & Fitch to halt the sale of g-string underwear to female toddlers is one example of this success of this tactic. Another example is the effective campaign against JC Penney to stop sales of the shirt, "I'm too cute to do my homework so my brother has to do it for me." The social media age makes these sorts of campaigns quite effective. Beyond targeting those who produce damaging media messages, it's important to work with young people on media literacy so they can discern and reject these messages.

How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? CH: A film like Miss Representation is the first crucial step is identifying the problem of damaging media images and their origins and consequences. It is a one-film public information campaign that will hopefully ignite action across the nation that will change media content and eventually the landscape of leadership in the U.S.

Is there anything else you would like to add? CH: The Miss Representation team is amazing!

Jean Kilbourne Filmmaker, Killing Us Softly Author & Senior Scholar Wellesley Centers for Women

What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? JK: I've been studying the portrayal of women in the media since the late 1960s, so I am often asked this question. In many ways, the portrayal has never been worse. Of course, women are far more often shown in professional positions than before, but the tyranny of the ideal image of beauty (made so much worse by Photoshop), the obsession with thinness, the sexualization of girls, and images of violence against women are far worse than ever before. I made the first version of my film "Killing Us Softly: Advertising's Image of Women" in 1979 and raised all these issues. The updates (in 1987, 2000, and 2010) track the lack of progress.

Women make up 51% of the population yet only 17% of Congress and 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are largely still underrepresented in the political sphere, executive levels of business and media as well as in the boardroom. What do you see as the root cause of this imbalance and what role, if any, does media play? JK: Of course, I think that media play a huge role in this imbalance. As you say in the promotions for your film, "You can't be what you can't see." Not only are girls deprived of positive images, but also they are encouraged to spend a huge amount of their time and psychic energy on worrying about their bodies and their sex appeal. I would say that sexism is the root cause of this imbalance and that the media promotes sexism more persuasively and pervasively than any other aspect of our society. The media also promote the double bind for women and girls -- the requirement to be sexy but virginal, strong but feminine, tough but nurturing, etc.

What do you believe are some of the most important changes that need to happen for women and girls in America? JK: Title IX brought about a huge change and must be protected. We also should be teaching comprehensive and accurate sex education in our schools starting very early on and with an emphasis on healthy relationships as well as on sex and sexuality. We must guarantee reproductive freedom. We should have bullying prevention in the schools that recognizes that most "bullying" is really sexual harassment (girls are called sluts and boys are called fags). And, of course, I think we should be teaching media literacy in the schools as well. The United States is the only developed nation in the world that doesn't teach media literacy --or sex education --in its schools.

How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? JK: I've personally seen the huge difference that a film can make because of the success of my "Killing Us Softly" film series. I hear all the time from people who say that it changed their lives, that they have never looked at ads again in the same way, etc. So I think that Miss Representation can make a very big difference in raising awareness, connecting the dots, and motivating people to take some action.

Is there anything else you would like to add? JK: Only "brava" and let me know how I can help.

Jennifer Lawless Associate Professor of Government Director, Women & Politics Institute American University

Rather than answer each question, I've written some broad thoughts about my research and the manner in which the media affect women's representation.

Over the course of the last few years, Richard Fox and I have surveyed and interviewed thousands of people whom we consider "eligible candidates" - highly successful individuals who occupy the professions that are most likely to precede a career in politics: law, business, education, and political activism. Although about 50 percent of the people to whom we spoke had considered running for office, women were more than a third less likely than men to have considered a candidacy. And they were only half as likely as men to have done any of the things that usually precede a campaign - like investigating how to place their name on the ballot, or discussing running with potential donors, party or community leaders, or even mentioning the idea to family members or friends. If we focus only on the 50 percent of people who had thought about running, then women were one third less likely than men to throw their hats into the ring and enter actual races.

Study after study reveals that, when women run for office, they tend to fare at least as well as similarly situated men. There is no evidence of aggregate-level bias on Election Day, either in terms of fundraising receipts or vote totals. But our research finds that women are far less likely than men ever to make it to Election Day.

Why? Perhaps the most important barrier that tends to preclude women's candidate emergence is that they doubt their qualifications to enter the electoral arena. They just don't think that they're qualified to throw their hats into the ring. Now, it's important to emphasize that the women we interviewed are, objectively speaking, just as "qualified" as the men. They have achieved comparable levels of professional success in the fields that precede political candidacies. They are equally credentialed and educated. And there are no gender differences in levels of political knowledge or campaign experience. Yet 60 percent of men, compared to 40 percent of women, think they're qualified to run for office.

