Right now in my women's studies class we are talking about the lack of representation within the media for women. It may not seem like such a big deal but living in a society as well as a generation where everything is media produced means what we see influences us. This includes seeing more men (typically white men) on television as well as movies. This also means listening to men speak more often because they have more speaking roles and still seeing the patriarchy at hand given specific roles within television and film. In family films, there are, on average, 2.42 male characters to every female character. If that isn’t bad enough, don’t forget the disproportionately lower number of women film critics, directors and producers. It is a large problem that needs to be addressed.
While there is a lack of women in general in the media there is also a lack of colored women as well. Coming from all aspects with television/film stars, newscasters, directors, producers, etc. Even people who are interviewed, quoted, and most everything else involving the news. Women accounted for only 12% of on-screen protagonists in 2014, and 30% of characters with speaking parts. There are also persistent racial disparities: White people are cast in lead roles more than twice as often as people of color, and white film writers outnumber minority writers 3 to 1. In 17% of films, no black people had speaking parts. The issue of the news is relevant as well because women are on camera only 32% of the time in evening broadcast news, and write 37% of print stories news stories. Between 2013 and 2014, female bylines and other credits increased just a little more than 1%. At the New York Times, more than 67% of bylines are male. Also the issue of assuming roles, such as the plumber, the CEO, the lawyer all typically are thought to cast a male first. It should be opened up to everyone and even if the character is written to have "male" characteristics then let a fantastic actress display them.
There is such a gender bias within the media today that without representation girls will still feel insignificant, especially minorities. There needs to be powerful and successful roles given out, more females on the news, more female journalists printed; there just needs to be more.
Statistics used from:
-Time.com
-Womensmediacenter.com
-nytimes.com
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Deliberation Experience
After finally going to one of the last of the deliberations I realized how many people could actually show up in a room to discuss something and end up staying silent. I went to the deliberation "Who Decides? A Discussion on Reproductive Rights", I was very excited because I love talking about women's rights. However there seemed to be some false advertising because instead of women's reproductive rights it was about teenage pregnancy. Understandably still a big issue but not what I was expecting at all. A lot of people came and the group hosting the deliberation even ran out of issue guides. When the deliberation started there was about four people to carry on the conversation as well as voice their opinions, one of those people being me.
The questions and points discussed were things like, is their a lack of sex education in public schools? The group immediately cut out private and Catholic schools which is the type of school where a majority of the people attending the deliberation went. There was good discussion about whether teaching just abstinence or the actual reality which is safe sex, STD's, etc. There was some argument about whether or not the school, the state, or the national government should be in charge of implanting the kind of system they think is right. The conversation moved to the next topic which was contraceptives, excluding abortion...so that kind of closed a large door on the conversation. The moderators asked whether the pills should be made over the counter, whether the age to start the pill be moved up, and if getting on the pill made teenagers think they could have sex. The questions were not phrased well and were more talking to the women which was not fun. Yea condoms were talked about but it seemed like a lot of the responsibility for contraceptives was on the female. Either way most people were in agreement that the pill should be made accessible over the counter but with a proper discussion with an OB/GYN first.
The last topic was asking how to make the "sex talk" easier between parents and children. A lot of the times children have issues discussing sex with their parents so ideas were shared about special classes for parents on how to talk to their kids and online programs as well. Most people agreed that parents will talk to their kids about it in whatever way they want too. It is their decision and a class can't be made mandatory because of the parents set in stone ideologies. The deliberation was run just ok, the lack of other people discussing was not fun, and the conversation seemed very limited in what we could actually talk about.
The questions and points discussed were things like, is their a lack of sex education in public schools? The group immediately cut out private and Catholic schools which is the type of school where a majority of the people attending the deliberation went. There was good discussion about whether teaching just abstinence or the actual reality which is safe sex, STD's, etc. There was some argument about whether or not the school, the state, or the national government should be in charge of implanting the kind of system they think is right. The conversation moved to the next topic which was contraceptives, excluding abortion...so that kind of closed a large door on the conversation. The moderators asked whether the pills should be made over the counter, whether the age to start the pill be moved up, and if getting on the pill made teenagers think they could have sex. The questions were not phrased well and were more talking to the women which was not fun. Yea condoms were talked about but it seemed like a lot of the responsibility for contraceptives was on the female. Either way most people were in agreement that the pill should be made accessible over the counter but with a proper discussion with an OB/GYN first.
The last topic was asking how to make the "sex talk" easier between parents and children. A lot of the times children have issues discussing sex with their parents so ideas were shared about special classes for parents on how to talk to their kids and online programs as well. Most people agreed that parents will talk to their kids about it in whatever way they want too. It is their decision and a class can't be made mandatory because of the parents set in stone ideologies. The deliberation was run just ok, the lack of other people discussing was not fun, and the conversation seemed very limited in what we could actually talk about.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Has baby, has to take off of work, is not going to be paid?
