MISS REPRESENTATION

ACTIVISM PROJECT
By: Alexis Schmidt
Due: April 28, 2016

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FILM

Miss Rep Exposes how mainstream media and culture contribute to the
under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in
America
Draws a black curtain to reveal a glaring reality we live with everyday but
fail to see how the medias limited and often disparaging portrayals of
women and girls makes it difficult for women to feel powerful and achieve
leadership positions.
In the society where the media is the most persuasive force shaping
cultural norms, the collective message we receive is that a woman`s
value and power lie in youth, beauty, and sexuality, and not her capacity
as a leader.

CABARRUS KANNAPOLIS EARLY

COLLEGE
The school began in 2009 and our first graduating class was in 2013.
Enrollment from 49 in 2009 to 240 in 2014
ECHS is 77 of 200 located in North Carolina
Target: first generation college-goers, those- at-risk of dropping out, or
other historically underserved populations.

QUESTIONS ASKED?
1) How did the documentary awaken you or change your mind? What
did you learn from this documentary?
2) Why and how is our culture driven by beauty? Who defines those
standards of beauty?
3)How do our views of ourselves impact our world?
4) Does anyone win in the traditional model of the sexes?
5) At what age did we start facing bias determined by our sex?
6) What did you learn from the documentary that is most disturbing to
you?
7) If you acknowledge the worth it? Not worth it? Where does it come
from?

1) HOW DID THE DOCUMENTARY AWAKEN YOU

OR CHANGE YOUR MIND? WHAT DID YOU
LEARN FROM THIS DOCUMENTARY
I only got one response from this question
The girl stated the African American women shown within the political
discussion were seen as aggressive, more aggressive than the white
women shown.

2) WHY AND HOW IS OUR CULTURE DRIVEN BY BEAUTY?

WHO DEFINES THOSE STANDARDS OF BEAUTY?
Enzo- Beauty standards are set by the men in todays society. He goes
on to explain Victoria`s Secret being run by men.
Ashley- It is almost like it is embedded into our DNA our mothers were
taught and they taught us that beauty is a standard that we all must
reach.
Charlie- It puts pressure on women against each other
Double Standard for gender and races
Khloe-The standards are for the NEED at the moment

3)HOW DO OUR VIEWS OF OURSELVES IMPACT

OUR WORLD?
The thoughts and feelings of negative self, meaning no one is going to
like you unless youre this certain stereotype even though you may never
be close to fitting into to.- Razi
Sammy- Fishing for compliments, why should it matter?
If your arrogant= cocky, or weak =negative, neither is enough

4) DOES ANYONE WIN IN THE TRADITIONAL

MODEL OF THE SEXES?
Depends on the kind of person you are.
Winning, No one does, its down grading
Why aren`t there more Trophy Husbands?- RJ
Ashley shared a story about her grandmother: She was stupid to be a
house wife. her grandmothers comment

5) AT WHAT AGE DID WE START FACING BIAS

DETERMINED BY OUR SEX?
Casper- Adolescents is when the idea is forced, you have to decided
what gender and sexuality you are so that you can picture the statement
of life.
Braxton stated- Starts with the birth, of even before when you figure out
the gender and plan the rooming color, baby showers, and the intensity it
comes on to.
Ariel- I have a one year old sister and the standards are already set, her
room is pink , she only wears dresses and skirts, and she has a little hair
and it is already being designed .

6) WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE

DOCUMENTARY THAT IS MOST DISTURBING TO
YOU?
Damilola- How women in the media dress, and if someone dresses
differently based on their gender and race.
Brianna- It is straight to looks instead of the content at had.

7) IF YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORTH IT? NOT

WORTH IT? WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
It is the mindset of the individual.- Megan
Mindset of the parents, teachers, media, and coaches. - Elliot
Most of the time it is based off the mindset given off by female teachers
is when most people give the example. - Katarina

ANY QUESTIONS?