But it gets worse - not only do these women think that they're not qualified to run, but they are also more likely to let their doubts hold them back. A woman who doesn't think she is qualified to run for office has less than a 25 percent chance of even thinking about running. The average man who doesn't think he's qualified - now remember, he checked off the box on the survey that says "I'm not qualified " - still has about a 60 percent chance of contemplating throwing his hat into the ring.

So, why do women underestimate their ability to enter politics? Well, a few specific statistics shed light on this dynamic:

•Women are approximately 25 percent more likely than men to judge their local and congressional elections as "highly competitive."

•Women are nearly twice as likely as men to contend that it is more difficult for women to raise money for a political campaign, and only half as likely to believe that women and men face an equal chance of being elected to high level office (13 percent of women, compared to 24 percent of men).

•12 percent of women state outright that they are not qualified to run for office simply because they are the "wrong" sex.

•48 percent of women, compared to only 29 percent of men, report that they do not have "thick enough skin" to run for office.

•Women are roughly 25 percent more likely than men to report that the invasion of privacy that comes from press coverage serves as a deterrent to running for office.

•And women are 50 percent more likely than men to report that they view dealing with members of the press so negatively, that such an activity is a major deterrent to running for office.

In other words, based on the media coverage eligible women candidates see, based on the manner in which women are often treated by the press, based on the idea that the media will make navigating the campaign trail far more complex, more complicated, and more difficult for women than men, women perceive it as nearly impossible to win a race. The reality of women's Election Day successes is actually not as important as the perceptions that they can't win - perceptions that are generated and reinforced by many in the media.

I ran for Congress in Rhode Island's second congressional district in 2006. And with the exception of a few off-handed comments, the media treated me very, very well. Voters, however, had absolutely no problem articulating sexist remarks - probably because they'd seen women treated this way over time. In the early stages of the race, for example, I spent more time listening to how my voice was too high, my neckline too low, my hair too long, my stature too short, than I did about the war in Iraq, a woman's right to choose, or any of the other issues that motivated my candidacy.

Voters take cues from the media. And if voters believe that it's okay not only to evaluate female candidates using different criteria, but also that it's okay to say to the women things like - and this actually happened to me - "You're not nearly as fat in real life as you look on TV," then is it really that surprising that women doubt they have the thick skin required to enter politics? That women envision a far more competitive electoral environment than men who live in the same community?

If we want more women to run for office and more women to stay the course through Election Day, then we need to identify the sexist treatment women in politics often receive and let women know that, despite this coverage, their political success is just as likely as that of their male counterparts.

Nancy Pelosi U.S. Representative, California Former Speaker of the House

What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? NP: As I often advise young women, 'if you are prepared to throw a punch you also have to be willing to take a punch." It's a tough environment, but I don't want young women to be discouraged from running for office.

Women make up 51 percent of the population yet only 17 percent of Congress and 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are largely still underrepresented in the political sphere, executive levels of business and media as well as in the boardroom. What do you see as the root cause of this imbalance and what role, if any, does media play? NP: America, as a nation, needs to make a decision that they want to see more women leading in the halls of power. But also, women have to help women: to run for higher office, to succeed in business, and to excel. There's nothing more powerful than someone who has succeeded reaching back to lift up the next generation. I hope that we will help each other make history and progress.

What do you believe are some of the most important changes that need to happen for women and girls in America? NP: I have always said that I see my work in politics as an extension of my role as a mother. Therefore, anytime I am asked what the three most important issues facing the Congress, I always say the same thing: our children, our children, our children. We must work on behalf of their health and education, the economic security of their families, the safety of their neighborhoods, and a world at peace.

I hope that women will lead progress on all of these issues, because every single issue is a 'women's issue:' from the security of our country, to its economy, to prosperity around the world. I hope women will bring their solutions, rooted in their unique perspective, to all the challenges we face. How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? NP: Miss Representation gives us an opportunity to raise awareness, and then raise our voices: working together for a solution.

Jennifer L. Pozner Founder and Executive Director Women in Media & News Author, Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth About Guilty Pleasure TV

What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? JP: In corporate journalism, women are misrepresented and marginalized when they aren't missing entirely as op-ed writers, front-page sources, leading anchors, and noted experts. The most popular scripted TV genre is procedural crime dramas which fetishize and glamorize rape, incest, and torture of women and children. And in reality TV, women are portrayed as stupid, bitchy, pathetic golddiggers who can never be happy without being passively chosen by any man who'll have them. Through this genre, product-placement advertisers have created a regressive, 1950s-esque world in which we're supposed to believe that women's only achievement is marriage, her only power is her beauty, and in which women of color only exist as ignorant, hypersexual, "ghetto" "hos." If you knew nothing about American women other than what you saw in "reality" TV, you'd believe the women's movement and the civil rights movement never even happened!

