Blog 6 - Miss Representation

Showing an overwhelming amount of footage of women being hypersexualized is an extremely effective tool that Miss Representation uses. The documentary overloads the audience with examples of women being objectified in the media and justifies their logic with proof. I appreciated that Miss Representation didn't completely focus on devastating and lasting effects the media has on women, but the impact that it has on men as well. I feel like this is a side to the story that isn't as often explored. Aggression, demeaning personality behaviors, and extreme reactions are just a few of the effects that men can face after being bombarded with media that portrays women as objects. These are lasting media effects, and effects that over-time will only reinforce improper behavior. When the men mistreat the women they feel like it is their fault, like they are not reaching a standard that has been set, and that they are not good enough. In turn, the male feels like he is obligated to push the women to be more like the "perfect" woman, and that if he doesn't execute dominant behaviors she will leave him. Many times the media portrays the extremes of personalities and behaviors because it leads to more dramatic and enticing stories. However, audiences who have not been educated on the devastating and inaccurate portrayl of gender roles in the media may not understand that these are not based on reality. If these inaccuracies continue at such a high degree, especially in a world consumed by social media, the downward spiral of women's media appearance will continue. If more people are exposed to the truth and films like Miss Representation hopefully society can become more well-informed and make changes towards improvement.