Many women have said that having a baby is one of the best things in the entire world. A child brings joy, happiness, and a new appreciation for life. The downside of having a baby is having to take that time off of work to care for the child since you know, the child can do literally nothing to take care of itself. You would think that taking off of work would be great and relaxing. However, women are not given paid maternity leave. This is a huge problem in the United States as well as a hot topic in political debates. Why is one of the most powerful countries in the world, built on democracy, the only country who does not give mothers paid maternity leave.
Yes under the Family Medical Leave Act, families get twelve weeks of leave to care for their children but it is unpaid. The United States comes in dead last compared to other countries for paid maternity leave. Ireland, Italy, Poland, Japan, Chile; all have paid maternity leave. Different levels yes but still more than zero. Also the U.S. is one of about nine countries that does not have any sort of leave policies for fathers. Parents need the opportunity to take care of their children after they are born.
While states have took the federal regulations and added to provide more maternity leave and better benefits, there is still none that give paid maternity leave. Women are already making less then men and when they have to take off work and take care of their child, even more of their income is gone. Single mothers, mothers who are the primary breadwinner, and mothers who's partners are out of work especially need to have a paid leave. Why should they be punished when the mother decided to have a child? And sometimes they did not make the decision, it could have been a surprise, and the parents would need all the support they can get.
The government needs to look more closely at the policies in place and look at how to change them for the benefit of new mothers. Also companies need to be more active in voicing the concerns of their employees. There needs to be change made for new mothers as well as fathers for an equal share of child rearing.
Yes under the Family Medical Leave Act, families get twelve weeks of leave to care for their children but it is unpaid. The United States comes in dead last compared to other countries for paid maternity leave. Ireland, Italy, Poland, Japan, Chile; all have paid maternity leave. Different levels yes but still more than zero. Also the U.S. is one of about nine countries that does not have any sort of leave policies for fathers. Parents need the opportunity to take care of their children after they are born.
While states have took the federal regulations and added to provide more maternity leave and better benefits, there is still none that give paid maternity leave. Women are already making less then men and when they have to take off work and take care of their child, even more of their income is gone. Single mothers, mothers who are the primary breadwinner, and mothers who's partners are out of work especially need to have a paid leave. Why should they be punished when the mother decided to have a child? And sometimes they did not make the decision, it could have been a surprise, and the parents would need all the support they can get.
The government needs to look more closely at the policies in place and look at how to change them for the benefit of new mothers. Also companies need to be more active in voicing the concerns of their employees. There needs to be change made for new mothers as well as fathers for an equal share of child rearing.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
"Feminism"
The word feminism may come off in a variety of ways to different people. In actuality it is not a negative word, it is simply the believe for the social, political, and economic equality between the sexes. It is not a group of women hating on men, refusing to shave, and everyone is gay. It is a very important topic hitting the country right now going with women's rights. There are many different aspects of feminism as well as many different branches. Some of those different branches are: radical feminism, liberal feminism, and womanism.
The Different Feminisms:
Radical Feminism- the goal of this type of feminsim is liberation from the patriarchal system that dictates our country, With grassroot coalitons the group aims to tear down the system and start from scratch. This means basically redoing society as a whole.
Liberal Feminsim- the goal of this type of feminism is to obtain equality through the government and policy. Reforming the already established system, creating new policies, and having high authority within the government are important aspects to liberal feminists.
Womanism- Womanism is generally women of color discussing the multiple oppressions they face. The goal is eliminating oppressions and it is the need to take into account all women, all people, and all issues.
Throughout history we have seen feminsm as only being for white, middle-class women, but in realtiy it is for everyone. Men, women, people of all races and ethnicities. The goal is equality, getting rid of oppression, and developing a sense of mutual respect. It is a social movement for social justice and a response to the ideology of patriarchy which has been basically the foundation of this country. It is time for change and it is time for feminism.
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people."- Marie Shear
The Different Feminisms:
Radical Feminism- the goal of this type of feminsim is liberation from the patriarchal system that dictates our country, With grassroot coalitons the group aims to tear down the system and start from scratch. This means basically redoing society as a whole.
Liberal Feminsim- the goal of this type of feminism is to obtain equality through the government and policy. Reforming the already established system, creating new policies, and having high authority within the government are important aspects to liberal feminists.
Womanism- Womanism is generally women of color discussing the multiple oppressions they face. The goal is eliminating oppressions and it is the need to take into account all women, all people, and all issues.
Throughout history we have seen feminsm as only being for white, middle-class women, but in realtiy it is for everyone. Men, women, people of all races and ethnicities. The goal is equality, getting rid of oppression, and developing a sense of mutual respect. It is a social movement for social justice and a response to the ideology of patriarchy which has been basically the foundation of this country. It is time for change and it is time for feminism.