To find positive, challenging, critical journalism and entertainment that represents women in all their diversity, we need to turn to independent media alternatives, from GRITtv with Laura Flanders , WINGS radio and ColorLines magazine, to blogs like WIMN's Voices , Feministing , Racialicious , and The Feminist Wire , to video remixers Pop Culture Pirate and Feminist Frequency .

Women make up 51 percent of the population yet only 17 percent of Congress and 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are largely still underrepresented in the political sphere, executive levels of business and media as well as in the boardroom. What do you see as the root cause of this imbalance and what role, if any, does media play? JP: In 1984, NBC's Tom Brokaw described vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro as a "size 6" at the Democratic National Convention. On the day Condoleezza Rice became America's first African-American female national security adviser in 2001, a front page New York Times story reported that "her dress size is between a 6 and an 8." Broadcast news outlets have called Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a "bitch," "harpy," "nutcracker," "ugly," and far worse. Media outlets regularly obsess over female politicians' hair, bodies, clothing and motherhood choices, a double standard that is virtually never applied to male politicians. When journalism treats female politicians like ladies first and leaders only a distant second, the public is led to believe that women are less qualified to lead -- and less electable -- than their male counterparts. The roots of this double standard go beyond the content itself, to an institutional bias within the media industry.

Just six powerful, white male dominated conglomerates control the vast majority of what we read, watch, hear, see and play in newspapers, magazines, TV news and entertainment, radio, movies, commercials, billboard ads, and video games. Media consolidation and deregulation is a root cause not only of the under-representation of women's voices and the exploitation of women's bodies in contemporary media -- media economics also goes to the heart of why the news is now driven by sensationalism rather than journalistic ethics, why gender, race and class issues tend to be ignored or trivialized in the press, and why powerful corporations that commit fraud are so often let off the hook by news outlets that are often financially tied to, and sometimes even owned by, those fraudulent corporations. For example, this is why we nearly never read in mainstream media about the massive drain on American solvency caused by corporate welfare, while news anchors, op-ed writers and economics reporters regular rage against supposedly "greedy" "welfare queens."

In a corporate media landscape owned by six white men, where women hold just 3 percent of "clout titles" and where women and people of color are virtually absent from boardrooms, is it any surprise that Americans do not get to see women leaders taken seriously in journalism or in fictionalized images of politics?

How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? JP: Viewers of "Miss Representation" have reported being shocked, enraged, enlightened and inspired. My hope is that we can mobilize that energy from awareness into action. Because while the biases exposed in the documentary are certainly enraging, they are not shocking to those of us who have been working for decades to combat sexism and racism in news and entertainment media, to and create more a diverse, critical, positive media landscape. As such, "Miss Representation" presents an extraordinary opportunity to bring the work of the feminist media activist movement into the mainstream.

When viewers of "Miss Representation" leave the theater or turn off OWN, they shouldn't simply get angry--they should get active. From Women In Media & News , which I founded in 2001, to the national Media Action Grassroots Network coalition, there is a vibrant movement in America that needs their energy, support and involvement to hold corporate media accountable for damaging and inaccurate content, to improve representations of women, people of color and other marginalized communities, and to advocate fairer, more just policies regulating the media industry. There is also a strong independent media community where "Miss Representation" viewers can hear the voices and perspectives of women and people of color misrepresented, marginalized or just plain missing in the corporate media, including Ms. , ColorLines , Bitch: Feminist Response to Pop Culture , Women's Enews , Feminist.com , World Pulse , GRITtv , WINGS , and many others.

Is there anything else you would like to add? JP: The last thing I say in "Miss Representation" is that "we need media literacy as much as we need to learn to read." I want viewers to know that there amazing feminist, anti-racist media literacy resources out there, from the Media Literacy Project 's educational curricula and online toolkits, to Reel Grrls program to teach girls how to make their own media, to the media literacy lectures and workshops I conduct through Women In Media & News . Once "Miss Representation" sparks viewers' interest and outrage, they have many ways to learn--and do - more.

Marie Wilson Founding President The White House Project What is your impression of the way media currently portrays women? MW: I have been working on the issue of the media portrayal of women for decades, and feel that at present it is going in two directions: As women gain more power, the clothes are more "seductive" even on the news shows, especially Fox ... On the other hand, as I look at the offerings for new television shows (excluding "Pan Am" and "The Playboy Club") I see women playing strong female leads in several very good shows: "The Good Wife," "NCIF," "Unforgettable," "Prime Suspect," "Law and Order Special Victims," and a few others that are very tough but strong women characters.

