Miss representation offers a range of perspectives on the ever- changing relationship between the media (specifically American) and the social world. Director/producer Jennifer Siebel Newsom feeds us with information without making it feel substantial or overly informative. It is engaging, eye opening and allows each viewer to take away something new from the viewing experience.
Rachel Maddow, Geena Davis and Katie Couric are among many of the recognizable faces featured. Who better to listen to concerning women and the media than real woman in the media (rhetorical Q)? Running for 85 minutes Miss Representation covers a range of topics such as women in politics. Comparing the political journey of both Clinton and Palin seems to be ironic and hypocritical since the message echoing throughout the documentary is not to compare powerful women in the media but admire them. This is likely due to their combined popularity in mainstream culture which is just as if not more relevant today (cough 2017 American Presidential Election). Although the viewpoint is taken from an American stance, it is relevant on an international scale. The United States produce entertainment consumed worldwide which should in turn make the primary creators of the content more self reflective and aware of the power they hold.
Miss Representation doesn't ask its audience to nod along willingly but simply to step back and reflect on the intentions of the media and the insidious effects on mental health and on social values. Despite what I had assumed beforehand, I learned that media is not simply a product of our environment, our environment may be a product of the media which is much more distressing....
Overall, I truly enjoyed this documentary. After the American Presidential election, it seems that another piece by Newsom like Miss Representation would be vastly interesting concerning women in politics on a less broad scale. Wherever your political or social beliefs on the topic of women in the media lie, you will take something new away from this. The editing and soundtrack cleverly boosted the tone the whole way through so you don't get an opportunity to tune out. The cast and footage included was engaging and everything tied together. Would recommend worldwide to all genders!
Rachel Maddow, Geena Davis and Katie Couric are among many of the recognizable faces featured. Who better to listen to concerning women and the media than real woman in the media (rhetorical Q)? Running for 85 minutes Miss Representation covers a range of topics such as women in politics. Comparing the political journey of both Clinton and Palin seems to be ironic and hypocritical since the message echoing throughout the documentary is not to compare powerful women in the media but admire them. This is likely due to their combined popularity in mainstream culture which is just as if not more relevant today (cough 2017 American Presidential Election). Although the viewpoint is taken from an American stance, it is relevant on an international scale. The United States produce entertainment consumed worldwide which should in turn make the primary creators of the content more self reflective and aware of the power they hold.
Miss Representation doesn't ask its audience to nod along willingly but simply to step back and reflect on the intentions of the media and the insidious effects on mental health and on social values. Despite what I had assumed beforehand, I learned that media is not simply a product of our environment, our environment may be a product of the media which is much more distressing....
Overall, I truly enjoyed this documentary. After the American Presidential election, it seems that another piece by Newsom like Miss Representation would be vastly interesting concerning women in politics on a less broad scale. Wherever your political or social beliefs on the topic of women in the media lie, you will take something new away from this. The editing and soundtrack cleverly boosted the tone the whole way through so you don't get an opportunity to tune out. The cast and footage included was engaging and everything tied together. Would recommend worldwide to all genders!