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people."- Marie Shear
Thursday, February 2, 2017
I want my rights and I want them now
Protests, after protests have filled the streets of both major streets of the United States as well as small town roads. The most recent march, the Women's March, is what I wish to focus on. The Women's March took place on January 21, 2017 was a fantastic sight to see. It occured in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, St. Louis, and so many more. It was filled with men, women, and children from all different races standing together to make their voices heard. I gladly got to be a part of it in New York City. The march was to call attention to the rights of women being threatened by the newly elected president and his cabinet.
President Trump has begun to pass bills that threaten the rights of many individuals including women. One of these rights specifically is taking away access to birth control, defunding Planned Parenthood and many others. The right to affordable birth control, doctor checkups while pregnant, free testing for sexually transmitted diseases and infections are what women are afraid of losing. Especially when it comes to Planned Parenthood. For years women have fought for the right to vote, to be seen as equals, and now we have to fight for the right to access health necessities.
99% of sexually active women have taken some sort of birth control at some point. Whether is be the pill, IUD, an arm insert; some sort of precaution was taken and generally worked to prevent preganay. This is a womans right, no one should have the fear of getting pregnant every time they have sex. Birth control is also used to regulate womens menstrual cycles, it relives cramping, and other serious issues like vomiting while a woman is on her mestrual cycle. A study done by Guttmacher provided a look onto the positives on birth control, how 63% of women said being on birth control has allowed them to continue working and support their families financially. 56% cna complete their education because they are not getting pregnant and they can actually attend school while on their menstrual cycle instead of staying home becuase of how sick they feel. Marching for this right is extremley important and a necessity for all women to have. We will still fight for our rights no matter how long it takes.
Works Cited:
www.plannedparenthoodaction.org
President Trump has begun to pass bills that threaten the rights of many individuals including women. One of these rights specifically is taking away access to birth control, defunding Planned Parenthood and many others. The right to affordable birth control, doctor checkups while pregnant, free testing for sexually transmitted diseases and infections are what women are afraid of losing. Especially when it comes to Planned Parenthood. For years women have fought for the right to vote, to be seen as equals, and now we have to fight for the right to access health necessities.
99% of sexually active women have taken some sort of birth control at some point. Whether is be the pill, IUD, an arm insert; some sort of precaution was taken and generally worked to prevent preganay. This is a womans right, no one should have the fear of getting pregnant every time they have sex. Birth control is also used to regulate womens menstrual cycles, it relives cramping, and other serious issues like vomiting while a woman is on her mestrual cycle. A study done by Guttmacher provided a look onto the positives on birth control, how 63% of women said being on birth control has allowed them to continue working and support their families financially. 56% cna complete their education because they are not getting pregnant and they can actually attend school while on their menstrual cycle instead of staying home becuase of how sick they feel. Marching for this right is extremley important and a necessity for all women to have. We will still fight for our rights no matter how long it takes.
Works Cited:
www.plannedparenthoodaction.org
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
For the "This I Believe" project I would like to talk about the topic of divorce and how it can be positive in the future for families and for the children affected. "I Believe in Looking Towards the Future" would talk about how divorce affects children and the family unit, it can be a positive thing in the future with healthier relationships and a more stable family life. Yes divorce is a horrible experience to go through but the outcome can result in a much healthier family dynamic like it did for mine. My other idea for the "This I Believe" would be to discuss diversity, in my experience coming from an area that is extremely diverse then coming to Penn State which is predominately white has been somewhat of a surprise. "I Believe in Diversity" would talk about the concept of what diversity is and my personal experience of living in such a diverse area which I believe has provided a worldly outlook on life.
My ideas for my Civic Issues blog is to discuss the issue of women being scrutinized for their appearance in the workplace. Many women, especially African-American women, have been told to change their natural hair, have been scrutinized for wearing "inappropriate" work attire, and women are continually judged for the way they look compared to the work they produce. My other idea is to discuss the role of athletics on college campus'. How athletes are put on somewhat of a pedestal, given many resources that other students are not, but also how much time and effort they put into practicing/ working out. The athletes also make a large amount of money for the school and are not unionized or paid.
For my Passion blog I would like to continue the same topic of looking at the genres of romantic comedies and romance movies in general, discussing how they portray relationships and whether or not they provide good relationship lessons.
My ideas for my Civic Issues blog is to discuss the issue of women being scrutinized for their appearance in the workplace. Many women, especially African-American women, have been told to change their natural hair, have been scrutinized for wearing "inappropriate" work attire, and women are continually judged for the way they look compared to the work they produce. My other idea is to discuss the role of athletics on college campus'. How athletes are put on somewhat of a pedestal, given many resources that other students are not, but also how much time and effort they put into practicing/ working out. The athletes also make a large amount of money for the school and are not unionized or paid.
For my Passion blog I would like to continue the same topic of looking at the genres of romantic comedies and romance movies in general, discussing how they portray relationships and whether or not they provide good relationship lessons.
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