More are mysteries and international crime (with the exception of "The Good Wife") but it's a good start. The BBC has great female characters in new show, "The Hour." With TV News and morning shows, women becoming "normal" this helps.

Women make up 51 percent of the population yet only 17 percent of Congress and 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Women are largely still underrepresented in the political sphere, executive levels of business and media as well as in the boardroom. What do you see as the root cause of this imbalance and what role, if any, does media play? MW: As I told Jennifer when she started this, as Marion Wright Edelman always says, "You can't be what you can't see," so we went for a show (Commander in Chief) which we got but it lasted too short a time. I think the way women are portrayed on television dramas, sitcoms and other shows is powerful in changing the perception of women, how they are talked with and about on the news shows matters enormously. But the sexy betrayals are still out there, and again, as women gain more power, they do proliferate and get worse ... again you have both happening.

But having worked on "root causes" for the last decade ... they are myriad. The cultural role of women in the U.S. is wife and mother ... irrespective of the mass entrance of women in the workforce. There hasn't been a national childcare policy in twenty years. Male leaders are still "uncomfortable" with women. Getting to the top in corporations involves sponsorship, and that's not as easy for women to come by. The parties (even the dems) are not good at recruiting women. Our way of funding candidates is stacked against women. The hours of careers like law make it hard for women to get anywhere (billable hours is a killer). Sex still sells. Women are still responsible for child care in two thirds to three quarters of homes. The economy ... there are roots and roots. Television and movies, docs and drama can play a powerful role, and are beginning to ... some of us (like you) have been saying this for so long ... but it is being heard and social media has a role to play as well.

What do you believe are some of the most important changes that need to happen for women and girls in America? MW: The most important thing that can happen for women and girls in the U.S. is just that women who support the policies and programs that allow for women to live fairly and justly have to be in half the power positions. Period Exclamation ... we've tried everything else.

How can a film like Miss Representation make a difference? MW: Just what it is doing. Raising more awareness of the powerful role that media plays in how it depicts the diversity of women and asking women to watch and support media that hits the mark, and NOT SUPPORT what does not.

Is there anything else you would like to add? MW: You know Marianne, I have been at this for so long, and it has taken so long for even our colleagues to get it, that I have to continually remind myself of how long these kinds of changes take, and celebrate that they are at least happening. And I think the film is terrific.

For more information, visit Miss Representation.org. Miss Representation will premiere on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) on October 20, 2011 @ 9pm EST/MST/PST (8pm Central). Directly following the premiere of the documentary, there will be a one-hour special with Rosie O'Donnell in which Jennifer Siebel Newsom and guests will engage in a discussion to highlight the call to action regarding the messages about women within the film. Says Rosie O'Donnell about Miss Representation : "The truth with how the media deals with females. .. a must see for all women - aged 8-88."

Marianne Schnall is a widely published writer and interviewer whose writings and interviews have appeared in a variety of media outlets. She is also the co-founder and executive director of the women's web site and non-profit organization Feminist.com , as well as the co-founder of the environmental site EcoMall.com . Her new book, based on her interviews with a variety of well-known women, is titled " Daring to Be Ourselves: Influential Women Share Insights on Courage, Happiness and Finding Your Own Voice ".

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Documentary — Women Issues in Media in Miss Representation, a Documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Women Issues in Media in Miss Representation, a Documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom

• Categories: Documentary Miss Representation

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Published: Nov 6, 2018

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Interview with Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Insights from Miss Representation Participants by Marianne Schnall

Newest Miss Representation Trailer (2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection) from Miss Representation on Vimeo .

Marianne's new book based on her interviews, Daring to Be Ourselves: Influential Women Share Insights on Courage, Happiness and Finding Your Own Voice came out in November 2010. Through her writings, interviews, and websites, Marianne strives to raise awareness and inspire activism around important issues and causes. For more information, visit www.marianneschnall.com and www.daringtobeourselves.com.

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Sudden Resignations. A Leaked Letter. What’s Happening Inside Miss USA?

Noelia Voigt’s announcement this week that she was stepping down as Miss USA set off a string of departures and prompted larger questions about the inner workings of the organization.

By Madison Malone Kircher

When the reigning Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, announced this week she would be resigning from her position, she cited her mental health and wrote about her gratitude for the opportunity.

“As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves,” she wrote on Instagram on Monday.

But an internal resignation letter by Ms. Voigt to Miss USA leadership and the Miss Universe Organization, obtained on Friday by The New York Times, presented a much darker picture.

In the eight-page letter, Ms. Voigt, who represented the state of Utah and was crowned in September, described “a toxic work environment within the Miss USA Organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.” She also complained in her letter that the organization had delayed making good on her prize winnings.

The Miss USA Organization did not respond to request for comment.

Ms. Voigt’s departure has spurred at least two other resignations. UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, announced she was stepping down from her role on Wednesday. Arianna Lemus, who represented Colorado at Miss USA in 2023, said on Friday she was resigning in solidarity after seeing Ms. Voigt’s post.

“That was a call to help,” Ms. Lemus, 27, said in an interview.

The sudden departures have touched off wider speculation in the pageant world that crowned winners are legally barred from speaking freely about their experiences with the Miss USA Organization. Many of Ms. Voigt’s past competitors, including Ms. Lemus, shared a statement demanding that she be released from any nondisclosure agreements.

In her resignation letter, Ms. Voigt said she experienced an incident of sexual harassment when, during a Christmas parade last year in Sarasota, Fla., a driver made inappropriate comments toward her.

She said in her letter that the organization failed to support her when she reported the incident.

Ms. Voigt went on to write that serving as Miss USA took a toll on her health, adding that she now struggled with anxiety and took medication to manage her symptoms.

She said she had begun experiencing “heart palpitations, full body shakes, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, loss of sleep, loss of hair and more.”

Some people believed Ms. Voigt’s Instagram post announcing her resignation contained a secret message. The first letter of each of the first 11 sentences of the statement spell the phrase “I AM SILENCED,” which some have interpreted as a signal that Ms. Voigt is unable to speak openly about her experience.

Just a few days after Ms. Voigt’s announcement, Ms. Srivastava, who was crowned Miss Teen USA in 2023, also resigned from her post .

“After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,” Ms. Srivastava, who represented the state of New Jersey at the Miss Teen USA pageant in September, wrote on Instagram.

Her post included a quote from the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “There are no beautiful surfaces without a terrible depth.”

“I know all of us who love the program want to rush out and do something,” Laylah Rose, the president and chief executive of the Miss USA Organization, wrote in an email to The Times earlier this week, regarding Ms. Voigt’s and Ms. Srivastava’s resignations. “My goal is to provide truly helpful steps we can take together.”

“Our all-encompassing goal at Miss USA is to celebrate and empower women,” Ms. Rose added, saying she was taking “these allegations seriously.”

Through a representative, both Ms. Srivastava and Ms. Voigt declined to comment, citing a nondisclosure agreement. (A copy of the 2023 Miss USA contract obtained by The New York Times appears to bar signees from disclosing any information about Miss USA while employed by the organization.)

After Ms. Voigt’s announcement, several of her fellow Miss USA 2023 competitors posted a statement on Instagram demanding that the Miss USA Organization release Ms. Voigt from any such agreement.

Juliana Morehouse, who competed at Miss USA representing Maine and lives in South Carolina, said in an interview with The Times that the letter originated in a group chat of 2023 participants who were “shocked and saddened” to hear of Ms. Voigt’s resignation. On a Zoom call, they hashed out the message they wanted to share in support of Ms. Voigt.

(Ms. Morehouse did not provide an exact figure but said the number of women who wrote and shared the letter comprised a majority of the 51 competitors at Miss USA in 2023.)

Claudia Michelle Engelhardt, who stepped down from her role as social media director for Miss USA this month, said she felt the Miss USA participants were unfairly pressured into signing their contracts.

“It was pretty much, ‘You have to sign this or you’re not going to compete,’” Ms. Engelhardt, 24, said. “You just worked your butt off to get here. You won your state. What, are you not going to go because you don’t want to sign a contract? They are basically holding you hostage, for lack of a better term, to sign this contract.”

Ms. Morehouse said she was given “a little over 24 hours” to review the contract.

“I don’t think any of us sought legal representation to review it with us,” she said in an interview with The Times. “We had never heard of such an ironclad NDA being implemented in previous years, because this was the first year of the new leadership.” (Ms. Rose became president of the organization last year.)

She emphasized that while her personal experience with Miss USA was a positive one, she hoped speaking out would ensure that was the case for all participants in the future.

Ms. Lemus, the former Miss Colorado USA, said she saw some irony in how Miss USA appeared to be operating.

“This is an organization that preaches women’s empowerment,” she said.

Madison Malone Kircher is a Times reporter covering internet culture. More about Madison Malone Kircher

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